Dutch business eID · government login · plain English
eHerkenning, explained for foreign directors.
eHerkenning is the mandatory business login for Dutch government portals — including the tax office. It confuses almost every foreign founder. Here's what it is, why you (or your bookkeeper) need it, which level, what it costs, and how a non-resident director gets one.
- What eHerkenning is and where it's required
- Why most services need level EH3
- Indicative cost — and how to verify it
- How a foreign director obtains one (or skips it)
In one line
eHerkenning is the business equivalent of DigiD: a secure digital identity that lets your company log in to the Belastingdienst and other Dutch government services. Most services require level EH3.
Prefer not to deal with it? A bookkeeping office can often file for you with its own login.
What eHerkenning is
eHerkenning (literally "e-recognition") is the Netherlands' national system for logging a business in to online services securely. It proves who you are and that you are authorised to act for your company — the organisational counterpart to DigiD, which individuals use with their personal BSN. When a Dutch government portal needs to be sure it's really your company logging in, eHerkenning is how that trust is established.
It is issued not by the government directly but by a set of approved private suppliers, and you pay an annual fee for it. That is the first surprise for foreign founders: it isn't free, and you buy it from a vendor.
Where you need it
eHerkenning is required for a growing list of government services. The one that catches most company owners is the Belastingdienst: filing payroll tax (loonaangifte) or corporate income tax (Vpb) through Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk generally requires eHerkenning. It is also used across other government and semi-government portals (pension, UWV, RVO and more). If a Dutch bookkeeping office or tax adviser files on your behalf, they can usually use their own login — which is exactly why many non-resident founders never obtain their own.
The levels — and why EH3
eHerkenning has assurance levels, running roughly from EH1 (low) to EH5 (high). The higher the level, the stronger the identity check. Most business-critical services, including the tax office, require level EH3. Don't over- or under-buy: check the exact level the specific service asks for before you order, because it differs per portal.
| Level | Typical use |
|---|---|
| EH1–EH2 | Lower-assurance services; rarely enough for tax filings. |
| EH3 | The common requirement — Belastingdienst and most government portals. |
| EH4–EH5 | Higher-assurance / specialised services. |
What it costs
eHerkenning is bought per year from an approved supplier. A common EH3 login is typically around €25–€55 per year, but the price depends on the provider, the level and the contract term. Treat that as an indicative band only — prices vary by provider and level, so verify the current figure with the supplier and cross-check KVK / Ondernemersplein before ordering.
Unlike the one-off KVK registration or the notary deed, this is a recurring subscription. Budget for it annually. Updated: 2026-07-28.
How a foreign director gets one
The sequence is straightforward, though the identity step can be the sticking point from abroad:
- Register the company first. eHerkenning is linked to your business, so you need an active KVK registration and RSIN before you can apply.
- Choose an approved supplier and the right level (usually EH3 for the Belastingdienst).
- Pass identity verification. The supplier confirms the identity and authority of the person who will use the login. A non-resident director may face extra checks or documentation — several suppliers do offer routes for foreign directors.
- Activate and use it — or simply have your bookkeeping office file for you with their own credentials, so you never need your own eHerkenning.
For most of our non-resident clients, the pragmatic answer is the last one: we handle the filings, and eHerkenning stops being your problem. If you do want your own, we point you to the right supplier and level for your situation.
eHerkenning — FAQ
What is eHerkenning?
eHerkenning ("e-recognition") is the Netherlands' standardised business login — a digital identity (eID) that lets a company and its authorised representatives log in securely to Dutch government and other online services, such as the Belastingdienst (tax office). Think of it as the business equivalent of the citizen's DigiD.
Do I really need eHerkenning?
For most companies, yes. Many government services now require it — for example, filing payroll tax (loonaangifte) or corporate income tax (Vpb) through Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk generally requires eHerkenning. If your bookkeeper or tax adviser files on your behalf, they can often use their own login, which is one reason many founders outsource this entirely.
Which level do I need — EH3?
eHerkenning comes in assurance levels (roughly EH1 to EH5). Most business services, including the Belastingdienst, require level EH3. Always check the exact level a specific service demands before buying, as requirements differ per portal.
How much does eHerkenning cost?
It is bought per year from an approved private supplier (not free), typically around €25–€55 per year for a common EH3 login. Prices vary by provider, level and contract term — always verify the current price with the supplier and check KVK/Ondernemersplein before ordering.
Can a foreign (non-resident) director get eHerkenning?
Yes, but it is a known hurdle. Your company must be registered at the KVK first, and approved suppliers verify the identity of the authorised person — which can be harder from abroad and sometimes needs extra steps. Several suppliers offer routes for foreign directors. Alternatively, appointing a Dutch bookkeeping office to file on your behalf can avoid you needing your own eHerkenning at all.
Is eHerkenning the same as DigiD?
No. DigiD is for private individuals (a citizen logging in with their BSN). eHerkenning is for organisations and their representatives. A DGA may use DigiD for personal matters and eHerkenning for the company.
Sources
- KVK — eHerkenning: 7 questions from starting entrepreneurs (what it is, levels, approved suppliers).
- Ondernemersplein (overheid.nl) — eHerkenning aanvragen (where it's required, EH3, ordering).
- Belastingdienst — Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk login requirements (eHerkenning for loonaangifte / Vpb).
We are an independent company-formation and bookkeeping office, not a government body and not an eHerkenning supplier. eHerkenning prices, levels and requirements are set by the approved suppliers and the relevant portals and change over time — verify current details before ordering. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Rather not wrestle with eHerkenning?
We register your BV and file your tax returns with our own login — so a foreign director doesn't have to. Get a fixed-fee proposal the same day.
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