App is designed to store " Residence permit " and other documents
The German federal government now plans to introduce the so-called European Digital Identity Wallet in Germany as well. It is known as the EUDI Wallet for short. It is based on an EU regulation that applies in all member states.
The digital wallet (EUDI Wallet) is a smartphone app. It is designed to allow users to store their identity information—such as the electronic Residence permit (eAT), the eID card for EU citizens, and the German national ID card—as well as various other forms of identification.
Users will then be able to use the app to verify their identity with government agencies, banks, companies, and other organizations. Secure electronic signatures will also be available, allowing users to sign applications, declarations, or contracts directly from their smartphones, for example.
The EUDI Wallet is intended to work not only in Germany but also in other countries of the European Union. Use of the app is voluntary. The electronic Residence permit, the national ID card, and the eID card will continue to be issued and used as traditional cards.
It is not yet clear what information from the electronic " Residence permit " will later be stored in the app. For example, it is not yet certain whether the type and validity period of the residence permit or the work permit will be displayed there.
Fewer appointments at the " Foreigners' office" in the future?
The app is also designed to simplify certain administrative procedures. For example, anyone submitting an application to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees ( Foreigners' office ) should be able to verify their identity digitally using the app. An additional appointment with the agency would then no longer be necessary if the sole purpose is to verify identity.
Applicants would then only need to appear in person if, for example, the agency needs to take their fingerprints, verify a new photo, or check original documents.
The app is also intended to simplify the exchange of documents and supporting evidence between government agencies and applicants. The EUDI Wallet is designed to store so-called “electronic attribute certificates.” These may include, for example, proof of age, proof of education or qualifications, professional licenses, and other official certificates.
In the future, it should be easier to exchange these documents between the app and the authorities. This would mean that applicants would not have to resubmit certain documents over and over again. This could also help with procedures related to residence permits, family reunification, or Naturalization .
This requires that the relevant authorities connect their systems to the EUDI Wallet. The speed at which this happens may vary depending on the city, county, or state.
Conclusion: What happens now?
Germany plans to introduce the digital wallet. This is a smartphone app that will allow users to easily verify their identity and store and send important documents digitally.
People with a Residence permit should be able to use the app, for example, to more easily verify their identity when submitting applications to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees ( Foreigners' office ), banks, or other companies. This could reduce the need for in-person appointments with government agencies in certain cases.
Use of the app is optional. The electronic " Residence permit " will continue to be available as a plastic card. It is also not yet clear exactly which information from the " Residence permit " will be stored in the app.
Important: The law has not yet taken effect. The next step is for the federal government’s draft bill to be debated and passed by the Bundestag. The Bundesrat must also give its approval. According to current plans, the first version of the government-run EUDI wallet is scheduled to be released in early 2027.
