Swiss eID - The new law, an overview of the digital identity solution
Read here how Switzerland is redefining digital identity verification at a national level with the new eID, and how PXL Vision is already offering companies solutions for securely verifying identities - with and without the eID.
DEFINITION What is the Swiss eID?
The planned state electronic identity, the eID for Switzerland, will enable citizens and companies to identify themselves digitally in future. The aim is to simplify access to digital administrative services, e-commerce offerings and online platforms, all while meeting the highest security and data protection standards.
The federal government will manage the solution entirely. Users will retain ownership of their identity; the state will merely provide the infrastructure. The goal is to establish a reliable, state-guaranteed digital identity that can be utilised by both public authorities and private enterprises.
BACKGROUND From a rejection to a fresh start
Following the negative referendum result in 2021, the federal government revised the concept fundamentally. In the subsequent referendum in September 2025, the new eID Act was narrowly passed with 50.4 per cent in favour. It is now in the final stages of preparation and is scheduled for introduction in 2026.
- State responsibility: Only the federal government may issue eIDs.
- Data protection by design: Data is stored decentrally.
- Voluntary participation: Use of the eID is optional.
- Compatibility: The solution should be interoperable with the EU eIDAS Regulation.
This is Switzerland's response to the need for a transparent, confident identity solution that fosters trust among citizens and businesses alike.
OUTLOOK Introduction in stages: The path to Swiss eID
Establishing a legal basis
The Federal Act on Electronic Identification Services (E-IDG) aims to define responsibilities and security standards. Following its approval in a referendum on 28 September 2025, the Act is now being implemented. The eID is planned to be introduced in the third quarter of 2026.
Technical implementation by the federal government
The eID is a digital wallet solution. The new Swiyu app is used for administration, verification and communication.
Pilot phase and rollout
Initial tests are being conducted in collaboration with federal agencies and selected partners. A nationwide rollout is planned for 2026.
Integration into business and administration
Authorities, banks and companies will gradually integrate the e-ID into their processes, e.g. for digital contract conclusions or age verification.
eID and digital identity verification:
Two scenarios, one goal
The new eID sets a recognised state standard. However, not all citizens will be able or willing to use it. This was evident in the referendum on 28 September 2025, when the new eID law was narrowly approved with 50.4 % of voters in favour and 49.6 % against. This close result indicates ongoing scepticism regarding government digital identity solutions, particularly with regard to data protection and control over personal data. Consequently, companies require flexible identification solutions that combine eID-based and alternative methods.
PXL Vision offers solutions for both scenarios
Not all users will want to use the eID, whether for technical, legal or personal reasons.
WITH eID
Seamless verification via government identity – ideal for government processes, banks or insurers.
WITHOUT eID
Verify your digital identity securely using AI-based methods such as online identification or auto-identification. This is ideal for people who cannot obtain or use an eID, or who do not want one for whatever reason.
How companies in Switzerland benefit from the eID
The Swiss eID creates new possibilities for secure customer interactions, especially in regulated industries such as financial services, insurance, and telecommunications.
Benefits for businesses:
- Automated digital onboarding and contract signing
- Faster verifications according to KYC or KYB requirements
- Fraud prevention
- Seamless integration into existing systems
NEXT STEPS What companies should do now
Follow developments in the eID Act and review internal requirements.
Which of your processes benefit from digital identity verification with the new eID?
Choose solutions that support both eID and alternative methods.
With PXL Vision, you can seamlessly implement your identification processes on two tracks – one solution for eID AND traditional ID documents.
Challenges on the path to eID in Switzerland
1. Trust and acceptance
For eID to be successful, citizens must develop trust in the solution. For eID to become established in practice, data protection, transparency and user-friendliness are crucial.
2. Technical interoperability
In the long term, Switzerland is working on a solution that will be compatible with the European eIDAS Regulation. While this technical harmonisation is challenging, it is essential for cross-border applications.
3. Integration into existing systems
In order to support both e-ID-based and alternative identification methods, companies need to adapt their digital processes. PXL Vision can help with this, offering modular solutions that can be flexibly adapted to all requirements.
VISION eID as the key to a digital Switzerland
By introducing the e-ID, Switzerland is establishing a secure and consistent identity infrastructure that will link citizens, businesses, and public authorities. This will lay the groundwork for digital contracts, online services and automated processes, while also bolstering data protection and fostering trust.
PXL Vision is supporting this change by providing solutions that promote sovereign identities and enable seamless user experiences. We will monitor further developments closely and update this page regularly.
Prepare your systems for the eID
With PXL Vision, you can design efficient identification processes that are secure, flexible and future-proof, with or without e-ID. With or without e-ID.
Let's explore the options available to you today and ensure you are e-ID ready from the outset.
FAQ on eID
The responsibility lies entirely with the federal government. It provides the infrastructure, regulates data security and certifies the service providers involved. Private providers such as PXL Vision can technically integrate e-ID procedures, but do not have access to government identity data.
The Swiss eID is a national solution with a focus on data protection and self-determination.
The EU solution (EUDI Wallet) is based on the eIDAS 2.0 Regulation and creates a uniform Europe-wide framework for digital identities. Both systems are intended to be interoperable in the future.
Following the adoption of the eID Act in the referendum on 28 September 2025, the project is now in the implementation phase. The introduction is planned for the third quarter of 2026 at the earliest, initially with a pilot phase.