The Swiss electronic identity card will allow its holders to request official documents online, such as a criminal record extract or a driver's license.
It will also offer the possibility, among other things, to prove one's age during a purchase in the physical world. Additionally, authorities will be able to use it to issue a hunting permit or a residency certificate, for example.
The Electronic Identity Card (e-ID) will be Deployed from 2026:
The Swiss government’s electronic identity project has received unanimous approval from the Council of States on Tuesday, September 10, reports the Swiss newspaper Le Temps.
Once the project is finalized, Swiss citizens and foreigners with a residence permit are expected to have access to these electronic identity cards (e-ID) from 2026. Applications can be made online or at the passport office.
This new document will be available for anyone who has a Swiss identity card or passport, or a residence permit for foreigners, once it is officially launched in less than two years.
The new Swiss e-ID will allow its holders to maintain maximum control over their data. In this regard, Swiss Council of States member Matthias Michel emphasized the need for "data security" to be "guaranteed."
The Swiss e-ID "Will Be Optional, Free, and Easy to Use for Everyone":
Justice Minister Beat Jans assured that the e-ID, available from 2026, "will be optional, free, and easy to use for everyone."
However, it will be rolled out alongside the physical card. All administrative procedures that can be conducted virtually will still be possible in person.
On the other hand, all Swiss authorities that accept the principle of electronic identity proof will be required to accept the new electronic identity as a valid form of identification.
Additionally, the e-ID will meet international standards, allowing its holders to use it abroad.
When the new identity card is rolled out, individuals wishing to obtain it will need to download an application that functions as a wallet. They will then need to request an e-ID from the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol).
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