Switzerland ID Card

Switzerland ID Card – 2025 Guide

The Swiss ID card is a national identity document issued to Swiss citizens. It is valid for both domestic use and international travel within much of Europe and replaces the need for carrying a passport in many situations.

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What Is the Swiss Identity Card?

• Official ID for Swiss nationals
• Issued by canton-level authorities, managed by the Federal Office of Police (fedpol)
• Can be used as a travel document within Schengen and many European countries
• Available to all Swiss citizens, including children and expats

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Key Features of the Swiss ID Card

• Credit card size (ID-1 format)
• Trilingual: German, French, Italian
• Machine-readable zone (MRZ)
• Contains:
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Place of origin (not birthplace)
  • Gender
  • Nationality
  • Document number
  • Expiry and issue dates
  • Passport-style photo
• No biometric chip (unlike the Swiss passport)

The card does not contain fingerprints or digital signatures – it’s a simple but secure document.

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Who Can Get a Swiss ID Card?

Eligible Group	Conditions
Swiss citizens in Switzerland	Apply through your communal or cantonal ID office
Swiss citizens abroad	Apply via your Swiss embassy or consulate
Children	Can be issued from birth; useful for travel

You do not need a Swiss ID card if you already hold a Swiss passport, but having both is common.

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How to Apply – Switzerland

1. Book an appointment with your local municipality (Gemeinde / commune / comune) or use the online cantonal platform
2. Bring required documents:
   • Existing ID or passport
   • Proof of citizenship or civil status (if first time)
   • Passport-style biometric photo
3. Pay the fee (varies by canton)
4. Card will be sent by mail (usually within 10 working days)

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How to Apply – Abroad

Swiss citizens abroad can apply via the nearest Swiss representation (embassy or consulate):

• Submit application and documents in person
• Card is sent to your address abroad or embassy for pickup
• More info: eda.admin.ch

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Switzerland ID Card Fees (2025)

Age Group	Fee (CHF)	Validity
Adults (18+)	70–75	10 years
Children (<18)	35–40	5 years

Some cantons may charge a small processing or postal fee.

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Validity

Holder Age	Card Validity
Under 18	5 years
18 and older	10 years

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Where Can You Travel with the Swiss ID?

The Swiss ID card is valid for travel to the following countries (2025 list):

✅ Schengen & EU countries, including:

• France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, etc.

✅ Also accepted in:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Georgia
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia
• Turkey (for short stays)
• Some microstates: San Marino, Monaco, Vatican City, Andorra

The ID card is not valid for travel to the UK, USA, or non-European countries.

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Lost or Stolen ID Card

1. Report immediately to the local police (get a report)
2. Notify your communal office or Swiss embassy
3. Apply for a replacement
4. Replacement fee is the same as for new issuance

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Swiss ID Card vs Swiss Passport

Feature	ID Card	Passport
Travel validity	Europe (mostly)	Worldwide
Biometric chip	❌ No	✅ Yes
Issuing body	Municipality or embassy	Same
Use for e-ID	❌ Not supported	✅ Supported for Swiss eID
Price (adult)	~70 CHF	~140 CHF

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