What is eHerkenning?
eHerkenning is a kind of DigiD for companies. Herkenning means recognition. With DigiD, you as a citizen can log in securely at various government agencies. Companies do this via eHerkenning. The big advantage is that you need only 1 way to log in to multiple agencies. With eHerkenning you can, for example, apply for a permit or subsidy.
For which companies is eHerkenning?
eHerkenning is a business login tool and is only intended for companies that are registered with the Chamber of Commerce KVK. That is an important condition.
eHerkenning can also be used across the border
eHerkenning can also be used across the border (in Dutch). Dutch companies and organisations can use this to arrange matters online with foreign service providers that support the login method.
Affiliated Organisations
You can use eHerkenning to log in to a large number of organisations. Think of municipalities, water boards, provinces, ministries and implementing organisations. For example, you can apply for a Certificate of conduct for individuals online with eHerkenning from the Ministry of Security and Justice.
Request eHerkenning
Unlike with DigiD, the government is not the issuer of eHerkenning. You do not request the eHerkenning login from the government but from a recognised provider. And you must pay for the application and use of eHerkenning. How much you pay depends on the provider and the service you purchase. In the supplier overview, you will find all approved suppliers and their products and prices.
Check what assurance level you need
You do various things with the government via eHerkenning. One requires a higher level of assurance than the other. That is why eHerkenning has logins at 4 levels of assurance. To apply for an environmental permit, for example, you need a login at level 1. But for a patent application, level 4 applies. Your passport or identity card will then be checked. The service provider where you want to log in indicates which assurance level you need for its online service.
These are the 4 assurance levels:
- EH2: login with a username and strong password.
- 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 app with a QR code.
- EH4: Log in with a PKI certificate (a digital signature) or 2-factor authentication. PKI stands for Public Key Infrastructure. A PKI certificate makes it possible to communicate securely online with Dutch banks and the tax administration.
Consider whether you want to log in later for other online services
If so, choose the highest level. You can always use eHerkenning for services with the same or a lower assurance level. But never for a higher level. You must then upgrade or buy a new one.
eHerkenning is personal
An eHerkenning login is personal. You cannot share or transfer it. So, you request eHerkenning per person and per service. For services with an assurance level of 2 or higher, authorisations are mandatory. For you, and for all employees who do business with the government on behalf of your company. This authorisation must be registered with your eHerkenning supplier. And can only be given by an authorised person within your organisation or a permission manager.
eHerkenning for multiple companies
You can link different KVK numbers to one eHerkenning. You can also arrange authorisations for your employees per KVK number. Your supplier can help you with this.
Chain authorisation for eHerkenning
You can also authorise an organisation, which then gives your employee(s) permission to log in. This is called chain authorisation. All suppliers of eHerkenning support this. But you cannot log in to all government service providers via a chain authorisation.
Reimbursement eHerkenning tool for tax return
Have you purchased the eHerkenning tool 'Belastingdienst eH3 login tool' for your tax return? Then you can apply for compensation at RVO.nl.
Is eHerkenning mandatory?
With the arrival of the Digital Government Act (wet Digitale Overheid), the national government is making the use of eHerkenning mandatory for government organisations. In addition, more and more (government) organisations are asking to log in with eHerkenning.