German eID Card Application

An eID card is a form of identification for some foreigners living in Germany. Learn the basics of the card and its application below!

Table of contents

German eID Card explained.

The eID is an electronic identification card for citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area member states. It is used for electronic or digital services, such as online identification, vending machines, and self-service terminals in public authorities.

The eID card’s technological basis is the same as the German ID card for Germans.

German ID card for foreigners: rules

The German eID card for foreigners is, as explained above, available only for citizens of the member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area. The online function is no longer optional for cardholders aged 16 and above.

You will only receive your card once you have confirmed that you have received the PIN letter for your card. Once you have received your card, you will need to activate it by replacing the default five-digit pin with a personal six-digit pin.

You can opt for your fingerprints to be saved on the card for security purposes. Not doing it does not give you any disadvantage.

How to apply for an eID card?

If you currently reside in Germany, you can apply for an eID card at your local municipal office by submitting the forms and needed documents.

Since 1 November 2021, you can also get an eID from your local designated German diplomatic missions. The application steps are the same.

After your application is processed and accepted, and you have received your PIN letter, you can collect your card in person by coming to the Embassy or a Consulate General and confirming in writing that you have received the PIN letter.

Documents required for eID application

Here are the documents needed for the German eID application:

German ID photo requirements

Make sure that the photo you use for the eID application fulfils the following requirements:

Here is an example:

German ID photo

Get a German ID photo online!

Save time and resources and trust professionals on Visafoto to take care of your ID card photo, all without leaving the comfort of your own home. This option can also save you money, as you won’t need to visit a photo studio and print it yourself with a high-quality printer and photo paper.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.
Additional options
Upload photo & Continue

Source

Source photo example that you need to take in order to make a passport or visa photo at visafoto.com

Result

Result example: a correct visa or passport photo that you will receive

Just take a portrait of yourself in good lighting and upload it to our tool below. You will get two files from Visafoto: a digital photo and a template ready for printing!

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

Оriginal photo

You will have two types of photos: a digital one for electronic applications and another one suitable for printing.

Here they are:

Example photo for German ID photo
Photos for German ID photo for printing

eID Card application fee

The issuing fee of the German eID card is 37 euros.

eID Card renewal

The German eID card is valid for 10 years. If yours is about to expire, it cannot be extended, but you may apply for a new one, given that you demonstrate a legitimate interest in having a new one. The process to renew a your German eID is the same as applying for a new one, with the addition of having to bring your old ID upon application.

Download and install the Visafoto (7ID) app on your phone! Download and install the Visafoto (7ID) app on your phone!

  • Access to complete photo history
  • Support for paid photos through the in-app chat
  • 7ID includes free QR and barcode storage, free PIN code storage, and a free signature maker

Download 7ID App for iOS   Download 7ID App for Android

Visit the 7ID website for more information >

© 2014-2024 Visafoto.com | Get photo | Requirements | Contacts | Refund policy | Shipping policy | Terms of Service | Privacy policy
Photographer's guide | Other languages | Blog | Visafoto Reviews | Visafoto Prices | Is Visafoto Legitimate? | Visafoto Free Alternative | The Diversity Visa Lottery 2025 Dates: A Time Guide | Free Green Card Lottery photo checker | DV Lottery photo | US Photo Tool problems | 2x2 inches photo | US passport photo | US visa photo | Photo 1x1 inch | Passport size photo | Bangladesh passport photo size | Passport photo background editor | 35x45 mm photo | 4x6 cm photo | Error: Your photo does not need cropping | DV Lottery photo errors | Passport photo with blue background | 3x4 cm photo | Malaysia passport photo size | Canada Visa Photo | US visa types | Emirates passport photo | Printing passport photo | Baby passport photo | Singapore visa photo | Saudi Arabia visa photo | DS-160 Form | Promocode | DV Program: photo, help, form, Q&A, blog. Free!