The electronic residence title , Date: 2024.03.01, format: Article, area: Migration and residence

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The electronic residence title is issued as a cheque card-sized plastic card. It contains an electronic storage medium (chip) on which personal data are stored (e. g. name, date of birth, nationality and address), along with biometric characteristics (photograph and fingerprints) and ancillary provisions (requirements and conditions). As such, the electronic residence title also has an online ID function which enables government services and commercial online services to be used quickly and simply via the Internet. The personal data are always reliably protected against theft and abuse. Use of the online ID function is voluntary.

Residence titles are now only issued on paper forms in exceptional cases for temporary use. Visas are always applied to the travel document as an adhesive label.

The most important Internet sites relating to the online ID function

  • www.ausweisapp.bund.de: For downloading the free AusweisApp2 and where to phone in and e-mail to get support
  • www.bsi-fuer-buerger.de: Helpful information on your security on the Internet

Blocking hotline - available non-stop 24/7

  • 116 116 toll-free in Germany
  • 0049-116 116 or 0049-30 4050 4050 from abroad (subject to charges)

The legal basis

  • Sections 78 and 78a of the Residence Act
  • Section 57a of the Residence Act
  • Section 61h of the Residence Ordinance (Aufenthaltsverordnung - AufenthV)