Creating a Message Box account

How you create a Message Box account depends on your situation:

• Is your business established in the Netherlands? Then you need an eherkenning tool.
• Is your business established abroad? Then you have to set up a user account with 'Answers for Business' (Antwoord voor Bedrijven)

Find out more on what you can do with Message Box.

Message Box for Dutch/resident entrepreneurs

Step 1: Apply for eHerkenning

Dutch and other resident entrepreneurs that are registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel, KVK) need to purchase eHerkenning (electronic identification) with at least security level 2+ before creating their Message Box account. You can apply for eHerkenning yourself with a recognised eHerkenning provider in the Netherlands.

Check how to apply for and use eHerkenning.

Step 2: Log in and create a Message Box

Log in to Message Box using your eHerkenning tool and choose 'Create a new Message Box'.

Your Message Box is always available. You can send messages to the government with attachments of up to 1.5GB. Delivery and reception of your messages is guaranteed.

Step 3: Register your Message Box in the Business register

Do you want to receive messages from Dutch government organisations digitally? You should register your Message Box account in the Dutch Business Register (in Dutch). Find your company and choose 'gegevens wijzigen' (change data). In the next step you can choose the Message Box name (Berichtenboxnaam). Alternatively, you can use the KVK's change of registration form.

If you have registered your Message Box, every government organisation can retrieve your data from the Business Register. Then you do not have to provide your Message Box name (basically your digital postal address) to every organisation.

Foreign entrepreneurs

Foreign entrepreneurs cannot use Dutch eHerkenning tools. To purchase eHerkenning, registration in the Dutch Business Register is mandatory and for most entrepreneurs this will not be useful or even possible. If you are a foreign entrepreneur from an EEA country you can use Message Box from abroad with an Answers for Business user account. For this you register with Answers for Business, which is part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, RVO). This registration will then enable you to open a Message Box account.

Questions?

Read the Message Box FAQ or contact the Message Box service desk.