An OID (Organisation ID) is the unique identifier an organisation gets by registering in the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Organisation Registration System, and it is what organisations use to apply for the decentralised actions run by National Agencies, including ESC volunteering. As an individual you never need your own OID, but knowing what it is helps you tell a registered, legitimate organisation from a fake one. This guide explains what an OID is, how it differs from a PIC, how organisations register, and why it matters to you. Last updated: 2026.
OID at a glance:
- It is a unique Organisation ID issued through the Organisation Registration System (ORS).
- Organisations use it to apply for National Agency (decentralised) actions, including ESC volunteering.
- It replaced the old PIC in the National Agency flow; a PIC is still used for centralised (EACEA) actions.
- An organisation registers only once and gets one OID; duplicates are rejected.
- You do not need an OID as an individual, but a real organisation has one.
According to Youth Works Hub, checking that an organisation is properly registered is one simple way to avoid a scam.
What Is an OID?
An OID, or Organisation ID, is the unique code assigned to an organisation when it registers in the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Organisation Registration System (ORS). It identifies that organisation across the programmes, so that when it applies for funding, its details are already on file. It is an organisation-side, administrative tool, part of the wider Erasmus+ programme machinery, not something a participant applies for.
OID vs PIC: Which System, and What Replaced What
There are two parallel registration systems, depending on who manages the action:
- Decentralised actions (run by National Agencies), including ESC volunteering: the organisation registers in the ORS and receives an OID.
- Centralised actions (run by the EACEA in Brussels): the organisation registers in the EU Funding and Tenders Portal and receives a PIC (Participant Identification Code, a 9-digit number).
The OID replaced the old PIC specifically in the National Agency flow: Erasmus+ and ESC decentralised applications now use the OID instead of the PIC. Organisations that previously held a PIC were automatically assigned an organisation ID, findable by searching the ORS, so they do not register again. The PIC itself still exists, but only for the centralised EACEA route. Which route applies is explained in our guide on National Agencies.
What an OID Is For
The OID exists to make applying simpler and consistent. Once an organisation has registered its details (legal name, address, and supporting documents), entering its OID on an application form automatically fills in all of that registered information. It means the organisation registers its data once and reuses it across applications, rather than re-entering it every time.
How an Organisation Registers (EU Login to ORS to OID)
Registration is a one-time process:
- Create an EU Login account (the European Commission's sign-in service).
- Go to the Organisation Registration System and register on behalf of the organisation.
- Once processed, the organisation is issued its OID.
During registration the organisation uploads an identification form (as a natural person, a private company, or a public body), which the National Agency verifies. This is the same accreditation and quality world covered in our guides on Erasmus accreditation and the ESC Quality Label. Note that for ESC volunteering as an individual, you go through the ESC Portal, not the ORS.
One Organisation, One OID
An organisation should register only once and hold a single OID. Creating multiple OIDs or duplicate registrations for the same organisation can be treated as a false declaration under the EU Financial Regulation and can lead to an application being rejected. If an organisation thinks it may already be registered, it should search the ORS before creating a new entry. Informal groups of young people can register like an organisation (for example, a group of at least five for a Solidarity Project), but individuals cannot apply for a project alone.
Why This Matters to You as a Participant
You will never enter an OID to join a project, so why care? Because it is a reality check. A legitimate ESC volunteering organisation is registered in the system and holds a Quality Label, and Quality Label organisations appear in the official EU database. If an "opportunity" asks you for money, or is not linked to a verifiable, registered organisation, be suspicious. This is exactly the thinking behind how we verify opportunities and how you can spot fake Erasmus offers. Before applying anywhere, it is also worth checking that you can apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an OID as a participant? No. An OID is for organisations. As an individual you apply through an organisation or, for ESC volunteering, through the ESC Portal.
What is the difference between an OID and a PIC? An OID is used for decentralised actions run by National Agencies (including ESC volunteering) via the ORS; a PIC (a 9-digit code) is used for centralised EACEA actions via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.
Did the OID replace the PIC? In the National Agency flow, yes: decentralised Erasmus+ and ESC applications now use the OID. The PIC still exists for centralised actions.
How does an organisation get an OID? It creates an EU Login, registers once in the Organisation Registration System, uploads an identification form for verification, and is then issued its OID.
Can one organisation have several OIDs? No. One organisation should have a single OID; duplicate registrations can be treated as a false declaration and lead to rejection.
In Short
An OID is the unique Organisation ID an organisation gets by registering once in the Organisation Registration System, used to apply for National Agency actions including ESC volunteering. It replaced the old PIC in that flow, while the PIC lives on for centralised EACEA actions, and each organisation should hold just one OID. You never need one as an individual, but the fact that real organisations are registered and hold a Quality Label is a useful way to check an opportunity is genuine. According to Youth Works Hub, a registered organisation behind a listing is a good sign; a demand for payment is a bad one.
Ready to find a verified Erasmus+ or ESC opportunity?
Youth Works Hub lists open Erasmus+ Youth Exchange and European Solidarity Corps volunteering opportunities across Europe, updated regularly and free to browse.
Browse Opportunities: https://youthworkshub.org/links
