The aim of the EUDI Wallet is to provide companies and citizens with a secure digital identity that can be used throughout the EU for identification, electronic signatures, and official certificates. The Digital Identity Act (DIA) is intended to create the required national regulations. From a business perspective, the initiative offers significant potential. Whether this potential can be realised on time depends on resolving key issues regarding company registration, interoperability with administrative systems, and planning security.
Background
The eIDAS Regulation of the European Union obliges all member states to provide at least one EUDI Wallet by 24 December 2026. With the Digital Identity Act (DIA), Germany is implementing this requirement in national law. A key component of the bill is the newly created law on the European Wallet for Digital Identity (EWDIG). The Wallet will provide functions for electronic identification, creation of signatures and seals, and the use of electronic attribute certificates. For businesses, this means more efficient digital business processes, lower transaction costs, and increased security in the European single market. At the same time, the law opens up new market opportunities for private providers of wallet solutions and trust services.
Therefore, the initiative is highly relevant for the commercial sector. The DIHK explicitly supports the bill’s objective to create a clear national legal framework for applying the eIDAS Regulation, specifically introducing the EUDI Wallet. However, the DIA can only be one element in successfully implementing the European Wallets, as noted in its position paper.
DIHK Demands
The DIHK highlights the following key aspects:
- Digital identities for all economic actors: Self-employed individuals without a commercial register entry and unregistered GbRs should also be able to obtain a reliable professional digital identity – regardless of voluntary register entry.
- Expand replacement for written form: The possibility of replacing the legal written form with electronic attribute certificates should be extended to all relevant administrative procedures – including state and local authorities.
- Shorten transitional period: The two-year transitional period for attribute certificates and written form replacements should be adjusted to end in late 2027 during the parliamentary process.
- Future-proof EWDIG: The law on the European Wallet should be designed as a modular framework law that can also incorporate the planned European Business Wallet. This would help avoid redundant structures and legal uncertainties.
- Binding timelines for regulations: Timetables for drafts, consultation windows, and enactment of subordinate regulations should be announced early and bindingly.
- Coordinate registry modernisation: Technical and organisational alignment between registry modernisation and wallet introduction should be ensured from the start.
- Launch a broad communication campaign: An early information strategy should clearly convey the Wallet’s specific benefits and build trust among users and businesses.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EUDI Wallet, and how can I use it as a business?
The EUDI Wallet is a European digital wallet that enables individuals to digitally identify themselves across the EU, submit proofs, and create electronic signatures. For smaller businesses, this is particularly relevant in administrative processes, applications, and digital business procedures – potentially including identity-linked payments in the future.
Does the law also apply to self-employed individuals and freelancers?
There is still room for improvement here: the current draft provides for a separation of private and professional identity only for merchants registered in the commercial register. Self-employed individuals without a commercial register entry – such as freelancers or solo self-employed persons – would have to use their private wallet for professional purposes as well. The DIHK considers this unjustified.
When will the Wallet's functions actually become usable?
Although the law comes into force immediately upon promulgation, practically important features such as attribute attestations and digital signature replacement will only become available after a transitional period of 24 months. The DIHK advocates for shortening this period to the end of 2027.
Can I also use the Wallet with state and local authorities?
According to the current government draft, digital signature replacements will only be available for federal authorities. Since most business processes occur at the state and local levels, its practical utility is currently very limited. The DIHK calls for an extension to include all levels of government.
What changes for companies wishing to use the Wallet for identity verification?
Companies intending to use the EUDI Wallet for identification as so-called "relying parties" will need to register. The DIHK is advocating for this process to be designed to be streamlined, proportionate, and risk-based to minimise administrative burden.
Download
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DIHK-Stellungnahme Digitales Identitätengesetz
DIHK-Stellungnahme vom 11. September 2026 zum Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Durchführung der unionsrechtlichen Vorschriften über die Europäische Brieftasche für die Digitale Identität sowie zur Änderung anderer Rechtsvorschriften (Digitale Identitätengesetz – DIdG)
- Information
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File format: PDF (accessible)
File size: 196 KB
Status of: November 2026
Page count: 18 pages
- Relevant in topic:
- Innovation and Digitalisation
- Key areas:
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- Digitalisation
It has been translated with the assistance of AI.
No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the translation.
Released 11.09.2026
Modified 09.11.2026
Contact
Dr. Katrin Sobania
Director Information and Communication Technology | E-Government | Postal Services | IT Security