NL-wallet vs MyGov.be: Complete Comparison

Head-to-Head Comparison

Winner by Category

Architecture and Technical Approach

As Benelux neighbors with deep economic and cultural ties, the Netherlands and Belgium offer a particularly relevant comparison. The Netherlands' NL-wallet uses a local-first architecture developed by Logius under Ministry BZK oversight, storing credentials on the user's device with optional cloud backup. The entire codebase is on GitHub, making it one of the most transparent EUDI implementations in Europe. DigiD, used by virtually all Dutch residents for over 20 years, provides the authentication foundation.

Belgium's MyGov.be wallet takes a fundamentally different approach through its public-private partnership with itsme. Jointly developed by Belgian banks and telecom operators, itsme provides authentication for both government and commercial services, creating a versatile digital identity ecosystem. The Belgian eID card, introduced in 2003 as one of the world's first electronic national ID cards, provides hardware-backed authentication alongside itsme's mobile-only option.

The architectural philosophies reflect different governance traditions: the Netherlands keeps government infrastructure under direct public control with maximum transparency; Belgium embraces public-private collaboration to use private-sector innovation and user experience expertise. Both approaches comply with eIDAS 2.0.

Security Models Compared

The Netherlands builds on DigiD's extensive security track record, extending it with modern cryptographic techniques including zero-knowledge proofs for selective disclosure. The local-first architecture means credentials are protected by the device's secure enclave, minimizing centralized attack surfaces. Logius publishes security findings openly on GitHub, enabling community-driven security improvement and independent audits.

Belgium's security model combines government eID card PKI capabilities (21+ years of operation) with itsme's banking-grade security infrastructure. SIM-based security elements, biometric verification, and the financial sector's fraud prevention expertise create a strong multi-layered security model. The dual authentication path (eID card or itsme) provides redundancy.

The Netherlands prioritizes privacy-by-design with minimal centralized data; Belgium prioritizes convenience and broad utility through the itsme partnership. Both meet eIDAS 2.0 assurance requirements through their respective approaches.

User Experience and Adoption

Belgium's itsme adoption is exceptional: 7M+ users from 11.5M citizens represents over 60% penetration. This success comes from the dual government-private utility, making itsme useful for banking, insurance, telecom, and tax filing alongside traditional government services. The MyGov.be wallet has been live since May 2024, accumulating real-world operational experience.

The Netherlands' DigiD has near-universal adoption among Dutch residents, providing an excellent foundation for NL-wallet onboarding. However, the transition from a browser-based authentication system to a full mobile wallet represents a user experience shift. The Dutch emphasis on user research and iterative design, combined with public beta testing, aims to make this transition as smooth as possible.

For the Benelux cross-border workforce, the usability of both wallets is critical. Belgium's established track record and broad service integration gives it a current advantage, while the Netherlands' focus on privacy and modern design may appeal to privacy-conscious users.

Cross-Border Interoperability

Cross-border interoperability between the Netherlands and Belgium is arguably the most important Benelux EUDI use case. Tens of thousands of Dutch citizens commute to Belgium daily (and vice versa), and businesses on both sides of the border serve customers from the other country. Under eIDAS 2.0, NL-wallet credentials must be accepted in Belgium and MyGov.be credentials must work in the Netherlands.

The Benelux region's deep integration makes it an ideal testing ground for cross-border EUDI scenarios. Both countries participate actively in EU Large Scale Pilots, and the proximity allows for rapid iteration on cross-border use cases. The standardized credential formats ensure that local-first Dutch credentials and public-private Belgian credentials are equally valid at the verification layer.

For Benelux citizens, EUDI Wallet interoperability will streamline everything from cross-border healthcare access to employment verification to age-restricted purchases, replacing the current patchwork of national digital identity systems with smooth cross-border functionality.

Which Should You Choose?

Use the wallet provided by your country of residence. Dutch residents will use NL-wallet when it launches in late 2026. Belgian residents can already use MyGov.be with itsme. Both provide full EU-wide and Benelux cross-border interoperability under eIDAS 2.0.

Belgium leads in deployment maturity, private-sector integration through itsme, and current feature availability. The Netherlands leads in privacy-first architecture, open source transparency, and community-driven development on GitHub. Together, these Benelux neighbors demonstrate two complementary approaches to EUDI Wallet implementation that together cover the full spectrum from practical adoption to architectural excellence.