Austria E-Card Application And Photo

The Austrian e-Card is a health insurance card that grants access to medical services in Austria. It's an essential item for getting medical care easily. Additionally, the e-Card can be used as a Citizen Card (Bürgerkarte) for secure identification and electronic signatures for online government services, like filing taxes or confirming registrations.

This article will guide you on how to get e-Card Austria, who needs one, and how to create an eCard photo online or with a phone.

Table of contents

• Who Needs an E-Card in Austria?
• Automatic E-Card Issuance
• Submitting a Photo for E-Card Application
• E-Card Photo Requirements
• Make a E-Card Photo Online
• ID Photo App
• E-Card Processing Time
• Transition Period and Temporary Voucher for e-Card Applicants
• Is Your e-Card Still Valid Without a Photo on it?

Who Needs an E-Card in Austria?

Everyone registered with Austria's social insurance system must hold an e-Card, serving as proof of coverage for accessing healthcare services. This includes all Austrian citizens over the age of 14, as photo e-Cards became mandatory for new issuances since 2020. Children up to 13 years and 10 months receive non-photo e-Cards that get blocked at age 14 unless exempted.

Foreign residents in Austria enrolled in the social insurance system also require an e-Card, applicable to holders of various residence permits, work visas, or EU mobility documents. Non-EU nationals typically need to register in person with a recent passport photo (ID-compliant, not older than 6 months), social security number, and valid travel documents. Exceptions include children under 14, persons over 70 at issuance, or those in care levels 4-7 who may receive non-photo versions .

Automatic E-Card Issuance

For approximately 85% of e-Card holders, the new photo e-Card is issued automatically if a compliant photo exists in Austrian registers or official ID documents. This streamlined process applies to documents such as:

• Austrian passport
• Austrian identity card (Personalausweis)
• Austrian driving license (credit card format)
• Foreign nationals register documents (Fremdenpass, Konventionsreisepass, Aufenthaltstitel, Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte, Daueraufenthalt-EU, Blaue Karte EU)

In these cases, the photo transfers directly to the e-Card without additional action from the holder, arriving by mail before the old card expires. EU Blue Card holders benefit from automatic photo integration from their residence permit. If no suitable photo is on file, manual application via the ÖGK is required with a new biometric photo submission.

Submitting a Photo for E-Card Application

If you need to provide a photo for your Austrian e-Card, follow these steps:

1. Obtain and complete an e-Card application form, then bring a passport-sized photo (meeting biometric ID standards) to your regional ÖGK service office or designated registration point. Lists of offices are available on the official e-Card portal (chipkarte.at).
2. Make sure your photo meets passport photo standards. You need to hand it in personally and show your card, identity card, and proof of citizenship in their original forms.

There are some exceptions to needing a photo on your e-Card:

• Children under 14 years old do not need a photo on their e-Card.
• Individuals who turn 70 in the year the new e-Card is issued, or those classified under care levels 4, 5, 6, or 7, do not need a photo either.
• Holders of the EU Blue Card automatically have their photo transferred, as this card is issued in credit card format and doubles as a residence and work permit.

E-Card Photo Requirements

Your e-Card ID Austria photo must follow these guidelines, similar to Austrian passport photo standards:

• The photo must be 35mm x 45mm in size.
• The head (from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should be about 34.5 mm tall. There should be 3 mm of space from the top of the hair to the top of the photo.
• Use a light gray background without any patterns, shadows, or distractions.
• Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed; don't smile or frown.
• Face straight ahead so that your face is fully visible and centered in the photo.
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible. If you wear glasses, only do so if medically necessary, and make sure there's no reflection or glare on the lenses.
• The photo must be taken within the last six months.
• The photo must be in color.

Make a E-Card Photo Online

Avoid the hassle and get your photo for e-Card in Austria online! Use Visafoto.com, a top-notch photo editing service boasting a 99.7% approval rate.

All you have to do is take a photo against a plain white background and upload it to Visafoto.com. We'll handle all the adjustments, including size, format, background color, and face positioning to meet official requirements. Plus, if you're not happy with the final result, we'll give you a full refund.

First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this one:

You'll get a digital copy suitable for online submissions and a print-ready file.

ID Photo App

How can I make an e-Card photo with a phone? Check out the 7ID app from Visafoto. This user-friendly app lets you take and edit ID, passport, or visa photos directly on your iPhone or Android device. 7ID uses advanced algorithms to enhance your photo.

Just upload your photo to the app, select your country, and choose the type of document you need. The app will take care of resizing the photo and correctly positioning your face and eyes.

You'll receive a digital file and a print template. If you have any questions, our 24/7 technical support team is ready to assist you.

E-Card Processing Time

Once you submit your photo and application at an ÖGK service office, processing typically takes 2-4 weeks for the new photo e-Card to be produced and mailed to your registered address.

In some cases, especially during peak periods or if additional verification is needed, it may extend up to 6 weeks; track status online via the e-Card portal if delayed. Until receipt, use your old e-Card or insurance confirmation for medical services.

Transition Period and Temporary Voucher for e-Card Applicants

In Austria, if requested to provide a photo for your e-Card update, a legal transition period of 150 days begins from the notification date. During this time, you can access medical treatment using your existing e-Card, social security number (SVN), or insurance confirmation alongside valid photo ID.

This grace period accommodates photo submission and processing without service interruption. Fact-check confirms the 150-day rule applies specifically to photo-mandated transitions since the 2020 rollou.

If you've lost your e-Card, apply for a replacement at your local ÖGK/Gesundheitskasse office with ID and proof of insurance. For immediate needs while awaiting a new or replacement e-Card, request a temporary electronic voucher (Provisorische e-Card-Berechtigungsschein) from your health insurance provider.

This digital or printed voucher grants full healthcare access equivalent to a valid e-Card until your permanent card arrives by mail. Always carry valid ID with the voucher.

Is Your e-Card Still Valid Without a Photo on it?

Since January 1, 2020, all new or replacement e-Cards issued to individuals aged 14 and older must include a clear photo of the cardholder. The mandatory transition required all non-photo e-Cards for eligible holders to be replaced by December 31, 2024, though many received automatic updates earlier.

Non-photo e-Cards remain fully valid until their printed expiration date for specific exempted groups:

• Children under 14 years old (automatically blocked at age 14 unless exempted) .
• Individuals who turned 70 in the year of issuance or hold non-photo cards due to age .
• Persons in care levels 4, 5, 6, or 7 (Pflegegeld levels requiring assistance) .

If you fall into these categories, no action is needed—your current e-Card provides full healthcare access nationwide until expiry. Others must update promptly to avoid service denial.

Last updated: 2026-02-19