The residence permit, the settlement permit, the EU permanent residence permit and the EU Blue Card as well as the residence card and the permanent residence card have generally been issued as electronic residence permits (eAT) since September 1, 2011. The residence permit for Swiss nationals and their family members is issued as an electronic residence permit upon application.

If there is a legitimate interest, the residence permit issued in the form of a sticker in the passport can be replaced by an electronic residence permit (eAT) on application to the relevant immigration authority. The previous residence permits in passports and passport replacement documents will remain valid until 31.08.2021 at the latest.

The electronic residence permit is a plastic card in credit card format. It has a contactless chip inside the card on which personal data, biometric features (photograph and two fingerprints) and, if applicable, additional conditions (requirements) are stored. The chip also contains the option of using electronic proof of identity and a qualified electronic signature.

Since September 2021, Braille stickers with the word "ad" (identity document) can be affixed to the back of the eAT for visually impaired persons to make it easier for them to distinguish it from other cards in credit card format (see "Further links").

Detailed information on the electronic use of the card (e.g. online ID function, signature and signature function) can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (see "Related links").