Applying for eHerkenning

Do you do business with a Dutch government organisation? For example, applying for a permit or a subsidy? You often have to do this online with eHerkenning. eHerkenning is a secure way to log in to various government organisations. 

What is eHerkenning? 

EHerkenning is the Dutch eID (electronic identification) for companies. While citizens use DigiD to log in with various government agencies, companies need to use eHerkenning to do so. This allows you, for example, to easily apply for a permit or subsidy. 

For which companies is eHerkenning? 

EHerkenning is a business login tool and is intended for all businesses and organisations in the Netherlands. You may also use eHerkenning if you are not registered with the Business Register and thus do not have a KVK-number. For instance if you are not required to register with KVK, or if you are unable to. 

eIDAS: e-Identification in the EU 

Entrepreneurs established outside the Netherlands cannot use Dutch eHerkenning tools. The eIDAS regulation enables businesses in the EU to use their national eID cross-border. Entrepreneurs from another EU country can use their national, recognised European means of electronic identification to log in with government organisations in the Netherlands. And entrepreneurs established in the Netherlands can use eHerkenning in a number of European countries. You must make sure your eHerkenning tool is suitable for this. Contact your supplier for more information and help. 

Which organisations use eHerkenning? 

You can use eHerkenning to log in with a large number of organisations. Such as municipalities, regional water authorities, provinces, ministries, and implementing organisations. For example, you can apply for a Certificate of Conduct with eHerkenning at Justis. 

How to apply for eHerkenning? 

You purchase eHerkenning with an approved supplier. The costs depend on the supplier, the assurance level, and whether you select additional services. 

Check which assurance level you need 

EHerkenning has different assurance levels (betrouwbaarheidsniveaus). The level of assurance you need depends on the requirements set by the government agency to which you log in. When you apply for an environmental permit, for example, you need the assurance level EH2+. But for a patent application, level EH4 applies. Your passport or identity card will then also be checked. 

These are the assurance levels:

• EH2+: log in with a username, password, and an additional SMS or PIN code.
• EH3: Log in with a username, password, and an additional SMS code, PIN code (via token), or an app with a QR code.
• EH4: Log in with a PKI certificate (a digital signature). PKI stands for Public Key Infrastructure. A PKI certificate makes it possible to communicate securely online with Dutch banks and the tax administration. 

You can always use eHerkenning for services with the same or a lower assurance level. But never for a higher level. If you want to increase your eHerkenning key at a later stage, you will have to upgrade your existing key with your supplier or buy a new one. 

Authorising others 

An eHerkenning login is personal. You cannot share or transfer it to someone else. Authorisation is mandatory for all assurance levels if you want another person to deal with the government on behalf of your company. This authorisation must be registered with your eHerkenning supplier. Only an authorised signatory within your organisation, or an authorisation manager can issue authorisations. 

Authorise intermediaries (chain authorisation) 

You can authorise an intermediary to act on your behalf. This company can then authorise one of your employees to log in. This is called chain authorisation. Some government services do not support logins from chain authorisations. 

EHerkenning for multiple companies 

You can use 1 eHerkenning key for multiple companies if you link the KVK numbers to the key. You can also arrange authorisations for your employees per KVK number. Your supplier can help you with this. 

Is eHerkenning mandatory? 

You are not obliged to use eHerkennig. The Digital Government Act (Wet digitale overheid), the Dutch government is making it mandatory for government organisations to support the use of eHerkenning. For some services it is even required, for instance for submitting your tax return. 

Reimbursement eHerkenning tool for tax return 

Did you need to purchase the eHerkenning tool 'Belastingdienst eH3 login tool' to file your tax return? Then you can apply for compensation to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland). There is also an arrangement in case you do not have a KVK number.