EU Identity Card Application Guide 2025 - All 27 Countries
Official requirements, processing times & costs for all EU member states
Last updated: July 2025
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Your complete guide to EU identity cards in 2025.
Official requirements for all 27 EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Popular searches: Nederlandse identiteitskaart • Carte d'identité française • Personalausweis • Carta d'identità
✓ All information checked & updated regularly.
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Why use EUIdentityCard.eu?
All requirements, application and renewal info for each EU country
Official sources, links and photo rules
Tips for expats, travelers and students
"Found all the info I needed for my Italian carta d'identità in seconds. Saved me hours at the consulate!"
— Maria S., American expat in Rome applying for Italian ID through jure sanguinis
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⚡ Express Service (1-3 days): Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Austria
🚀 Fast Processing (5-7 days): France, Italy, Spain, Portugal
📅 Standard Processing (10-30 days): Poland, Ireland, Greece, Romania
Most EU countries offer expedited service for urgent travel needs
Tip: Most country pages are available in the local language and English. All external links go directly to official government sources.
EU Identity Card FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions 2025
How do I apply for an EU identity card?
EU citizens can apply for identity cards at their local municipality or city hall. Requirements vary by country but typically include: proof of citizenship, biometric photo, current address proof, and payment of fees (€20-65). Choose your country above for specific instructions.
Can expats or travelers apply for an EU ID card?
Yes, but the procedure and requirements differ per country. Check your destination country page for details.
Can I use an online photo service like Rostrio for my passport photo?
Most EU countries accept high-quality online biometric photos. Rostrio offers manually checked, officially accepted photos for every EU country.
What should I do if I lose my ID card abroad?
Contact your country's embassy or consulate as soon as possible for a replacement or emergency document.
I'm American with European grandparents - can I get an EU ID?
First you need EU citizenship. Ireland accepts applications through grandparents, Italy has no generational limit, and Poland requires documentation. Once you have citizenship, you can apply for that country's ID card.
Which EU citizenship is easiest for Americans?
Ireland is typically fastest (6-9 months) if you have an Irish-born grandparent. Italy takes longer (2-4 years) but has no generational limit. Check our country pages for specific requirements.
What are the requirements for an EU identity card?
Common requirements across all EU countries include: proof of EU citizenship, biometric photo meeting ICAO standards, proof of residence, valid identification, and payment of fees. Specific requirements vary by country - select your country above for detailed information.
Can I apply for an EU ID card online?
Many EU countries now offer online application or appointment booking: Netherlands (DigiD), Estonia (e-Estonia), Portugal (ePortugal), and Spain (Cita Previa). However, you typically still need to visit in person for biometric data collection.