This chapter describes the steps needed to activate Azure SQL Managed Identity, which you can use to access the referenced blob storage container for the BULK INSERT operation.

Activating System-assigned Managed Identity

In the Azure portal, navigate to SQL servers, and select the SQL server governing the designated SQL database:

Open

Navigate to section Identity and turn System assigned managed identity On:

Open

Granting access to the Blob container

Switch to the Blob container which is to be used for the data transfer and select Access Control IAM:

Choose Role Assignments

Click Add → Add role assignment

In Role selection, choose Storage Blob Data Contributor

In the Members tab, Assign access to: Managed identity and via the Select members link

select the correct SQL server

Click the buttons Select and Review + assign to finalize the role assignment.
When the assignment is complete, it is visible in the Notifications: