Since November 2025, residents of the Caribbean Netherlands have been issued a BSN. This enables them to apply for DigiD, the Dutch government’s secure digital identity system, managed by Logius.
While the DigiD app and Check ID app were already available in Papiamentu, the DigiD website is now fully accessible in the language as well. This means the entire DigiD service, website, app, and support are now accessible in the native languages of the residents of all 3 Caribbean Netherlands islands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Specifically: Dutch, English, and Papiamentu.
This update ensures that residents can fully engage with DigiD in their preferred language, making it easier for everyone to access online government services, healthcare, education, and pension funds in the European Netherlands.
How the process works
Residents of the Caribbean Netherlands can register for DigiD using their BSN (Citizen Service Number) at digid.nl. After registration, they receive a counter code, which allows them to collect their activation code within 30 days. There are 2 ways to do this:
- In person at the DigiD counter on Bonaire, or
- By video call with Nederland Wereldwijd.
The process is secure, with identity verification during the appointment and measures in place to prevent misuse, whether in person or online. DigiD continuously works to protect personal data and to avoid fraud.
Future plans
While DigiD currently allows people to access services in the European Netherlands, the goal is to eventually enable local logins for websites in the Caribbean Netherlands as well.
Curious about the Papiamentu version? You can explore it here: www.digid.nl/pap.
