I live abroad

Do you still live in the Netherlands? And will you soon be moving abroad? Then arrange the following before departure:

• Download the DigiD app on your mobile device and add the ID check.
• Add your mobile phone number to your DigiD account and activate the SMS verification.

This can save you a lot of trouble abroad. This way you can also be sure that you will soon be able to arrange your affairs with the Dutch government, healthcare, education or pension fund directly via DigiD.

If you have filled in the application form, you will receive a service desk code by SMS and email. With this code you can receive the DigiD activation code. You can receive this code online during a video call or by going to a DigiD service desk. 

Video call

You can receive your activation code online during a video call with a staff member of Netherlands Worldwide. Would you like to make an appointment for this?

Learn more or make an appointment via Netherlands Worldwide

Service desk

If it Is not possible for you to have a video call, you can also receive an activation code at one of the DigiD service desks within 30 days. Bring the following to the service desk:

• service desk code (which you received by SMS and by email)
• valid identity document (passport or identity card) 
• citizen service number
• phone whose phone number you provided during the application

Therefore, please make an appointment at the DigiD servicedesk of your choice before submitting your application for a DigiD account.

Find a service desk via Netherlands Worldwide

If you are receiving or will soon receive a Dutch state pension you do not have to go to a service desk. You can apply for your DigiD through the Social Insurance Bank (SVB: Sociale Verzekeringsbank).

You will receive the letter with your DigiD activation code at your address abroad.

If you live abroad and have a DigiD, you can activate the DigiD app in two ways:

• SMS: with a code sent by SMS (SMS verification must be enabled in your account)
• ID check

• passport issued before 30th of August, 2021
• identity card issued before 1st of August, 2021

Read more about the DigiD app at Netherlands Worldwide

Another possible option for you is to log in with the national login method of the European country where you currently live. In Europe, countries are obliged to make more and more services digitally accessible for login resources from other European countries.

Whether this is also possible in your situation depends on which country you live in and which organisation you want to log in to. You also need a citizen service number at most organisations to be able to log in.

Learn more at the website Government.nl

Other possibilities

It is not mandatory to arrange your affairs online via DigiD or a foreign login method. Maybe you can manage your affairs in a different way. Check with the organisation you are dealing with.