Apply for an eID card as a European citizen
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.
Process flow
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.
Who should I contact?
The municipality/city administration in whose district you live. In the case of several apartments, where the main residence is.
Requirements
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.
Which documents are required?
- 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.
What are the fees?
- Issuance of the eID card: EUR 37.00
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
- Validity of the eID card: 10 years
Legal basis
§§ 2 to 2a Ordinance on Fees for Identity Cards and Electronic Proof of Identity (PAuswGebV)
Applications / forms
Forms: no
Online procedure possible: no
Written form required: no
Personal appearance required: yes
Appeal
- Action before the Administrative Court
What else should I know?
The eID card has an electronic storage and processing medium (chip) on which the following data is stored:
1. Surname and maiden name,
2. First names,
3. Doctoral degree,
4.Date and place of birth,
5. Address; if the cardholder does not have an apartment in Germany, the indication "no apartment in Germany" can be entered,
6.Nationality,
7. Order name, stage name,
8.Document type and
9.Last day of validity.
The eID card does not contain a photograph or fingerprints.
Technically approved by
Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior and Sport
Author
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
