eID-Karte als europäische Bürgerin oder europäischer Bürger beantragen

If you are a citizen of the European Union or a member of the European Economic Area, you can apply for an eID card to be able to identify yourself online.

The eID card is a chip card that allows you to prove your identity electronically. With the eID card, you can identify yourself online and, for example, take care of administrative procedures or business matters digitally.

You can obtain the German eID card as a citizen of another member state of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (European Economic Area) – regardless of whether you live in Germany or not.

As a citizen of these countries, the online ID function of the eID card offers you the same electronic function as the German electronic identity card or the electronic residence permit in Germany. You can apply for the eID card regardless of whether your home country has an eID system or not.

If you use the eID card, you can decide for yourself and control whether and to whom you transmit personal data digitally.

• ID card (identity card), passport or other valid identity document issued by your home country

If you have moved to Germany and have not yet registered, you must first register with a German registration office (usually: Bürgeramt). You can find out which documents are required for registration from your registration office.

They are

• at least 16 years old and
• Citizen of another state of the European Union or
• Citizen of another state of the European Economic Area.

• Issuance of the eID card: EUR 37.00

You can apply for the eID card in person at the Citizens' Registration Office for your place of residence.

• Contact your citizens' office and make an appointment if necessary.

• Validity of the eID card: 10 years

• Action before the Administrative Court

• eID card for EU citizens and nationals of the European Economic Area Exhibition

• Chip card for electronic proof of identity, e.g. for digital administrative procedures or digital services offered by private providers

• for citizens

  • from 16 years of age
  • from EU member states (except Germany) or
  • from countries of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway)

• no need to live in Germany

• Online ID function corresponds to that of the German identity card or electronic residence permit

• responsible in Germany: eID authorities of the federal states (usually: citizens' offices)

• responsible abroad (as of 1 November 2021): the diplomatic missions of the Federal Republic of Germany designated by the Federal Foreign Office

Forms: no

Online procedure possible: no

Written form required: no

Personal appearance required: yes