The Swiss Federal Council has launched the consultation process regarding the introduction of Switzerland’s future biometric identity card.
The procedure, launched on November 12th, follows the announcement by the federal police (Fedpol) on June 30th that it is developing a biometric identity card to be introduced sometime in 2026.
The new card will be equipped with a chip containing two fingerprints and a facial image, just like the current Swiss biometric passport.
“It will therefore offer even more effective protection against misuse,” Fedpol said, adding that “secure and tamper-proof identity documents are essential to prevent identity theft, forgery, and other abuses. Therefore, like banknotes, they must be regularly updated with technological advancements.”
It will still be possible to obtain a non-biometric identity card for use in Switzerland, but for travelling abroad the new version will be needed in the future.
Why is that?
In 2019, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union adopted a regulation stipulating that Member States must issue only biometric identity cards from 2021.
Swiss citizens were able to continue to travel with their current ID cards, but the use of the new version is included in the most recent package of treaties between Bern and Brussels, concluded in December 2024.
Under its terms, “Switzerland is expected to introduce the biometric identity card by the end of 2026, and at the latest one year after the entry into force of the revised Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons,” Fedpol said.
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Non-biometric identity cards issued before this deadline can be used for travel within the EU until their expiry (a maximum of 10 years for adults).
For example, if the revised Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons enters into force in 2027, cards issued up to 2028 will remain valid for travel within the EU until 2038.
On the other hand, non-biometric identity cards issued after 2028 will no longer allow entry into the EU.
“The introduction of the biometric identity card ensures that Swiss citizens can continue to travel freely within the EU. The Swiss biometric passport will also remain a valid alternative international travel,” according to Fedpol.
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Will foreign residents need those cards too?
No.
Like the current ID cards, as well as Swiss passports, only Swiss citizens can avail themselves of the new biometric identity document at their local passport offices.
EU/EFTA residents can continue to use official IDs issued by their countries of citizenship, both within Switzerland and for travelling abroad.
