At a time of widespread digitalisation and free access to the network, we often prefer to use the Internet to handle various matters, including official ones, without leaving home. However, this involves providing confidential information online and, as a result, government offices are trying to take proper care of protecting sensitive data by introducing secure login methods. In the Netherlands, the DigiD identifier is such a solution.
1. What is DigiD?
Digitale Identiteit, DigiD for short, constitutes a so-called digital identity, which, like the trusted profile in Poland, enables many formalities in the Netherlands to be completed online. This identifier acts as an electronic signature and its creation is associated with having a special account through which it’s possible to remotely contact Dutch authorities and institutions, including the SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank) responsible for social insurance, the Belastingdienst tax office or the health service. DigiD allows to access documentation in electronic form, and also easily, quickly and safely deal with such matters as, for example, submitting an annual tax return or sending an application for funding. However, it should be noted that having it isn’t mandatory.
2. Way to obtain DigiD
It isn’t necessary to be registered in the Netherlands in order to become a DigiD holder (this used to be an obligatory condition to fulfil). Therefore, if a given person lives outside the Netherlands, e.g. in Poland, this doesn’t rule out his/her chances of obtaining the identifier. The status of a citizen of one of the EEA countries and a BSN number (Burgerservicenummer), i.e. the Dutch equivalent of the Polish PESEL number, are required.
In the event that a given person has moved out of the Netherlands but previously had a DigiD, he/she can still use his/her existing identifier.
Getting DigiD is free. In order to obtain a Dutch digital identity, it’s necessary to make a request electronically using an application form, and then activate the account. The way in which it’s possible to apply for a DigiD identifier depends on the place of residence of the applicant, namely whether he/she lives in the Netherlands or abroad.
2.1 Procedure for obtaining DigiD for persons living in the Netherlands
In order to obtain DigiD, persons living in the Netherlands should fill out an application form available on the website digid.nl. Within 3 days after the submission of the request, the applicant will receive a letter sent by regular mail and containing an activation code. The letter will come to the address at which the applicant is registered in the Dutch municipality. It’s necessary to use the code received by mail to activate the DigiD account within 21 days. Exceeding this deadline means that the procedure must be started from the beginning.
2.2 Procedure for obtaining DigiD for persons staying outside the Netherlands
For the persons staying outside the Netherlands, getting DigiD requires registration on the digid.nl website by completing the application form for applicants living abroad. The next step in the procedure consists of receiving SMS and e-mail message with a so-called baliecode. This code is necessary to obtain an activation one. Its validity is 30 days.
The activation code can be picked up in one of two ways. One is a personal visit to a stationary DigiD service desk in the Netherlands or elsewhere in another country, although it’s worth knowing that many of these offices require a prior appointment. The second way to obtain the activation code is through a video call with a NederlandWereldwijd (Netherlands Worldwide) employee which always has to be arranged first via the Netherlands Appointment (vfsvisaonline.com) website, used to arrange such appointments online.
In the event that the applicant has chosen a video call, he/she will receive an e-mail message confirming the conference appointment, as well as containing the appropriate instructions and a link to establish the connection, once the date has been determined. The video call with the NederlandWereldwijd employee will take place in Dutch or English. During the online meeting, it’s necessary to provide the BSN number and baliecode, as well as show the identity card in front of the camera.
DigiD activation must occur within 21 days after receiving the activation code which concerns both persons who have decided to make a video call and those receiving this code in person at the DigiD service office.
3. Login methods using DigiD
The following methods of logging in with a Dutch digital identity are distinguished:
- login and password – the classic method by entering a username and password, although more and more institutions abandon it in favour of other ways of logging in;
- SMS verification – a two-step login using a verification code received in the SMS message. This code constitutes a form of additional control and it’s necessary to enter it when logging in by providing the username and password;
- use of the DigiD app – logging in via the app involves entering a self-defined PIN code instead of a password. It’s possible to download the app for iOS and Android mobile devices;
- use of the DigiD app – logging in via the app involves entering a self-defined PIN code instead of a password. It’s possible to download the app for iOS and Android mobile devices;
4. Authorisation of a third party
In the event that a given person needs assistance in dealing electronically with formalities requiring DigiD or someone wants to help someone else to handle administrative formalities online, there is the option to take advantage of a special authorisation allowing the use of DigiD on someone else’s behalf.
This authorisation may be requested not only by the authorising person, but also by the authorised one. The person who wants to authorise someone else to deal with his/her affairs using DigiD should apply for an authorisation code for the authorised person at https://machtigen.digid.nl/iemand-machtigen. Then, it’s necessary to give this code to the authorised person with the BSN number of the authorising one. On the other hand, if the authorised person who intends to take care of the formalities on behalf of someone else applies for DigiD authorisation, he/she should visit https://machtigen.digid.nl/gemachtigd-worden and have the authorising one’s BSN number. Then, the authorising one who lives in the Netherlands will receive the authorisation code by regular mail. Of course, it’s necessary to give this code to the authorised person. In the event that the authorising one lives abroad, he/she may grant the appropriate authorisation himself/herself via the Internet.
DigiD authorisation doesn’t require the authorising person to disclose his/her login details to a third party, as the authorised one logs in using his/her own DigiD identifier. Moreover, the authorised person only has access to the data that the authorising user has agreed to. Authorisation can also be granted for a specific period of time.
It’s important to know that it’s possible to grant DigiD authorisation to more than one person. Furthermore, authorised entities can be both individuals (e.g. a family member) and legal persons (e.g. a tax consulting office).
5. Legal notice
The study is a work within the meaning of the Act of 4 February 1994 on Copyright and Related Rights (OJ 2006, No. 90, item 631, consolidated text, as amended). Publishing or reproducing this study or its part, quoting opinions, as well as disseminating in any other way the information contained therein without the written consent of Crede sp. z o.o. is prohibited.
