As of today, Belgian citizens can use Smart-ID to log in to government digital platforms. The app offers an alternative to itsme.
Smart-ID is available as of today as a digital authentication method for Belgian government services. After obtaining the highest Level of Assurance certificate in January, it was only a matter of time before Smart-ID would be offered. The validation phase has been completed and the app is fully operational.
The application was developed by the Estonian company SK ID Solutions. The company has been trying to gain recognition as a digital ID since 2024. Smart-ID has been included as an authentication option in the FPS BOSA Federal Authentication Service and will be visible as a login option on the CSAM login screen of digital government services. Belgium is the fourth European country where Smart-ID is offered by the government as an authentication platform.
To activate a Smart-ID account, you need to install the application via Google Play or the Apple App Store and verify your identity once using your eID. From then on, you can use the application to log in to supported government services, such as MyPension and MyMinFin.
Alternative to itsme
The official entry of Smart-ID into Belgium brings an end to itsme’s years-long monopoly. Thanks to close cooperation with the government, itsme is already the standard login method for many Belgians. The addition of Smart-ID increases freedom of choice for citizens, although it remains to be seen whether the millions of Belgians accustomed to itsme will make the switch. The government is also promoting its own MyGov app as an alternative.
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Smart-ID officially ready for use to log in to government services
“The official launch of Smart-ID is the logical and crucial next step following our previously obtained security accreditation. Belgians can now effectively use our app for their daily digital interactions with the government. This is a crucial step toward an open authentication market in our country,” says Peter Wouters, Business Development Manager for Smart-ID in Belgium.