AusweisApp vs MyGov.be: Complete Comparison

Head-to-Head Comparison

Winner by Category

Architecture and Technical Approach

Germany and Belgium are both eID pioneers with long histories of electronic identity infrastructure, but they have taken remarkably different architectural paths. Germany's AusweisApp implements the Signed Credential with Cloud Support (C') model, anchoring all cryptographic operations in the secure element of the German eID card. This purely government-led approach was developed through SPRIND, BSI, and Bundesdruckerei.

Belgium's approach is unique in Europe through its public-private partnership model. The MyGov.be wallet integrates with itsme, a private-sector digital identity application jointly developed by Belgian banks and mobile operators. This means Belgian citizens can authenticate either through their physical eID card (introduced in 2003) or through the itsme app, giving them flexibility between hardware-backed and software-based authentication. The itsme partnership has been instrumental in driving adoption, with over 7 million users.

The fundamental architectural difference is governance: Germany maintains full government control over the entire identity stack, while Belgium delegates parts of the authentication and user experience to private-sector partners. Both approaches are compliant with eIDAS 2.0.

Security Models Compared

Germany's BSI certification process is among the most rigorous in Europe. The German eID card chip meets EAL5+ Common Criteria evaluation, and every component of the AusweisApp communication chain has been individually certified. The Online-Ausweis has operated since 2010 without a significant security incident, demonstrating 15 years of production-grade resilience.

Belgium brings its own deep security heritage as the Belgian eID card was introduced in 2003, making it one of the world's first national electronic identity cards. The itsme layer adds mobile authentication with SIM-based security elements and biometric verification. Belgium's dual-path model (eID card + itsme) provides redundancy and allows users to choose their preferred security level.

Both countries meet eIDAS 2.0 Level of Assurance High requirements through different means. Germany achieves this entirely through government-certified hardware. Belgium achieves this through a combination of government eID cards and privately operated itsme infrastructure certified to meet national and EU security standards.

User Experience and Adoption

Belgium's greatest strength is its proven adoption numbers. With 7 million itsme users in a population of 11.5 million, Belgium has achieved one of the highest per-capita digital identity adoption rates in Europe. The itsme app's success comes from its integration with both government services and the private sector — Belgians use itsme for banking, insurance, telecom, and government transactions.

Germany's AusweisApp is available but has seen more modest adoption relative to population size. The NFC card requirement adds friction compared to Belgium's option of using the itsme app alone. However, the EUDI Wallet upgrade represents an opportunity for Germany to expand the app's utility beyond authentication to credential management.

Belgium's MyGov.be wallet has been live since May 2024, giving it a significant head start over Germany's early 2027 timeline. Belgian citizens are already experiencing the wallet's document management features, including ID data, certificates, and healthcare cards.

Cross-Border Interoperability

Cross-border interoperability between Germany and Belgium is important given the significant economic ties and the presence of EU institutions in Brussels. German citizens working at EU institutions or conducting business in Belgium need smooth credential recognition, as do Belgians who work for German companies.

Both wallets support the standardized credential formats defined in the EU Architecture Reference Framework. The eIDAS 2.0 regulation mandates that Belgium cannot refuse valid EUDI Wallet credentials from Germany and vice versa. The different underlying architectures are abstracted at the verification layer.

Belgium's position as an EU institutional hub makes it a particularly important testing ground for cross-border wallet interoperability. Belgium participates actively in the EU Large Scale Pilots, generating cross-border usage data that benefits the entire EUDI ecosystem.

Which Should You Choose?

Use the wallet provided by your country of residence. German residents will use AusweisApp once it launches in early 2027. Belgian residents can already use MyGov.be with itsme authentication. Both wallets will provide full EU-wide interoperability.

Germany exemplifies the government-led, hardware-secured, standards-driven model with BSI certification and full open source transparency. Belgium exemplifies the public-private partnership model, demonstrating how collaboration with the private sector through itsme can drive exceptional adoption rates and practical daily utility. Both models provide valuable blueprints for other EU member states.