The electronic residence title
The existing residence title (sticky label), the residence card and permanent residence card, and the substitute paper identity card have been superseded since 1 September 2011 by the electronic residence title in credit card format.
The electronic residence title has a contactless chip inside the card on which biometric characteristics (photo and two fingerprints), supplementary conditions (requirements) and personal data are stored. In addition, the chip contains the facility to use an electronic proof of identity and a qualified electronic signature.
All EU member states are obliged to introduce the electronic residence title. The basis for this is EU regulations no. 1030/2002 and no. 380/2008.
The aim is to design a uniform residence title for the European Union and, by using biometric data, to increase the connection between document holder and document, and to protect these from abuse. A personal electronic residence title will be issued for every third-country national.
display as attention: Note
Existing residence titles in passports and substitute identity papers will retain their validity until 31 August 2021.
The electronic residence title will open up on-line communication with authorities and administrative offices for foreign nationals as it will for German citizens, and help to save time and money.
The use of the on-line identity functions (electronic proof of identity and electronic signature function) is voluntary and can be switched on and off on request.
The new document will be produced by Bundesdruckerei GmbH in Berlin.
Date 19 January 2011
Find out here about the most important changes to the electronic residence title.
More: At a glance …
The electronic residence title is in ID-1 format. This is the 8.6 cm x 5.4 cm size you may already know from many other plastic cards encountered in daily life.
More: Fact sheet …
The electronic residence title offers a very high level of security for your data. It improves protection from identity theft and ensures that your personal data are secure.
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If you have lost your electronic residence title or it has been stolen find out here how to lock the on-line identification function immediately.
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The online identity function offers new scope for the electronic residence title. This proof of identity allows users to identify themselves securely and clearly on the internet or at vending machines – in the sense of "This is me".
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In order to guarantee that no more personal data than absolutely necessary are transmitted, the electronic residence title is equipped with special functions.
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The electronic residence title has been set up to operate with the qualified electronic signature (QES), also known as the signature function.
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Using both the on-line identification function and the signature function is voluntary. You may decide if you wish to use these functions. For use at home, you will need the following components...
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