Current projects

These are two separate and independent products, although they are sometimes confused. The biometric identity card is a physical document. It can be used for everyday identification and also allows travel within the Schengen area. The e-ID is a free digital complement to the physical identity card. It is an electronic identity that allows people to prove their identity online. It will be available on a mobile phone through the swiyu Wallet app. The e-ID is not a travel document.

The Confederation will introduce the electronic identity (e-ID) at the earliest in the third quarter of 2026. fedpol will be responsible for the e-ID, using official registers to verify applicants’ identities and issue the e-IDs.
Anyone who applies for the e-ID via the Confederation’s Swiyu app must scan their identity document and provide the following information: last name, first name, date of birth and identity card number. During the second stage, the applicant must take a video of themselves in the app to prove they are a real person (liveness check). To verify the applicant’s identity, the app extracts a reference photo from the video, which it then compares with photos saved in the official registers. If the photos match, the e-ID is immediately sent to the applicant’s smartphone. The process should only take a few minutes. If applicants do not wish to verify their identity online, they can also do so at their local passport office.
The Federal Office of Police is leading the e-ID programme. More information can be found on the e-ID webpage.

The launch of the new biometric identity card is planned for 2 November 2026. Obtaining one will be optional. Like the biometric passport, this card will include a chip containing your personal data, a photo and two digital fingerprints. The digitally signed data saved on the chip will provide additional security against forgery and identity theft. Biometric identity cards will also ensure that Swiss citizens can continue to travel freely within the EU in the long term.
Once the biometric identity card is launched, Swiss citizens will be free to choose which type of identity card they would prefer to receive. The choice will be up to each individual and will depend on their needs:
- for people who travel within the EU, a biometric identity card is recommended;
- for people who use the card only as proof of identity in Switzerland, a non-biometric identity card is sufficient.
It will also be possible to apply for a biometric identity card and passport together, as a combined offer.
You can find more information on the preparations for the launch of the biometric identity card in the fedpol annual report.

Current projects

Biometric identity card vs. e-ID

fedpol is the issuing authority for the e-ID

Biometric identity cards

Press releases

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): biometrische Identitätskarte

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Federal Office of Police fedpol, Communication