Sending messages

Who can I contact via Message Box?

You can only send messages to government agencies falling under the Services Act. When sending a message, therefore, you select an organisation from the predefined list in the message recipient box. For example, you cannot submit questions to the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, because it does not fall under the Services Act.

Can I send my message to a municipal agency?

No, every government agency has one central desk in Message Box. Your message is subsequently forwarded to the right department.

Can I forward a message to my own e-mail address?

No. Message Box operates in a secure environment, which cannot receive e-mails from or send messages to an external e-mail address. However, you can save messages and attachments on your own computer.

Can I forward a message to a colleague?

You cannot forward a message to a colleague via Message Box. However, you can save messages and attachments on your own computer and subsequently forward them using your own e-mail. Government agencies can forward a message to another government agency via Message Box.

How do I send an attachment?

You can upload all manner of files. First, select 'Browse' and find the file on your computer. You then click on 'Attach'. You can attach up to 15 files. Each file can be up to 100 MB in size.

Where can I find the permit application forms?

Forms can be found on the website of the government agency concerned. You can find this website on the Answers for Business page dealing with the permit in question. The page contains a link to the website of the government agency. If a regional organisation is involved (e.g. a local municipality), you can enter the postal code or the name of the municipality.

How do I know to which regional office I have to send my application?

Go to the page on this website about the permit in question. Enter the postal code or the name of the municipality where you want to perform your activities and click 'OK'. You will then see a link to the website of the proper agency (e.g. the local municipality). You subsequently select this organisation from the address list in the message recipient box when you send a message.

I want to apply for a permit using an online form. How can I submit it via Message Box?

An online form cannot be submitted via Message Box. If the procedure falls under the Services Act and the online form is the only way in which you can apply for the permit via the Internet, the government agency has to ask you in the online form whether you want to handle the application via Message Box. In that case, you can indicate your Message Box name in the web form.

How can I secure my documents?

You can apply a digital signature to your document before attaching it to your Message Box message. A digital signature is a signature linked to the electronic data of your document. This prevents anyone from altering your document without invalidating the signature.

For how long will my messages be retained in my Message Box?

Messages will be automatically removed after 5 years. You will receive a warning 6 weeks in advance. We recommend, however, that you keep important documents (e.g. permits) on your own computer as well.