Swiss e-ID (swiyu)
The e-ID is Switzerland's government electronic proof of identity, which people keep in the swiyu wallet app and present selectively.
Its basis is the federal act on electronic proof of identity, which voters approved on 28 September 2025. The federal government operates a trust infrastructure for it; the e-ID is voluntary and free of charge. Technically, it relies on credentials in the SD-JWT VC format, selective disclosure and OID4VP.
For agents, the e-ID is the natural proof of the principal's origin: a mandate can be bound to a person whose identity is proven by a government credential, without revealing every detail.
Example
A person binds the mandate for her tax agent to her e-ID. Later the agent files an application; the authority verifies that the mandate comes from an identified person and sees only name and date of birth, not the other details.
How it differs
The e-ID proves who a person is. An agent mandate proves what an agent may do on her behalf. Only together do they form evidence that links identity and authority. The EUDI wallet is the European counterpart.
In practice
- Require the e-ID only where a proven identity of the principal is really necessary.
- Use selective disclosure to request only the details you need for the decision.
- Link the identity with a mandate, so it is clear what the agent may do on the person's behalf.
Role in KYA
KYA verifies mandates in the SD-JWT VC format, which the e-ID infrastructure also uses. Connecting the e-ID as proof of the principal's origin is planned for a later profile.
Related check: Agent and principal (subject_agent_binding). Do all parts name the same agent, is the principal named, does the agent hold the bound key?
Frequently asked questions
What is the Swiss e-ID?
Switzerland's government electronic proof of identity. It is kept in the swiyu wallet app, is voluntary and free of charge, and lets people present only the details needed.
What does the e-ID have to do with AI agents?
It can prove who an agent's principal is. Together with a mandate, it forms evidence that links identity and authority.
Does KYA support the e-ID?
KYA verifies mandates in the SD-JWT VC format that the e-ID also uses. A dedicated profile for the e-ID as proof of origin is planned.
When will the Swiss e-ID be available?
The act was approved on 28 September 2025; the federal government introduces the e-ID according to its own schedule. Current information is published on the official e-ID website.