Cross-border identity matching refers to the process where a person uses their EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) (or another recognized eID method) to access a public or educational service in another EU Member State, and their identity is verified by matching it with the existing records in the service provider’s database.
The user accesses a foreign online service using their EUDI Wallet
The wallet sends basic personal identity data (PID) to the service provider
The service provider compares this data with its internal registry (e.g., prior student enrollment or government database)
Outcome:
If matched: access is granted
If not matched: fallback options such as re-try, manual verification, or new registration are offered
According to Regulations EU 2024/2977 and EU 2015/1501, the following data is used:
Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Unique personal identifier (PID)
Address
Gender
National ID number
| Regulation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| EU 2025/846 | Defines the core rules for identity matching across EU countries |
| EU 2024/2977 | Covers the issuance of personal identity data and attribute attestations |
| EU 2015/1501 | Older regulation on eID interoperability and cross-border matching |
| EU 2024/2979 | Defines wallet integrity and security requirements |
| GDPR (EU 2016/679) | Governs personal data protection and privacy |
| eIDAS 2.0 Regulation | Framework for digital identity and trust services in the EU |
The process must be minimally invasive – only necessary data should be shared
All data must be encrypted and exchanged over secure channels
The result of the matching must be logged, but the underlying data should not be retained longer than necessary
All EU Member States are required to:
Implement national digital identity wallets
Establish cross-border matching systems within 24 months of the entry into force of eIDAS 2.0