All technical information on this page is sourced from official German government repositories, BSI technical guidelines, and public architecture documentation. Last verified: January 29, 2026.
Overview
Germany takes a highly technical, transparent, and security-focused approach to EUDI Wallet implementation. The project is notable for its complete public documentation, open-source requirement, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
🏛️ Official Leadership
- Lead: BMDS (Bundesministerium für Digitales und Staatsmodernisierung)
- Implementation: SPRIND (Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation)
- Security: BSI (Federal Office for Information Security)
- Tech Partner: Bundesdruckerei (government identity tech)
📱 User-Facing App
- App Name: AusweisApp
- History: Official eID software since 2010 (15 years)
- Smart-eID: Store ID directly on smartphone (2021 law)
- Launch: EUDI integration early 2027
Technical Architecture
Architecture Model: C\\' (C-Prime)
Germany uses "Signed Credential with Cloud Support" architecture from the German EUDI Wallet Ecosystem Blueprint.
Key Features:
- ✓ Cryptographically signed credentials
- ✓ Optional cloud backup for convenience
- ✓ User controls data storage location
- ✓ Interoperable with EU EUDI ecosystem
Security Benefits:
- 🔒 Credentials cannot be modified after issuance
- 🔒 Verifiable by any relying party
- 🔒 No central database of user credentials
- 🔒 BSI-certified secure elements
BSI Technical Guidelines
The Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI) publishes complete technical guidelines that define security requirements for German eID infrastructure:
TR-03127: eID Cards
Scope: eID cards with eID and eSign application based on Extended Access Control
Defines the technical specifications for German ID cards (Personalausweis) with embedded eID chip. Referenced by eID-Client and eID-Server infrastructure.
TR-03128: Service Providers
Version: 1.2 (February 26, 2025 - actively maintained)
Scope: Service providers for the eID function
Provides overview of legal and technical requirements for organizations wanting to accept German eID.
- • Part 1: Legal and technical prerequisites
- • Part 2: Organizational and technical security requirements
- • Part 3: PIN Reset Service and Central Writing Service
TR-03130: eID-Server
Scope: Technical specifications for eID server infrastructure (4 parts)
- • Part 1: Functional Specification
- • Part 2: Implementation Details
- • Part 3: eIDAS-Middleware-Service
- • Part 4: Conformance Test Specification
📚 Accessing BSI Guidelines
All BSI technical guidelines are publicly available for download. Developers and service providers can access complete specifications, test procedures, and conformance requirements.
View BSI Technical Guidelines →Open Source Development
Germany follows a fully transparent, open-source approach as mandated by eIDAS 2.0 regulation. All code, architecture documentation, and consultation processes are publicly accessible.
🔓 Main Repository
Location: OpenCoDE GitLab
gitlab.opencode.de/bmi/eudi-wallet/eidas2Contains source code for the governmental EUDI Wallet project, including:
- • Wallet application code
- • Integration modules
- • Technical documentation
- • Issue tracker for community feedback
📐 Architecture Concept
Location: OpenCoDE GitLab
gitlab.opencode.de/bmi/eudi-wallet/eidas-2.0-architekturkonzeptPublic architecture documentation developed iteratively with stakeholder input:
- • Blueprint for EUDI Wallet Ecosystem
- • Architecture proposals (C\\' model)
- • Governance and operational model
- • Version history and tagged releases
Development Timeline
AusweisApp Development
15 years of official eID software development and deployment. Foundation established.
Smart-eID Act
Legal basis for storing eID directly on smartphones. Secure Element requirements defined.
SPRIND Funke Challenge
Multiple prototypes developed (Heidi, Lissi, wwWallet, Google, Samsung). Sandbox opened for relying parties.
Testing & Integration
Architecture finalized. Integration with AusweisApp. Public testing environment. BundID integration tested.
Public Launch
State EUDI Wallet available in App Store and Google Play. Gradual rollout with expanding functionality through 2027.
Consultation Process
Germany follows a transparent, participatory consultation process. Ideas, concepts, and code are publicly posted for comment and discussion to incorporate broad expertise early.
Who Can Participate:
- • Developers and technical experts
- • Businesses and service providers
- • Academic and research institutions
- • Civil society organizations
- • Individual citizens
How to Participate:
- • Review architecture docs on GitLab
- • Submit issues and feedback
- • Join public discussions
- • Test sandbox environment
- • Contribute to open source code
Technical Partners & Expertise
Bundesdruckerei
Government-owned company specializing in security printing and digital identity solutions. Provides expertise in ID card chip technology and secure document issuance.
Fraunhofer AISEC
Research institute for applied and integrated security. Provides cybersecurity expertise for EUDI Wallet implementation.
Governikus
Developer of AusweisApp since 2010. Building bridge between existing eID infrastructure and future EUDI Wallet ecosystem.
PwC Deutschland
Consulting partner providing expertise in governance models, operational frameworks, and economic viability.
BSI
Federal Office for Information Security. Defines technical security requirements, certifies components, publishes TR guidelines.
SPRIND
Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation. Manages implementation, coordinates prototyping challenge (Funke), operates sandbox.
Why Germany\\'s Approach Matters
Best Practice Model for EU
Technical Excellence:
- ✓ 15 years of eID infrastructure experience
- ✓ complete BSI security standards
- ✓ Multi-partner collaboration model
- ✓ Iterative architecture development
Transparency Leadership:
- ✓ 100% open source requirement
- ✓ Public consultation process
- ✓ Detailed technical documentation
- ✓ Community participation enabled
Germany\\'s approach demonstrates that rigorous security standards and full transparency are compatible. Other EU member states can learn from this model.
Ready to Use AusweisApp?
While the full EUDI integration launches in early 2027, AusweisApp is available now for online identification with participating services.