🇳🇱 Status: In Development
NL-wallet is actively developed by the Dutch government. Code is publicly available on GitHub with regular updates. Expected launch late 2026.
Verification Level: Full • Last Updated: 2026-01-29
Official Leadership & Implementation
Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK)
The Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations (Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties - BZK) leads NL-wallet development. BZK oversees digital government infrastructure including DigiD authentication system.
BZK has 20+ years experience operating DigiD, which serves over 13 million Dutch residents. This operational heritage provides proven foundation for NL-wallet implementation.
Ministry Site: government.nl/ministries/BZK
Logius - Technical Implementation
Logius is the Dutch government digital infrastructure agency. Logius operates critical government systems including DigiD authentication and other shared government services.
Logius provides technical implementation expertise for NL-wallet, using experience from operating DigiD and other large-scale government digital services.
Logius: logius.nl
Technical Architecture
Local-First with Cloud Backup
NL-wallet implements local-first architecture with optional cloud backup:
- •Local Storage: Credentials primarily stored on user device for privacy and offline access
- •Cloud Backup: Optional encrypted cloud backup for credential recovery if device is lost or damaged
- •User Control: Users choose whether to enable cloud backup, maintaining control over data storage location
- •Offline Capability: Local storage enables credential verification without internet connection
Architecture Comparison
| Feature | NL-wallet | Germany AusweisApp | France Identité |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Model | Local-first with cloud backup | Signed credential with cloud support | Cloud-based |
| Privacy Approach | Device-local prioritized | Signed credentials | Cloud storage |
| Open Source | ✓ GitHub public | ✓ OpenCoDE GitLab | ✓ Yes |
| Launch Status | Late 2026 expected | Early 2027 planned | Live now |
| Offline Mode | ✓ Local storage | ✓ Signed credentials | Requires connectivity |
Open Source Development on GitHub
Full Transparency via GitHub
NL-wallet code is publicly available on GitHub, providing complete transparency into the implementation. Security researchers, developers, and citizens can review the source code, report issues, and contribute improvements.
GitHub Repository
- • Repository: MinBZK/nl-wallet
- • Platform: GitHub (public)
- • License: Open source (eIDAS 2.0 required)
- • Activity: Regular commits and updates
Development Benefits
- • Public code review and auditing
- • Issue tracking visible to all
- • Community security research
- • Transparent development process
Design Process Transparency
Beyond code transparency, Netherlands publishes design materials:
- ✓Figma Designs: User interface designs publicly available on Figma, showing planned UX and workflows
- ✓Architecture Docs: Technical architecture documentation published alongside code
- ✓Development Updates: Regular updates on NL Digital Government website about development progress
- ✓Community Engagement: GitHub issues and discussions allow public participation in development
DigiD Integration
Building on 20+ Years DigiD Foundation
NL-wallet integrates with DigiD, the Netherlands digital authentication system that has been operational since 2003. DigiD serves over 13 million users and is the gateway to all Dutch government digital services.
DigiD Heritage
- • 20+ years operational experience
- • 13+ million active users
- • Proven authentication infrastructure
- • Universal government service access
NL-wallet Integration
- • DigiD authentication for wallet activation
- • Easy transition for existing users
- • Uses proven identity verification
- • Consistent user experience
Activation Process
Users activate NL-wallet using existing Dutch identity documents:
- 1.Download App: Install NL-wallet from App Store or Google Play
- 2.DigiD Authentication: Log in with existing DigiD credentials to verify identity
- 3.Document Verification: Link to Dutch driving license or ID card for credential issuance
- 4.Wallet Active: Begin using NL-wallet for government services and private sector authentication
Security & Privacy Standards
Privacy by Design
NL-wallet implements privacy-first design principles:
- ✓Local Storage Priority: Credentials stored on device by default, minimizing cloud data exposure
- ✓Selective Disclosure: Share only requested attributes, not full identity document
- ✓Minimal Data Retention: Relying parties receive only necessary attributes for specific transaction
- ✓User Consent: Explicit consent required before sharing any credential data
eIDAS 2.0 Compliance
NL-wallet implements all mandatory eIDAS 2.0 requirements:
Authentication
High level of assurance (LoA High) via DigiD integration
Cross-Border
Credentials valid across all 27 EU member states
Selective Disclosure
Users control which attributes shared with relying parties
Open Source
Code publicly available on GitHub per regulation requirements
Development Timeline
DigiD Foundation
DigiD operational for 20+ years, 13+ million users, proven authentication
Development Phase
Active development on GitHub, architecture design, security implementation
Expected Launch
Public release planned for late 2026, meeting eIDAS 2.0 December deadline
Mandatory Acceptance
Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) must accept NL-wallet credentials
Why Netherlands Approach Matters
🔓 Open Source Leadership
Netherlands demonstrates exceptional transparency by publishing code on GitHub (not private repositories). This allows global security researcher community to audit and improve the implementation.
Public GitHub repository means faster identification of security issues and broader community participation in development process.
🏗️ DigiD Foundation
20+ years DigiD operational experience provides proven foundation. The 13+ million existing DigiD users can smoothly transition to NL-wallet without learning new authentication methods.
Integration with DigiD means NL-wallet inherits battle-tested identity verification infrastructure rather than building from scratch.
🔒 Privacy-First Design
Local-first architecture prioritizes user privacy. Credentials stored on device reduce exposure to cloud data breaches and provide users with direct control over their identity data.
Optional cloud backup provides recovery capability without mandating cloud storage, giving users choice over data location.
📱 Design Transparency
Public Figma designs show planned user experience before launch. This transparency allows user feedback during development rather than after release, potentially improving final product.
Publishing designs alongside code demonstrates commitment to transparency across all aspects of development, not just software implementation.
NL-wallet: Open & Transparent
Netherlands sets the standard for open source government digital identity development. Code, designs, and architecture publicly available on GitHub for anyone to review.