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How to apply for a DigiD from outside the Netherlands

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This page explains how to apply for and activate a DigiD if you live outside the Netherlands or in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Attention: If you receive or will soon be receiving a Dutch state pension (AOW), go to How to apply for a DigiD from abroad as an AOW pensioner.

Step 1: Apply for a DigiD

Apply for a DigiD (DigiD.nl)

After you apply for a DigiD, you will receive a collection code via text message and email. The collection code is valid for 30 days. You will need it for step 2.

Step 2: Activate your DigiD

To activate your DigiD, you need an activation code. Choose how you want to receive the activation code:

  • The collection code that you received by text message and email after your applied for your DigiD. The collection code is made up of 9 digits and starts with a ‘B’. It is valid for 30 days. If your collection code has expired, apply again for a DigiD via DigiD.nl (Step 1).
  • Your DigiD username and password. If you’ve forgotten your DigiD username and/or password, apply again for a DigiD via DigiD.nl (Step 1).
  • Your valid identity document (passport or identity card)
  • Your Dutch citizen service number (BSN), if it is not shown in your passport or on your identity card. Read where you can find your BSN.
  • The phone linked to the number you gave in your DigiD application (Step 1). During your appointment you’ll receive a text message with your activation code on this number.

During the appointment you’ll receive a text message and an email with an activation code. The activation code is made up of 9 digits and starts with an ‘A’.

You will use the activation code to activate your DigiD. There are two ways to do this: via the DigiD website or the DigiD app. The advantage of using the app is that you can activate your DigiD and the DigiD app at the same time.

Find out how to activate your DigiD

Attention: The activation code is valid for 21 days. Be sure to activate your DigiD within this 21-day period. If you do not, you will have to apply again for a DigiD via DigiD.nl (Step 1).

After activating your DigiD, you can start using it. How you log in will depend on how you activated your DigiD.

If you activated your DigiD via the DigiD website

If you activated your DigiD via the DigiD website, you will log in using your username and password and a code you receive by text message.

Find out how to log in via the DigiD website with SMS verification

Attention: After activating your DigiD via the DigiD website, you can also activate the DigiD app on your phone or tablet. The DigiD app is the easiest way to log in securely. Instead of logging in with your username and password, you use a self-selected PIN. Find out how to activate the DigiD app

If you activated your DigiD via the DigiD app

If you activated your DigiD via the DigiD app, you will log in via the DigiD app using a PIN. Depending on the type of phone you have, you may be able to log in using facial recognition or your fingerprint.

Find out how to log in via the DigiD app

Attention: After you activate your DigiD via the DigiD app, you can add the ID check to the DigiD app. You will need a valid Dutch identity document to do this. After you add the ID check to the DigiD app, you can log in to any organisation that uses DigiD login. Read how to add the ID check to the DigiD app

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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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