First: What is the eAT card?

The eAT card is the standardized legal format for residence permits in Germany and within many EU-related contexts. It has been used since 2011 for almost all residence types, such as:

• Permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis)

• Residence for studies, work, asylum, family reunification, etc.

• Humanitarian or protection-based residence permits

Second: What information is printed on the card?

Front side:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Nationality

• Type of residence permit (e.g., Aufenthaltserlaubnis nach § 25 Abs. 2 AufenthG)

• Issue and expiry dates

• Photo

• Card number

• Machine-readable zone (MRZ) / visual security elements

Back side:

• Address (sometimes)

• Additional notes (Nebenbestimmungen), such as:

  • Work permission

  • Travel restrictions

  • Obligation to live in a specific federal state

Third: What is stored on the electronic chip?

The embedded chip contains sensitive digital data that does not appear on the surface of the card, such as:

• Biometric photo (for automated identity checks)

• Fingerprints (for people over 6 years)

• Encrypted personal and legal data (name, permit number, nationality, permit type, restrictions)

• Electronic identification function (eID) for online services (if activated)

Fourth: How can the eAT chip be read?

1) Using card readers (Kartenlesegerät)

• Used by authorities and some companies for identification

• Requires the card’s PIN

2) Using an NFC-enabled smartphone

• The phone must support NFC

• You can use an official app such as AusweisApp2 (free on Google Play and the App Store)

Steps:

• Download AusweisApp2

• Ensure eID is activated (usually handled/activated via the foreigners’ authority)

• Enter your PIN

• Hold the card behind the phone until it is detected

• The data is displayed or used to authenticate for an online service

Fifth: What if eID is not activated?

When the card is issued, you can choose whether to activate eID or keep it inactive.
If it is inactive, you cannot use the card for online services, but it remains a valid residence document.

Later, you can request activation or change your PIN/PUK at the foreigners’ authority or relevant service offices.

Sixth: Can chip data be changed later?

No. Chip data is generally stored only at the time of issuance.
If your address or permit type changes, a new card is often issued or an administrative update is made depending on the case.

Conclusion

The eAT card is more than a residence permit: it is a smart, encrypted ID tool that supports identity verification, prevents forgery, and enables digital services. Understanding what the chip contains and how to read it helps residents and refugees handle official and private procedures in Germany more confidently and efficiently.

ـ The site’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and by consulting multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some details may remain unconfirmed. Please treat the content as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for officially confirmed information.