European Digital Identity Information Portal EU Digital Identity Wallet initiative
EU Digital Identity
Information based on publicly available EU documentation
European Digital Identity Wallet

What the EU Digital ID is, why it matters and how it will work

This page provides a neutral, factual description of the European Digital Identity Wallet. The information is based on regulations and public material from the European Union. It is written for citizens, residents, businesses and organisations that want a clear overview in plain language.

Scope: European Union
Topic: Digital identity and eIDAS 2.0
Audience: Citizens, businesses, public sector

This is an informational page. It does not collect personal data and does not provide technical support for specific national identity systems.

Quick facts at a glance

What it is
EU Digital Identity Wallet

A secure digital wallet that holds identity documents, credentials and verification data for use across the European Union.

Who can use it
Citizens and residents

Intended for EU citizens, residents and businesses that interact with public and private services.

Main purpose
Trusted digital identity

Provide a unified, privacy focused way to prove identity, sign documents and access services in different EU countries.

Rollout
Phased introduction

Pilots, national wallet apps and gradual adoption from the mid 2020s onwards. Timelines differ between member states.

Why the EU Digital ID exists

The European Digital Identity Wallet is part of the broader eIDAS 2.0 framework. It responds to a number of long term challenges in digital identity and cross border services.

  • Digital identity is fragmented. Countries use different national schemes and log in methods that are not always compatible.
  • Cross border activity is growing. Citizens work, study and live in more than one country and interact with administrations in several member states.
  • Organisations must repeat identity checks. Banks, telecom providers, universities and platforms must carry out separate procedures and document checks for the same person.
  • Fraud and document tampering remain a risk. The EU wants more secure and verifiable credentials that are difficult to falsify.
  • There is demand for user controlled identity tools. People want ways to share only the information that is needed, rather than whole documents.
  • Public services are becoming fully digital. A common standard makes it easier to offer secure online services in all member states.

The aim is to raise trust in digital services, support the internal market and give individuals more control over how their identity data is used.

How the EU Digital ID works in practice

The EU Digital Identity Wallet is based on a three part model. It combines a user controlled wallet application, verified credentials and services that accept those credentials under common rules.

1. The user
  • Installs a national or EU compliant wallet application.
  • Authenticates with biometrics, a PIN code or a secure device login.
  • Chooses which documents or attributes to store in the wallet.
  • Decides which data to share with each service.
2. The digital identity wallet
  • Holds verified identity documents and credentials such as national ID, driving licence, diploma or health card.
  • Can support payment instruments for secure transactions in certain use cases.
  • Uses strong encryption and secure elements on the device.
  • Supports selective disclosure through technologies that allow proof of attributes without revealing full details.
3. Services and platforms
  • Government portals, tax and social security systems.
  • Banks, payment providers and other financial institutions.
  • Universities, schools and professional bodies.
  • Telecom providers and large online platforms.
  • Private businesses that choose to integrate EU wallet support.

All participants operate under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation. This defines how trust services work, which security requirements apply and how wallets and credentials are recognised across borders.

Key features of the EU Digital Identity Wallet

Cross border recognition

A wallet issued in one member state should be accepted by services in other member states that participate in the scheme. This supports work, travel and study across borders.

Verified digital documents

The wallet can contain electronic versions of public documents and credentials. These are issued by authorities or trusted entities and can be checked electronically.

Qualified electronic signatures

The system supports electronic signatures that have legal effect comparable to handwritten signatures under EU law. This enables fully digital contracting and administration.

Consent based data sharing

The wallet allows users to share specific attributes. For example, proof that the holder is over 18 years old without revealing full date of birth or address.

Security and encryption

Wallets and credentials are secured using modern cryptography. National and EU level supervision applies to identity providers and trust services.

Potential payment integration

In some scenarios the wallet may support secure payment initiation alongside identity verification. This area is evolving and depends on cooperation between payment and identity frameworks.

Rollout and implementation timeline

The EU Digital Identity Wallet is not introduced on a single fixed date. It follows a phased process in which regulations, technical standards and national systems are aligned.

  • 2021 to 2023 The European Commission proposed revisions to the eIDAS regulation and the institutions agreed on eIDAS 2.0. Work started on the concept of a European Digital Identity Wallet.
  • 2024 to 2025 Technical standards and reference architectures were drafted and refined. Large scale pilot projects began in several member states, involving public and private partners.
  • 2026 to 2027 Member states prepared or launched national wallet applications that meet EU specifications. Early users started to access government and selected private services with their wallets.
  • 2028 and beyond Adoption is expected to expand to more sectors. Over time, the aim is that citizens can use the wallet for a wide range of cross border services in a consistent way.

The exact timing and scope vary between countries. Adoption depends on technical readiness, legal decisions and user demand in each member state.

Uses and benefits for citizens and organisations

For citizens and residents

  • Secure log in to tax, social security, healthcare and other public services.
  • Easier access to services in another EU country when studying, working or living abroad.
  • Ability to store and reuse verified documents in digital form instead of sending scans or paper copies.
  • Digital signing of contracts, applications and consent forms from a phone or computer.
  • More control over which personal data is shared in each situation.

For businesses and organisations

  • Faster and more reliable identification and onboarding of customers, students or members.
  • Reduced risk of document forgery and impersonation, due to electronically verifiable credentials.
  • Simpler compliance with identity related regulatory requirements where digital identity is recognised.
  • Potential to offer fully digital services that previously required in person identification.
  • A common framework across the EU internal market instead of many separate local solutions.

Risks, challenges and points of attention

Large digital identity systems bring benefits but also raise questions. The EU Digital Identity Wallet is designed with safeguards, but there are areas that deserve continued attention.

  • Privacy and centralisation Some observers are concerned that digital identity tools could lead to centralised tracking. The framework emphasises user control, limited data sharing and legal protections, but implementation quality will be important.
  • Cybersecurity Identity systems can be targets for attack. Wallet applications, backend systems and trust providers all need robust security management and regular updates.
  • Differences between member states Countries start from different positions in terms of digital infrastructure and identity maturity. Adoption will likely be uneven in the first years.
  • Technical complexity for organisations Banks, telecom operators, universities and platforms may need significant technical work to integrate wallet support into their systems.
  • User adoption and trust People will only use the wallet if it feels safe, practical and useful. Clear communication and user friendly design will be important for long term success.

Country by country status overview

The table below provides a high level snapshot of how different EU countries are approaching the digital identity wallet concept. It is not exhaustive and does not replace official national information. It is designed to give readers a general sense of the landscape.

Country or region General status Brief note
Estonia Advanced Longstanding leader in digital identity. Actively involved in wallet pilots and cross border services.
Germany Pilot stage Testing wallet functions with public and private sector partners. Integration is gradual.
Italy Transition Existing SPID and CIE systems are expected to evolve towards EU wallet compatibility.
Spain Active preparation National identity schemes are being aligned with EU wallet specifications and pilot activities.
France Beta testing France Identité and related services are being developed with EU level requirements in mind.
Netherlands In development Work is ongoing to connect national digital identity infrastructure with EU frameworks.
Nordic countries Strong starting point Denmark, Sweden and Finland already have widely used digital identity solutions. These provide a basis for wallet adoption.
Other EU member states Mixed Some countries move quickly with pilots and technical work. Others plan to adopt the wallet model later, once standards and practices are more settled.

For precise and up to date information, users should consult their national government portals or official EU channels.

Official EU documents and public sources

The summaries on this page draw on the following public documents and resources. Readers who need full legal or technical details can consult these sources directly.

Frequently asked questions

The framework is designed to make the wallet widely available, but use by individuals is voluntary. People may still rely on existing identification methods where they are accepted.

Physical identity documents will remain valid and in use for the foreseeable future. Digital identity tools are meant to complement them, especially for online services and some domestic procedures. Rules on travel documents are separate.

The eIDAS 2.0 framework sets security requirements for wallets, identity providers and trust services. These actors must use modern cryptographic methods and are supervised by authorities. No system is completely free of risk, so ongoing security work is an essential part of implementation.

The intention is that users remain in control. Services can request certain attributes, but the wallet should give the holder clear information and a choice to consent before data is shared. Data protection rules also apply.

Yes. Many private organisations can integrate the wallet for identification, onboarding and signing, provided they follow the relevant rules. This includes banks, telecom providers, education providers and some online platforms.

Timelines differ between member states. Pilot projects and early rollouts start in the mid 2020s, with broader availability expected later in the decade. For specific dates readers should check their national government portals.

Information is compiled from open EU sources and may be updated as regulations, technical standards and national implementations evolve. For legally binding information and official guidance readers should consult the websites of the European Union and their national authorities.