How to set up DigiD in the Netherlands? A complete guide for Poles

Working in the Netherlands requires completing several basic official formalities. Besides obtaining a BSN number (the equivalent of the Polish PESEL), the most important step for every contract worker and entrepreneur (ZZP) is opening an account DigiD. What is it, why is it so important, and how can you get through the registration process without unnecessary stress? At My Work B.V., we've prepared this clear guide for you.

What is DigiD and what is it used for?

DigiD (Digital Identity) is a digital identity used by Dutch residents. It works very similarly to the Polish Trusted Profile (ePUAP). By having an active account, you gain secure access to hundreds of Dutch government portals and public institutions.

With DigiD, you can handle matters in minutes that would normally require an in-person visit to an office or sending letters. The most important uses include:

Tax Administration Tax income settlement, checking tax refund status, applying for allowances (e.g., Zorgtoeslag - healthcare allowance).
UWV Applying for unemployment benefits when your contract ends.
Health insurance (Zorgverzekering): Log in to your insurer's portal to check policies or report medical expenses.
Silicon Valley Bank Checking Dutch pension contributions.
My Government Management of matters related to child benefit (Kinderbijslag).

What do you need to prepare before applying for DigiD?

To begin the registration process at all, you will need three basic things:

1. BSN Number (Social security number).

2. Important Polish or Dutch number mobile phone (required for SMS codes).

3. Address e-mail.

Two Ways to DigiD: With Registration and Without Registration

The process of obtaining DigiD depends on your residential status in the Netherlands. It differs for individuals permanently registered at a Dutch address and for those commuting (registered as non-residents - RNI).

Situation A: You are registered as a resident in the Netherlands

If you are registered in a Dutch municipality (Gemeente), the process is very simple, as the system has your current address, to which it will send an activation letter.

Go to the official website www.digid.nl in the top right corner, change the language to English. Then click "Apply for or activate DigiD".
Please fill out the application form: provide your BSN number, date of birth, and postal code including your house number.
Enter your email address and phone number. Attention: We strongly recommend choosing the two-step authentication option (SMS or app login), as it grants you access to more government agencies (e.g., the Tax Administration requires this option).
You will receive verification codes by email and SMS within a few minutes. Enter them on the page.
Choose your own username and a secure password. Remember them or save them in a safe place!
Waiting for a letter: Within 3 to 5 business days, a letter with an activation code will arrive at your Dutch registered address.
After receiving the letter, go back to digid.nl, log in with your details, enter the code from the letter, and... you're done! Your DigiD is active.

Situation B: You do not have a registration in the Netherlands (RNI Status)

The vast majority of temporary workers, electricians, fitters, or subcontractors who use company hotels or live in Poland (working on a rotational basis) are so-called non-residents. They are registered in the RNI register (Non-Resident RegistrationIn their case, the letter will not be sent to Poland, so the activation process requires a different path.

Go to the website www.digid.nl i start registration. In the form, select the option that Do you live outside of the Netherlands (I live outside the Netherlands).
Fill in the details: BSN, date of birth, nationality (Dutch / Polish), and a valid ID card or passport number.
You will receive SMS and email codes, then you will create a login and password.
After completing this stage you will receive verification code, which will be valid for 30 days. You will need to exchange it for a final activation code.
How do I do it? To receive an activation code, you must go in person with your identification document to a special DigiD counter (so-called. DigiD counterThese locations are situated in selected municipalities (including Breda, The Hague, Rotterdam) and at Schiphol Airport. Appointments must be made online.
During the visit, an official will confirm your identity and give you an activation code. You will enter this code on digid.nl, which will immediately activate your account.

Tip: Activation via app with NFC (New!)

The Dutch government is trying to make life easier for foreign workers. If you have a smartphone equipped with an NFC reader (most modern phones) and a new, European ID card with an electronic layer (chip) or an e-passport, you can often activate DigiD. entirely online through the DigiD App. The app scans your ID by holding it to the back of your phone (known as an ID check), which in many cases allows you to skip a visit to the office!

DigiD App - Why You Need It

Nowadays, standard login using a username and password is slowly becoming obsolete. The Belastingdienst (Tax Office) and insurance systems require login using an app. DigiD App. It is available for free on Google Play (Android) and the App Store (iOS).

Once you’ve activated the app, every time you want to log in—for example, to a government website—simply open the app on your phone, enter the 5-digit PIN you set, and scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen. It’s a fast, convenient, and 100% secure solution.

Working in the Netherlands and official matters and My Work B.V.

Moving abroad for work always involves a bit of bureaucratic shock. At My Work B.V., we strive to make the transition into the Dutch labor market as smooth as possible for our specialists. Our Polish-speaking coordinators will help you understand local regulations and guide you on where to obtain your BSN number. Using tools like DigiD will quickly become second nature, serving as a convenient bridge between you and Dutch finances.

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