diff --git a/api/app/Http/Controllers/Api/V1/CheckEmailController.php b/api/app/Http/Controllers/Api/V1/CheckEmailController.php
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..349c338f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/app/Http/Controllers/Api/V1/CheckEmailController.php
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace App\Http\Controllers\Api\V1;
+
+use App\Http\Controllers\Controller;
+use App\Http\Requests\Api\V1\CheckEmailRequest;
+use App\Models\User;
+use Illuminate\Http\JsonResponse;
+
+final class CheckEmailController extends Controller
+{
+    public function __invoke(CheckEmailRequest $request): JsonResponse
+    {
+        $exists = User::where('email', strtolower($request->validated('email')))->exists();
+
+        return response()->json(['exists' => $exists]);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/api/app/Http/Controllers/Api/V1/PersonController.php b/api/app/Http/Controllers/Api/V1/PersonController.php
index ad54dbca..8fe617b2 100644
--- a/api/app/Http/Controllers/Api/V1/PersonController.php
+++ b/api/app/Http/Controllers/Api/V1/PersonController.php
@@ -9,17 +9,22 @@ use App\Http\Requests\Api\V1\StorePersonRequest;
 use App\Http\Requests\Api\V1\UpdatePersonRequest;
 use App\Http\Resources\Api\V1\PersonCollection;
 use App\Http\Resources\Api\V1\PersonResource;
+use App\Mail\RegistrationApprovedMail;
+use App\Mail\RegistrationRejectedMail;
 use App\Models\Event;
 use App\Models\Person;
 use App\Services\PersonIdentityService;
+use App\Services\TagSyncService;
 use Illuminate\Http\JsonResponse;
 use Illuminate\Http\Request;
 use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Gate;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Mail;
 
 final class PersonController extends Controller
 {
     public function __construct(
         private readonly PersonIdentityService $identityService,
+        private readonly TagSyncService $tagSyncService,
     ) {}
 
     public function index(Request $request, Event $event): PersonCollection
@@ -107,6 +112,27 @@ final class PersonController extends Controller
 
         $person->update(['status' => 'approved']);
 
+        $this->tagSyncService->syncFromRegistration($person);
+
+        if ($person->email) {
+            Mail::to($person->email)->queue(new RegistrationApprovedMail($person, $event));
+        }
+
+        return $this->success(new PersonResource($person->fresh()->load('crowdType')));
+    }
+
+    public function reject(Request $request, Event $event, Person $person): JsonResponse
+    {
+        Gate::authorize('approve', [$person, $event]);
+
+        $person->update(['status' => 'rejected']);
+
+        $reason = $request->input('reason');
+
+        if ($person->email) {
+            Mail::to($person->email)->queue(new RegistrationRejectedMail($person, $event, $reason));
+        }
+
         return $this->success(new PersonResource($person->fresh()->load('crowdType')));
     }
 }
diff --git a/api/app/Http/Requests/Api/V1/CheckEmailRequest.php b/api/app/Http/Requests/Api/V1/CheckEmailRequest.php
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ef1073fa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/app/Http/Requests/Api/V1/CheckEmailRequest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace App\Http\Requests\Api\V1;
+
+use Illuminate\Foundation\Http\FormRequest;
+
+final class CheckEmailRequest extends FormRequest
+{
+    public function authorize(): bool
+    {
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    /** @return array<string, mixed> */
+    public function rules(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'email' => ['required', 'email'],
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/api/app/Http/Requests/Api/V1/VolunteerRegistrationRequest.php b/api/app/Http/Requests/Api/V1/VolunteerRegistrationRequest.php
index cb06deac..fde725ba 100644
--- a/api/app/Http/Requests/Api/V1/VolunteerRegistrationRequest.php
+++ b/api/app/Http/Requests/Api/V1/VolunteerRegistrationRequest.php
@@ -30,7 +30,9 @@ final class VolunteerRegistrationRequest extends FormRequest
     /** @return array<string, mixed> */
     public function rules(): array
     {
-        return [
+        $user = auth('sanctum')->user();
+
+        $rules = [
             'first_name' => ['required_without:_authenticated', 'string', 'max:255'],
             'last_name' => ['required_without:_authenticated', 'string', 'max:255'],
             'email' => ['required_without:_authenticated', 'email', 'max:255'],
@@ -55,5 +57,13 @@ final class VolunteerRegistrationRequest extends FormRequest
 
             'field_values' => ['nullable', 'array'],
         ];
+
+        // Password required for unauthenticated registrations
+        if ($user === null) {
+            $rules['password'] = ['required', 'string', 'min:8'];
+            $rules['password_confirmation'] = ['nullable', 'same:password'];
+        }
+
+        return $rules;
     }
 }
diff --git a/api/app/Mail/RegistrationApprovedMail.php b/api/app/Mail/RegistrationApprovedMail.php
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4a2cab90
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/app/Mail/RegistrationApprovedMail.php
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace App\Mail;
+
+use App\Models\Event;
+use App\Models\Person;
+use Illuminate\Bus\Queueable;
+use Illuminate\Contracts\Queue\ShouldQueue;
+use Illuminate\Mail\Mailable;
+use Illuminate\Mail\Mailables\Content;
+use Illuminate\Mail\Mailables\Envelope;
+use Illuminate\Queue\SerializesModels;
+
+final class RegistrationApprovedMail extends Mailable implements ShouldQueue
+{
+    use Queueable;
+    use SerializesModels;
+
+    public function __construct(
+        public readonly Person $person,
+        public readonly Event $event,
+    ) {}
+
+    public function envelope(): Envelope
+    {
+        return new Envelope(
+            subject: "Je bent goedgekeurd! — {$this->event->name}",
+        );
+    }
+
+    public function content(): Content
+    {
+        return new Content(
+            markdown: 'emails.registration-approved',
+            with: [
+                'personName' => $this->person->first_name,
+                'eventName' => $this->event->name,
+                'portalUrl' => config('app.frontend_portal_url'),
+            ],
+        );
+    }
+}
diff --git a/api/app/Mail/RegistrationConfirmationMail.php b/api/app/Mail/RegistrationConfirmationMail.php
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..db6a3272
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/app/Mail/RegistrationConfirmationMail.php
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace App\Mail;
+
+use App\Models\Event;
+use App\Models\Person;
+use Illuminate\Bus\Queueable;
+use Illuminate\Contracts\Queue\ShouldQueue;
+use Illuminate\Mail\Mailable;
+use Illuminate\Mail\Mailables\Content;
+use Illuminate\Mail\Mailables\Envelope;
+use Illuminate\Queue\SerializesModels;
+
+final class RegistrationConfirmationMail extends Mailable implements ShouldQueue
+{
+    use Queueable;
+    use SerializesModels;
+
+    public function __construct(
+        public readonly Person $person,
+        public readonly Event $event,
+    ) {}
+
+    public function envelope(): Envelope
+    {
+        return new Envelope(
+            subject: "Bevestiging aanmelding {$this->event->name}",
+        );
+    }
+
+    public function content(): Content
+    {
+        return new Content(
+            markdown: 'emails.registration-confirmation',
+            with: [
+                'personName' => $this->person->first_name,
+                'eventName' => $this->event->name,
+                'startDate' => $this->event->start_date->format('d-m-Y'),
+                'endDate' => $this->event->end_date->format('d-m-Y'),
+                'portalUrl' => config('app.frontend_portal_url'),
+            ],
+        );
+    }
+}
diff --git a/api/app/Mail/RegistrationRejectedMail.php b/api/app/Mail/RegistrationRejectedMail.php
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d1848b01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/app/Mail/RegistrationRejectedMail.php
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace App\Mail;
+
+use App\Models\Event;
+use App\Models\Person;
+use Illuminate\Bus\Queueable;
+use Illuminate\Contracts\Queue\ShouldQueue;
+use Illuminate\Mail\Mailable;
+use Illuminate\Mail\Mailables\Content;
+use Illuminate\Mail\Mailables\Envelope;
+use Illuminate\Queue\SerializesModels;
+
+final class RegistrationRejectedMail extends Mailable implements ShouldQueue
+{
+    use Queueable;
+    use SerializesModels;
+
+    public function __construct(
+        public readonly Person $person,
+        public readonly Event $event,
+        public readonly ?string $reason = null,
+    ) {}
+
+    public function envelope(): Envelope
+    {
+        return new Envelope(
+            subject: "Update over je aanmelding — {$this->event->name}",
+        );
+    }
+
+    public function content(): Content
+    {
+        return new Content(
+            markdown: 'emails.registration-rejected',
+            with: [
+                'personName' => $this->person->first_name,
+                'eventName' => $this->event->name,
+                'reason' => $this->reason,
+            ],
+        );
+    }
+}
diff --git a/api/app/Services/VolunteerRegistrationService.php b/api/app/Services/VolunteerRegistrationService.php
index 46b4671c..19e139bb 100644
--- a/api/app/Services/VolunteerRegistrationService.php
+++ b/api/app/Services/VolunteerRegistrationService.php
@@ -5,22 +5,24 @@ declare(strict_types=1);
 namespace App\Services;
 
 use App\Enums\PersonStatus;
+use App\Mail\RegistrationConfirmationMail;
 use App\Models\CrowdType;
 use App\Models\Event;
 use App\Models\Person;
 use App\Models\User;
 use App\Models\VolunteerAvailability;
 use Illuminate\Support\Facades\DB;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Hash;
 use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Log;
-use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Schema;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Mail;
 use Illuminate\Validation\ValidationException;
 
 final class VolunteerRegistrationService
 {
     public function __construct(
-        private readonly PersonIdentityService $identityService,
         private readonly RegistrationFormFieldService $registrationFormFieldService,
         private readonly PersonSectionPreferenceService $personSectionPreferenceService,
+        private readonly TagSyncService $tagSyncService,
     ) {}
 
     /**
@@ -37,23 +39,28 @@ final class VolunteerRegistrationService
         }
 
         $festivalEvent = $this->resolveFestivalEvent($event);
-        $email = $user?->email ?? $validated['email'];
+        $email = strtolower($user?->email ?? $validated['email']);
 
         $this->checkDuplicateRegistration($festivalEvent, $email);
 
+        // Resolve or create user account for unauthenticated registrations
+        if ($user === null) {
+            $user = $this->resolveUserAccount($email, $validated);
+        }
+
         $volunteerCrowdType = $this->resolveVolunteerCrowdType($event);
 
-        return DB::transaction(function () use ($festivalEvent, $validated, $user, $email, $volunteerCrowdType): Person {
+        $person = DB::transaction(function () use ($festivalEvent, $validated, $user, $email, $volunteerCrowdType): Person {
             $person = Person::updateOrCreate(
                 [
                     'event_id' => $festivalEvent->id,
                     'email' => $email,
                 ],
                 [
-                    'user_id' => $user?->id,
+                    'user_id' => $user->id,
                     'crowd_type_id' => $volunteerCrowdType->id,
-                    'first_name' => $user?->first_name ?? $validated['first_name'],
-                    'last_name' => $user?->last_name ?? $validated['last_name'],
+                    'first_name' => $validated['first_name'] ?? $user->first_name,
+                    'last_name' => $validated['last_name'] ?? $user->last_name,
                     'phone' => $validated['phone'] ?? null,
                     'date_of_birth' => $validated['date_of_birth'] ?? null,
                     'status' => PersonStatus::PENDING,
@@ -84,11 +91,10 @@ final class VolunteerRegistrationService
                 );
             }
 
-            if ($user === null) {
-                $this->detectIdentityMatch($person);
-            }
+            // Trigger tag sync — user_id is always known now
+            $this->tagSyncService->syncFromRegistration($person);
 
-            $source = $user !== null ? 'authenticated_form' : 'public_form';
+            $source = auth('sanctum')->check() ? 'authenticated_form' : 'public_form';
 
             $activityLogger = activity('volunteer_registration')
                 ->performedOn($person)
@@ -97,16 +103,55 @@ final class VolunteerRegistrationService
                     'event_id' => $festivalEvent->id,
                     'person_id' => $person->id,
                     'email' => $email,
-                ]);
-
-            if ($user !== null) {
-                $activityLogger->causedBy($user);
-            }
+                ])
+                ->causedBy($user);
 
             $activityLogger->log('person.registered');
 
             return $person;
         });
+
+        // Send confirmation email (queued, outside transaction)
+        Mail::to($person->email)->queue(new RegistrationConfirmationMail($person, $festivalEvent));
+
+        return $person;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Resolve or create user account for the registering email.
+     *
+     * @param  array<string, mixed>  $validated
+     *
+     * @throws ValidationException
+     */
+    private function resolveUserAccount(string $email, array $validated): User
+    {
+        $existingUser = User::where('email', $email)->first();
+
+        if ($existingUser !== null) {
+            // Returning volunteer: authenticate with provided password
+            if (!Hash::check($validated['password'], $existingUser->password)) {
+                throw ValidationException::withMessages([
+                    'password' => ['Wachtwoord onjuist.'],
+                ]);
+            }
+
+            return $existingUser;
+        }
+
+        // New volunteer: create user account
+        try {
+            return User::create([
+                'first_name' => $validated['first_name'],
+                'last_name' => $validated['last_name'],
+                'email' => $email,
+                'password' => Hash::make($validated['password']),
+            ]);
+        } catch (\Illuminate\Database\UniqueConstraintViolationException) {
+            throw ValidationException::withMessages([
+                'email' => ['Dit emailadres heeft al een account. Gebruik je bestaande wachtwoord.'],
+            ]);
+        }
     }
 
     private function resolveFestivalEvent(Event $event): Event
@@ -188,18 +233,4 @@ final class VolunteerRegistrationService
             ]);
         }
     }
-
-    private function detectIdentityMatch(Person $person): void
-    {
-        if (! Schema::hasTable('person_identity_matches')) {
-            activity('volunteer_registration')
-                ->performedOn($person)
-                ->withProperties(['email' => $person->email])
-                ->log('person.identity_match_skipped_table_missing');
-
-            return;
-        }
-
-        $this->identityService->detectMatchForPerson($person);
-    }
 }
diff --git a/api/config/app.php b/api/config/app.php
index 83235889..4e44f4bb 100644
--- a/api/config/app.php
+++ b/api/config/app.php
@@ -124,5 +124,6 @@ return [
     ],
 
     'frontend_app_url' => env('FRONTEND_APP_URL', 'http://localhost:5174'),
+    'frontend_portal_url' => env('FRONTEND_PORTAL_URL', 'http://localhost:5175'),
 
 ];
diff --git a/api/resources/views/emails/registration-approved.blade.php b/api/resources/views/emails/registration-approved.blade.php
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..03652a11
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/resources/views/emails/registration-approved.blade.php
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+<x-mail::message>
+# Goed nieuws, {{ $personName }}!
+
+Goed nieuws! Je bent goedgekeurd als vrijwilliger voor **{{ $eventName }}**.
+
+Log in op het portaal om je shifts te bekijken en te claimen.
+
+<x-mail::button :url="$portalUrl">
+Naar het portaal
+</x-mail::button>
+
+Met vriendelijke groet,<br>
+{{ config('app.name') }}
+</x-mail::message>
diff --git a/api/resources/views/emails/registration-confirmation.blade.php b/api/resources/views/emails/registration-confirmation.blade.php
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e239026a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/resources/views/emails/registration-confirmation.blade.php
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+<x-mail::message>
+# Bedankt voor je aanmelding, {{ $personName }}!
+
+Bedankt voor je aanmelding als vrijwilliger voor **{{ $eventName }}**!
+
+Je registratie wordt beoordeeld door de organisatie. Je ontvangt een e-mail zodra je aanmelding is verwerkt.
+
+Je kunt inloggen op het vrijwilligersportaal om je status te volgen.
+
+<x-mail::button :url="$portalUrl">
+Naar het portaal
+</x-mail::button>
+
+**Evenement:** {{ $eventName }}<br>
+**Datum:** {{ $startDate }} t/m {{ $endDate }}
+
+Met vriendelijke groet,<br>
+{{ config('app.name') }}
+</x-mail::message>
diff --git a/api/resources/views/emails/registration-rejected.blade.php b/api/resources/views/emails/registration-rejected.blade.php
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..663d4f2b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/resources/views/emails/registration-rejected.blade.php
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+<x-mail::message>
+# Update over je aanmelding, {{ $personName }}
+
+Helaas hebben we je aanmelding voor **{{ $eventName }}** niet kunnen goedkeuren.
+
+@if($reason)
+**Reden:** {{ $reason }}
+@endif
+
+Neem contact op met de organisatie als je vragen hebt.
+
+Met vriendelijke groet,<br>
+{{ config('app.name') }}
+</x-mail::message>
diff --git a/api/routes/api.php b/api/routes/api.php
index 8d746872..38222b8f 100644
--- a/api/routes/api.php
+++ b/api/routes/api.php
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 declare(strict_types=1);
 
+use App\Http\Controllers\Api\V1\CheckEmailController;
 use App\Http\Controllers\Api\V1\CompanyController;
 use App\Http\Controllers\Api\V1\CrowdListController;
 use App\Http\Controllers\Api\V1\CrowdTypeController;
@@ -60,6 +61,7 @@ Route::post('invitations/{token}/accept', [InvitationController::class, 'accept'
 
 // Public portal routes
 Route::get('public/events/{slug}/registration-data', PublicRegistrationDataController::class);
+Route::post('public/check-email', CheckEmailController::class)->middleware('throttle:10,1');
 Route::post('events/{event}/volunteer-register', VolunteerRegistrationController::class);
 Route::post('portal/token-auth', [PortalTokenController::class, 'auth']);
 
@@ -164,6 +166,7 @@ Route::middleware('auth:sanctum')->group(function () {
 
         Route::apiResource('persons', PersonController::class);
         Route::post('persons/{person}/approve', [PersonController::class, 'approve']);
+        Route::post('persons/{person}/reject', [PersonController::class, 'reject']);
 
         // Volunteer availabilities
         Route::get('persons/{person}/availabilities', [VolunteerAvailabilityController::class, 'index']);
diff --git a/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/CheckEmailTest.php b/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/CheckEmailTest.php
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..86beb0a2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/CheckEmailTest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace Tests\Feature\Api\V1;
+
+use App\Models\User;
+use Illuminate\Foundation\Testing\RefreshDatabase;
+use Tests\TestCase;
+
+class CheckEmailTest extends TestCase
+{
+    use RefreshDatabase;
+
+    public function test_existing_email_returns_exists_true(): void
+    {
+        User::factory()->create(['email' => 'lisa@test.nl']);
+
+        $response = $this->postJson('/api/v1/public/check-email', [
+            'email' => 'lisa@test.nl',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertOk();
+        $response->assertJson(['exists' => true]);
+    }
+
+    public function test_unknown_email_returns_exists_false(): void
+    {
+        $response = $this->postJson('/api/v1/public/check-email', [
+            'email' => 'nobody@test.nl',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertOk();
+        $response->assertJson(['exists' => false]);
+    }
+
+    public function test_email_check_is_case_insensitive(): void
+    {
+        User::factory()->create(['email' => 'lisa@test.nl']);
+
+        $response = $this->postJson('/api/v1/public/check-email', [
+            'email' => 'LISA@TEST.NL',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertOk();
+        $response->assertJson(['exists' => true]);
+    }
+
+    public function test_rate_limiting_returns_429(): void
+    {
+        for ($i = 0; $i < 10; $i++) {
+            $this->postJson('/api/v1/public/check-email', [
+                'email' => 'test@test.nl',
+            ])->assertOk();
+        }
+
+        $response = $this->postJson('/api/v1/public/check-email', [
+            'email' => 'test@test.nl',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertStatus(429);
+    }
+
+    public function test_invalid_email_returns_422(): void
+    {
+        $response = $this->postJson('/api/v1/public/check-email', [
+            'email' => 'not-an-email',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertStatus(422);
+        $response->assertJsonValidationErrors('email');
+    }
+
+    public function test_missing_email_returns_422(): void
+    {
+        $response = $this->postJson('/api/v1/public/check-email', []);
+
+        $response->assertStatus(422);
+        $response->assertJsonValidationErrors('email');
+    }
+}
diff --git a/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/PersonApprovalEmailTest.php b/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/PersonApprovalEmailTest.php
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b4789b95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/PersonApprovalEmailTest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,153 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace Tests\Feature\Api\V1;
+
+use App\Mail\RegistrationApprovedMail;
+use App\Mail\RegistrationRejectedMail;
+use App\Models\CrowdType;
+use App\Models\Event;
+use App\Models\Organisation;
+use App\Models\Person;
+use App\Models\User;
+use Database\Seeders\RoleSeeder;
+use Illuminate\Foundation\Testing\RefreshDatabase;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Mail;
+use Laravel\Sanctum\Sanctum;
+use Tests\TestCase;
+
+class PersonApprovalEmailTest extends TestCase
+{
+    use RefreshDatabase;
+
+    private User $orgAdmin;
+    private Organisation $organisation;
+    private Event $event;
+    private CrowdType $crowdType;
+
+    protected function setUp(): void
+    {
+        parent::setUp();
+        $this->seed(RoleSeeder::class);
+
+        $this->organisation = Organisation::factory()->create();
+        $this->orgAdmin = User::factory()->create();
+        $this->organisation->users()->attach($this->orgAdmin, ['role' => 'org_admin']);
+
+        $this->event = Event::factory()->create([
+            'organisation_id' => $this->organisation->id,
+        ]);
+
+        $this->crowdType = CrowdType::factory()->systemType('VOLUNTEER')->create([
+            'organisation_id' => $this->organisation->id,
+        ]);
+    }
+
+    public function test_approving_person_sends_approved_email(): void
+    {
+        Mail::fake();
+
+        $person = Person::factory()->create([
+            'event_id' => $this->event->id,
+            'crowd_type_id' => $this->crowdType->id,
+            'status' => 'pending',
+            'email' => 'volunteer@test.nl',
+        ]);
+
+        Sanctum::actingAs($this->orgAdmin);
+
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/persons/{$person->id}/approve");
+
+        $response->assertOk();
+
+        Mail::assertQueued(RegistrationApprovedMail::class, function ($mail) {
+            return $mail->hasTo('volunteer@test.nl');
+        });
+    }
+
+    public function test_rejecting_person_sends_rejected_email_with_reason(): void
+    {
+        Mail::fake();
+
+        $person = Person::factory()->create([
+            'event_id' => $this->event->id,
+            'crowd_type_id' => $this->crowdType->id,
+            'status' => 'pending',
+            'email' => 'volunteer@test.nl',
+        ]);
+
+        Sanctum::actingAs($this->orgAdmin);
+
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/persons/{$person->id}/reject", [
+            'reason' => 'Geen beschikbaarheid op de juiste momenten.',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertOk();
+
+        $this->assertDatabaseHas('persons', [
+            'id' => $person->id,
+            'status' => 'rejected',
+        ]);
+
+        Mail::assertQueued(RegistrationRejectedMail::class, function ($mail) {
+            return $mail->hasTo('volunteer@test.nl')
+                && $mail->reason === 'Geen beschikbaarheid op de juiste momenten.';
+        });
+    }
+
+    public function test_rejecting_person_sends_rejected_email_without_reason(): void
+    {
+        Mail::fake();
+
+        $person = Person::factory()->create([
+            'event_id' => $this->event->id,
+            'crowd_type_id' => $this->crowdType->id,
+            'status' => 'pending',
+            'email' => 'volunteer@test.nl',
+        ]);
+
+        Sanctum::actingAs($this->orgAdmin);
+
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/persons/{$person->id}/reject");
+
+        $response->assertOk();
+
+        Mail::assertQueued(RegistrationRejectedMail::class, function ($mail) {
+            return $mail->hasTo('volunteer@test.nl')
+                && $mail->reason === null;
+        });
+    }
+
+    public function test_unauthenticated_cannot_approve(): void
+    {
+        $person = Person::factory()->create([
+            'event_id' => $this->event->id,
+            'crowd_type_id' => $this->crowdType->id,
+            'status' => 'pending',
+        ]);
+
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/persons/{$person->id}/approve");
+
+        $response->assertStatus(401);
+    }
+
+    public function test_outsider_cannot_approve(): void
+    {
+        $outsider = User::factory()->create();
+        $otherOrg = Organisation::factory()->create();
+        $otherOrg->users()->attach($outsider, ['role' => 'org_admin']);
+
+        $person = Person::factory()->create([
+            'event_id' => $this->event->id,
+            'crowd_type_id' => $this->crowdType->id,
+            'status' => 'pending',
+        ]);
+
+        Sanctum::actingAs($outsider);
+
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/persons/{$person->id}/approve");
+
+        $response->assertStatus(403);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/RegistrationSettingsTest.php b/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/RegistrationSettingsTest.php
index 3f71c220..266b445e 100644
--- a/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/RegistrationSettingsTest.php
+++ b/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/RegistrationSettingsTest.php
@@ -195,8 +195,10 @@ class RegistrationSettingsTest extends TestCase
             ->assertJsonPath('data.0.section_count', 1);
     }
 
-    public function test_section_preferences_stored_as_section_name(): void
+    public function test_section_preferences_stored_in_table(): void
     {
+        \Illuminate\Support\Facades\Mail::fake();
+
         // This is a regression check for the VolunteerRegistration flow
         $event = Event::factory()->create([
             'organisation_id' => $this->organisation->id,
@@ -207,7 +209,7 @@ class RegistrationSettingsTest extends TestCase
             'organisation_id' => $this->organisation->id,
         ]);
 
-        FestivalSection::factory()->create([
+        $section = FestivalSection::factory()->create([
             'event_id' => $event->id,
             'name' => 'Backstage',
             'show_in_registration' => true,
@@ -217,18 +219,20 @@ class RegistrationSettingsTest extends TestCase
             'first_name' => 'Test',
             'last_name' => 'Vrijwilliger',
             'email' => 'test-section-pref@example.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
             'section_preferences' => [
-                ['section_name' => 'Backstage', 'priority' => 1],
+                ['festival_section_id' => $section->id, 'priority' => 1],
             ],
         ]);
 
         $response->assertStatus(201);
 
         $person = \App\Models\Person::where('email', 'test-section-pref@example.nl')->first();
-        $prefs = $person->custom_fields['section_preferences'];
 
-        $this->assertCount(1, $prefs);
-        $this->assertEquals('Backstage', $prefs[0]['section_name']);
-        $this->assertEquals(1, $prefs[0]['priority']);
+        $this->assertDatabaseHas('person_section_preferences', [
+            'person_id' => $person->id,
+            'festival_section_id' => $section->id,
+            'priority' => 1,
+        ]);
     }
 }
diff --git a/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/VolunteerRegistrationTest.php b/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/VolunteerRegistrationTest.php
index 52807a0a..22578e68 100644
--- a/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/VolunteerRegistrationTest.php
+++ b/api/tests/Feature/Api/V1/VolunteerRegistrationTest.php
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ declare(strict_types=1);
 namespace Tests\Feature\Api\V1;
 
 use App\Enums\PersonStatus;
+use App\Mail\RegistrationConfirmationMail;
 use App\Models\CrowdType;
 use App\Models\Event;
 use App\Models\FestivalSection;
@@ -15,6 +16,8 @@ use App\Models\TimeSlot;
 use App\Models\User;
 use Database\Seeders\RoleSeeder;
 use Illuminate\Foundation\Testing\RefreshDatabase;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Hash;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Mail;
 use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Schema;
 use Laravel\Sanctum\Sanctum;
 use Tests\TestCase;
@@ -54,10 +57,13 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_volunteer_can_register_with_all_fields(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
+
         $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
             'first_name' => 'Jan',
             'last_name' => 'de Vries',
             'email' => 'jan@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
             'phone' => '+31612345678',
             'tshirt_size' => 'L',
             'motivation' => 'Ik wil graag helpen bij dit festival!',
@@ -77,10 +83,13 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_volunteer_can_register_with_minimal_fields(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
+
         $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
             'first_name' => 'Sophie',
             'last_name' => 'Bakker',
             'email' => 'sophie@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
         ]);
 
         $response->assertStatus(201);
@@ -108,6 +117,7 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
             'first_name' => 'Pieter',
             'last_name' => 'Jansen',
             'email' => 'pieter@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
         ]);
 
         $response->assertStatus(201);
@@ -120,12 +130,14 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_registration_syncs_availabilities(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
         $timeSlot2 = TimeSlot::factory()->create(['event_id' => $this->event->id]);
 
         $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
             'first_name' => 'Fleur',
             'last_name' => 'Vermeer',
             'email' => 'fleur@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
             'availabilities' => [
                 ['time_slot_id' => $this->timeSlot->id, 'preference_level' => 4],
                 ['time_slot_id' => $timeSlot2->id, 'preference_level' => 2],
@@ -150,10 +162,13 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_registration_stores_custom_fields(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
+
         $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
             'first_name' => 'Daan',
             'last_name' => 'Mulder',
             'email' => 'daan@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
             'tshirt_size' => 'XL',
             'motivation' => 'Ik vind festivals geweldig.',
             'section_preferences' => [
@@ -178,10 +193,13 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_volunteer_can_register_with_date_of_birth(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
+
         $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
             'first_name' => 'Mila',
             'last_name' => 'de Boer',
             'email' => 'mila@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
             'date_of_birth' => '1998-05-12',
         ]);
 
@@ -193,10 +211,13 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_volunteer_can_register_without_date_of_birth(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
+
         $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
             'first_name' => 'Sem',
             'last_name' => 'van Beek',
             'email' => 'sem@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
         ]);
 
         $response->assertStatus(201);
@@ -211,6 +232,7 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
             'first_name' => 'Tijn',
             'last_name' => 'Kuiper',
             'email' => 'tijn@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
             'date_of_birth' => now()->addDay()->format('Y-m-d'),
         ]);
 
@@ -220,16 +242,20 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_duplicate_email_rejected(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
+
         $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
             'first_name' => 'Anna',
             'last_name' => 'Smit',
             'email' => 'anna@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
         ]);
 
         $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
             'first_name' => 'Anna',
             'last_name' => 'Smit',
             'email' => 'anna@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
         ]);
 
         $response->assertStatus(422);
@@ -238,6 +264,8 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_rejected_person_can_reregister(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
+
         Person::factory()->rejected()->create([
             'event_id' => $this->event->id,
             'crowd_type_id' => $this->volunteerCrowdType->id,
@@ -248,6 +276,7 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
             'first_name' => 'Herkan',
             'last_name' => 'Poging',
             'email' => 'herkan@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
         ]);
 
         $response->assertStatus(200);
@@ -269,6 +298,7 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
             'first_name' => 'Test',
             'last_name' => 'Persoon',
             'email' => 'test@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
         ]);
 
         $response->assertStatus(422);
@@ -280,6 +310,7 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
             'first_name' => 'Bas',
             'last_name' => 'van Dijk',
             'email' => 'bas@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
             'availabilities' => [
                 ['time_slot_id' => '01JNONEXISTENT00000000000', 'preference_level' => 3],
             ],
@@ -439,6 +470,8 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_volunteer_can_register_with_field_values(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
+
         $selectField = RegistrationFormField::factory()->selectField()->create([
             'event_id' => $this->event->id,
             'sort_order' => 0,
@@ -453,6 +486,7 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
             'first_name' => 'Noor',
             'last_name' => 'Janssen',
             'email' => 'noor@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
             'field_values' => [
                 $selectField->slug => 'L',
                 $textField->slug => 'Ik ben een ervaren vrijwilliger',
@@ -478,6 +512,8 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_volunteer_can_register_with_section_preferences(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
+
         $section1 = FestivalSection::factory()->create([
             'event_id' => $this->event->id,
             'name' => 'Hoofdpodium Bar',
@@ -492,6 +528,7 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
             'first_name' => 'Rick',
             'last_name' => 'Peters',
             'email' => 'rick@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
             'section_preferences' => [
                 ['festival_section_id' => $section1->id, 'priority' => 1],
                 ['festival_section_id' => $section2->id, 'priority' => 2],
@@ -517,6 +554,8 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
 
     public function test_volunteer_can_register_with_multiselect_field_values(): void
     {
+        Mail::fake();
+
         $multiselectField = RegistrationFormField::factory()->multiselectField()->create([
             'event_id' => $this->event->id,
         ]);
@@ -525,6 +564,7 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
             'first_name' => 'Femke',
             'last_name' => 'de Jong',
             'email' => 'femke@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
             'field_values' => [
                 $multiselectField->slug => ['Vegetarisch', 'Glutenvrij'],
             ],
@@ -546,6 +586,196 @@ class VolunteerRegistrationTest extends TestCase
         $this->assertEquals(['Vegetarisch', 'Glutenvrij'], $value->selected_options);
     }
 
+    // ─── User Account Creation ──────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    public function test_new_volunteer_registration_creates_user_account(): void
+    {
+        Mail::fake();
+
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
+            'first_name' => 'Nieuwe',
+            'last_name' => 'Vrijwilliger',
+            'email' => 'nieuw@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertStatus(201);
+
+        $this->assertDatabaseHas('users', [
+            'email' => 'nieuw@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'first_name' => 'Nieuwe',
+            'last_name' => 'Vrijwilliger',
+        ]);
+
+        $user = User::where('email', 'nieuw@voorbeeld.nl')->first();
+
+        $this->assertDatabaseHas('persons', [
+            'email' => 'nieuw@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'user_id' => $user->id,
+            'event_id' => $this->event->id,
+        ]);
+    }
+
+    public function test_returning_volunteer_with_correct_password_creates_person(): void
+    {
+        Mail::fake();
+
+        $existingUser = User::factory()->create([
+            'first_name' => 'Terug',
+            'last_name' => 'Keerder',
+            'email' => 'terug@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => Hash::make('bestaandwachtwoord'),
+        ]);
+
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
+            'first_name' => 'Terug',
+            'last_name' => 'Keerder',
+            'email' => 'terug@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'bestaandwachtwoord',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertStatus(201);
+
+        $this->assertDatabaseHas('persons', [
+            'email' => 'terug@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'user_id' => $existingUser->id,
+            'event_id' => $this->event->id,
+        ]);
+
+        // Should not have created a new user
+        $this->assertEquals(1, User::where('email', 'terug@voorbeeld.nl')->count());
+    }
+
+    public function test_returning_volunteer_with_wrong_password_returns_422(): void
+    {
+        User::factory()->create([
+            'email' => 'bestaand@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => Hash::make('echtgeheim'),
+        ]);
+
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
+            'first_name' => 'Fout',
+            'last_name' => 'Wachtwoord',
+            'email' => 'bestaand@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'foutwachtwoord',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertStatus(422);
+        $response->assertJsonValidationErrors('password');
+    }
+
+    public function test_registration_sends_confirmation_email(): void
+    {
+        Mail::fake();
+
+        $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
+            'first_name' => 'Mail',
+            'last_name' => 'Test',
+            'email' => 'mailtest@voorbeeld.nl',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
+        ]);
+
+        Mail::assertQueued(RegistrationConfirmationMail::class, function ($mail) {
+            return $mail->hasTo('mailtest@voorbeeld.nl');
+        });
+    }
+
+    public function test_email_is_always_stored_lowercase(): void
+    {
+        Mail::fake();
+
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
+            'first_name' => 'Hoofdletter',
+            'last_name' => 'Email',
+            'email' => 'HOOFDLETTER@VOORBEELD.NL',
+            'password' => 'wachtwoord123',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertStatus(201);
+
+        $this->assertDatabaseHas('persons', [
+            'email' => 'hoofdletter@voorbeeld.nl',
+        ]);
+
+        $this->assertDatabaseHas('users', [
+            'email' => 'hoofdletter@voorbeeld.nl',
+        ]);
+    }
+
+    public function test_password_required_for_unauthenticated_registration(): void
+    {
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", [
+            'first_name' => 'Zonder',
+            'last_name' => 'Wachtwoord',
+            'email' => 'geenww@voorbeeld.nl',
+        ]);
+
+        $response->assertStatus(422);
+        $response->assertJsonValidationErrors('password');
+    }
+
+    public function test_password_not_required_for_authenticated_registration(): void
+    {
+        Mail::fake();
+
+        $user = User::factory()->create([
+            'first_name' => 'Auth',
+            'last_name' => 'User',
+            'email' => 'authuser@voorbeeld.nl',
+        ]);
+        $this->organisation->users()->attach($user, ['role' => 'org_member']);
+        Sanctum::actingAs($user);
+
+        $response = $this->postJson("/api/v1/events/{$this->event->id}/volunteer-register", []);
+
+        $response->assertStatus(201);
+    }
+
+    // ─── Registration Data Endpoint ─────────────────────────────────────
+
+    public function test_registration_data_includes_registration_fields(): void
+    {
+        $field = RegistrationFormField::factory()->selectField()->create([
+            'event_id' => $this->event->id,
+            'is_portal_visible' => true,
+            'is_admin_only' => false,
+        ]);
+
+        $response = $this->getJson("/api/v1/public/events/{$this->event->slug}/registration-data");
+
+        $response->assertOk();
+        $response->assertJsonPath('data.registration_fields.0.slug', $field->slug);
+    }
+
+    public function test_registration_data_excludes_admin_only_fields(): void
+    {
+        RegistrationFormField::factory()->selectField()->create([
+            'event_id' => $this->event->id,
+            'is_portal_visible' => true,
+            'is_admin_only' => true,
+        ]);
+
+        $response = $this->getJson("/api/v1/public/events/{$this->event->slug}/registration-data");
+
+        $response->assertOk();
+        $response->assertJsonCount(0, 'data.registration_fields');
+    }
+
+    public function test_registration_data_includes_form_toggles(): void
+    {
+        $response = $this->getJson("/api/v1/public/events/{$this->event->slug}/registration-data");
+
+        $response->assertOk();
+        $response->assertJsonStructure([
+            'data' => [
+                'event' => [
+                    'registration_show_section_preferences',
+                    'registration_show_availability',
+                ],
+            ],
+        ]);
+    }
+
     public function test_portal_me_includes_field_values_and_section_preferences(): void
     {
         $user = User::factory()->create(['first_name' => 'Lotte', 'last_name' => 'Vos']);