New Foreign Nationals Identity Document strengthens identity security in the Netherlands
On 15 April 2026, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) introduced a new Foreign Nationals identity document, fully compliant with the ICAO specifications for vertical ID formats.
The new identity document (type W) is issued to individuals who have applied for a temporary or permanent asylum residence permit and are awaiting the IND’s decision. It enables holders to prove their identity, nationality, and legal stay in the Netherlands.
Developed by Identiteit & Diensten B.V. (ID&D), part of IN Groupe, the new card combines next-generation technologies & fast verification with a high level of protection against fraud.
A vertical layout for faster and easier verification of the portrait
The new document follows the recent ICAO TD1 specifications, which include the option for portrait‑oriented layouts.
This design enables:
- A larger laser‑engraved portrait, improving visual inspection and making identity checks easier for authorities.
- A portrait with enhanced visible details, strengthening protection against forgery and photo‑substitution attacks.
- A 2D barcode that provides quick access to document data.
This is the third portrait‑oriented ID card worldwide, following Iceland and Cameroon.
Highly secure features
LASINK™ Helios
To meet the Netherlands’ high security requirements, the card integrates LASINK™ Helios, a premium security feature developed by IN Groupe. It consists of a secondary colour portrait embedded within an optically variable device (DOVID). This secondary portrait validates the primary image, reinforcing the integrity of the document.
With this deployment, LASINK™ Helios reaches its third global milestone, building on its earlier introduction in Dutch passports and identity cards in October 2024.
Advanced tactile and complex elements
The card also includes:
- Enhanced tactile feature for intuitive, immediate verification
- Complex visible background featuring rainbow printing and micro-texts
- A fluorescent pattern visible under UV light
Together, all these measures significantly increase resistance to fraud and accelerate document checks.
A new milestone in secure identity management
This launch marks another important step in the collaboration between the IND and Identiteit & Diensten B.V. in delivering secure, reliable identity solutions. The new Foreign Nationals Identity Document enhances both user experience and verification efficiency, reinforcing the Netherlands’ leadership in secure identity management.