Electronic identity (e-ID)

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.

fedpol is the issuing authority for the e-ID

The Confederation will introduce the electronic identity (e-ID) during the first half of 2027. It will be issued by fedpol.

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.