More and more countries are now offering digital birth certificates . Where can you already get one? What are the rules? This guide tells you everything you need to know – explained simply and clearly.
Last updated: March 3, 2025 - All information is up to date.
Table of contents
What are digital birth certificates?
A digital birth certificate is the electronic version of the traditional civil status document. It is provided with a qualified electronic signature and is legally equivalent to the paper version. This means you can use it for all official purposes just like a paper certificate.
Practical tip: Always save your digital birth certificate in PDF/A format. This special format was developed for long-term archiving and ensures that your document can still be opened without any problems many years from now.
The advantages are obvious:
- Faster processing of official procedures
- Simplified verification of authenticity
- Reduced risk of counterfeiting
- Improved international usability
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Digital birth certificates in international comparison: pioneers and laggards
Digital birth certificates are still a relatively new concept in administration. So far, only a few countries, including Estonia, Portugal, and Singapore, allow fully digital or electronic birth registration. Other countries, such as Finland, New Zealand, and Germany, are still in the development phase.
| country | Fully digital? | International recognition | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estonia | Yes | EU-wide, partly global | Completely paperless administration possible |
| Portugal | Yes | EU-wide recognized | Seamless integration with other services |
| Denmark | Yes | EU-wide recognized | Automatic registration at birth |
| Singapore | Yes | Regional, limited global | Highly integrated system with other services |
| Finland | Partially | EU-wide restrictions apply | Hybrid system |
| New Zealand | Partially | Regionally recognized | Online registration, but physical exhibition |
| Germany | No | Digital form recognized to a limited extent | Currently under development; legal framework exists but not yet implementable in practice. |
Pioneers of the digital birth certificate
Estonia: Global leader in digital administration
E-Estonia: The digital ecosystem
Estonia is considered a world leader in digitalization and has revolutionized the management of civil status documents with its e-Estonia system. Several key components are crucial for applying for and managing digital birth certificates:
Key components for digital birth certificates:
- X-Road: The data highway that connects all digital services and enables secure data exchange
- E-Identity: A digital ID for every citizen, used for all official transactions.
- Population Register: Central digital register for civil status data, which is automatically updated at birth.
- Digital Signature: Legally binding digital signature that is internationally recognized
In Estonia, birth certificates are automatically generated digitally and stored in the Population Register. Parents receive a digital notification immediately after the birth and can use the certificate right away.
Practical tip: If you are using an Estonian digital birth certificate, always download the official validation software "DigiDoc" as well. In some countries, you are required to prove the authenticity of the digital signature on site.
Portugal: Pioneer in Southern Europe
Nascer Cidadão (Born Citizen) & Citizen Card
Portugal has developed an integrated system that directly links the digitization of birth certificates with citizenship.
Key elements:
- Nascer Cidadão: Enables immediate registration of birth directly in the hospital
- Civil Online: Digital portal for accessing civil status documents
- Cartão de Cidadão: Citizen's chip card, which serves as digital proof of identity
- Autenticação.gov: Central authentication platform for digital documents
With the "Nascer Cidadão" program, parents can register their child digitally directly at the hospital. The birth certificate is immediately generated electronically and is available via the Civil Online Portal.
Denmark: Nordic model of digital integration
Digital Post & NemID/MitID
Denmark pursues a highly integrated approach in which all life events are digitally recorded and managed.
Key components:
- CPR Register: Central personal register that is automatically updated at birth
- NemID/MitID: National Identification System for Digital Signature and Authentication
- Digital Post: Mandatory digital official mail for all citizens
- Borger.dk: Central citizen portal for accessing civil status documents
In Denmark, births are automatically registered. Hospitals report births directly to the CPR registry, and parents automatically receive the digital birth certificate in their digital mail.
Singapore: Asian role model for digital efficiency
LifeSG & Singpass
Singapore has created an integrated digital ecosystem through its Smart Nation initiative, encompassing all areas of life.
Key elements:
- Singpass: National digital identity with biometric verification
- LifeSG: Central app for all life moments, including birth registration
- MyInfo: A digital data repository that automatically forwards information to various authorities.
- Moments of Life: A dedicated platform for birth and child rearing
With the "Birth Registration" service in the LifeSG app, parents can register the birth digitally and receive the birth certificate directly online without having to visit an office.
Latecomers to the digital birth certificate
The following countries have already taken significant steps towards digitizing birth certificates , but are still in the transition process:
Finland: Gradual digitalization
- Suomi.fi: Central service portal for digital government services
- Digital and Population Data Services Agency: Manages civil registration records
- Finnish Trust Network: System for digital identification
Finland already offers digital access to personal data, but certified printouts are still required for many international purposes.
New Zealand: SmartStart as a digital gateway
- SmartStart: Digital portal specifically for births and early childhood
- RealMe: Digital Identity System
- Online Birth Registration: Web-based birth registration
New Zealand allows online registration of births, but usually still issues birth certificates in physical form, which can later be digitized.
Germany: Digital administration under development
- OZG implementation: Administrative services have been gradually digitized since 2017.
- Electronic civil status register: Digital recording of all civil status events
- Online ID function (eID): Digital proof of identity
In Germany you can apply for birth certificates partly online, but most of the time you still receive them on paper with the official seal from the registry office.
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Order online nowInternational recognition
Do you want to use your document abroad? Then consider these important points:
Within the EU
Uniform rules apply throughout the EU thanks to the eIDAS Regulation . This means for you:
- Digital birth certificates are recognized throughout the EU.
- An electronic signature replaces a handwritten signature.
- You usually don't need any extra certifications.
Outside the EU
Outside the EU, it gets more complicated. Each country has its own rules. Often you'll also need:
- A certified translation
- An electronic apostille (e-APP)
- Further authentication certificates
Important: Always check with the relevant authority in the destination country beforehand to find out which form of birth certificate they accept.
Practical tip: Even if a country officially recognizes digital documents, individual authorities sometimes lack the technical means to verify them. Always have a certified printout available, especially for important appointments such as visa applications or marriages abroad.
Legal framework in Germany
Germany is gradually moving towards digital administration, which also applies to the issuance of birth certificates . Several laws form the basis for this:
The most important legal foundations
- Online Access Act (OZG): Obliges the federal government, states and municipalities to offer their administrative services digitally by the end of 2022 (the deadline has since been extended)
- Civil Status Act (PStG): Regulates the electronic maintenance of civil status registers since 2009
- eGovernment Act: Creates the basis for digital administrative processes and electronic record keeping
- eIDAS Regulation: European regulation that ensures the recognition of electronic identification and trust services in the EU
However, practical implementation has not yet been achieved across the board. While some registry offices are already working digitally, others are still in the process of conversion.
Future developments
The digitization of civil status documents is developing continuously worldwide. The following trends are emerging:
| Technological innovations | |
|---|---|
| Blockchain technology | Enables tamper-proof, decentralized document storage with transparent traceability. |
| Biometric verification | Increases security in digital identification through facial recognition, fingerprint or iris scan. |
| AI-supported testing procedures | Automated validation of documents across national borders |
| International harmonization | |
|---|---|
| EU Digital Identity Wallet | A planned European digital wallet, starting in 2026, which can also contain personal status documents. |
| International Standards | The UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) develops global standards for electronic documents. |
| Electronic Apostille Program (e-APP) | Increasing prevalence of digital authentication for international documents |
Expert estimates: by 2030, fully digital birth certificates will be standard in most industrialized countries and will be easily recognized internationally.
Checklist: How to use your digital birth certificate abroad
- ✓ Find out: Ask the receiving authority early on which form of birth certificate they accept.
- ✓ Get it translated: If needed, order a certified translation from a sworn translator.
- ✓ Authentication: Check if you need an apostille or legalization
- ✓ Pay attention to the format: Make sure the digital format is suitable (PDF/A, specific electronic signature)
- ✓ Create a backup: Save copies of all important documents in multiple secure locations
- ✓ Allow extra time: Expect at least 3-4 weeks for all necessary steps.
Tip for emigrants: The digital birth certificate is a practical document for many official procedures in Germany. However, for working abroad, you usually need an internationally recognized, certified version. In our detailed guide, we explain which documents are important for which countries and how you can best navigate the document certification process for your international career.
Example: Moving from Germany to Spain
The Müller family is moving from Berlin to Barcelona and needs a birth certificate for their daughter Emma's school registration. Here's how they do it:
- Requirement: You order an international birth certificate online (multilingual according to EU rules)
- Digitization: They scan the paper document in good quality.
- Follow-up questions: They asked the Spanish school if the digital version was okay.
- Backup: You keep the original safe and store the digital version in your cloud and on a USB stick.
Expert tip: It's best to have both the digital and the regular paper birth certificate with you. Especially for important official appointments abroad, you should take the original documents, even if you have already submitted digital versions.
Frequently asked questions about digital birth certificates
1. Are digital birth certificates legally just as valid as paper certificates?
In most EU countries: Yes. Digital birth certificates with an electronic signature (according to eIDAS rules) are just as valid as paper certificates. Outside the EU, there are different rules – it's best to check directly with the relevant authority.
2. How can I verify if a digital birth certificate is genuine?
Most digital documents have a verification code or QR code. You can enter or scan this code on an official website. You can also use special programs or online services to verify the digital signature.
3. How long are digital birth certificates valid?
The document itself does not expire. However, the digital signature may have a time limit. If you plan to use it for an extended period, you should regularly check whether the signature is still valid and request a new version if necessary.
4. Can I digitize my paper birth certificate myself?
A simple scan has no legal standing. In some countries, notaries can certify this for you. It's best to ask the registry office if you can get a digital version. In Germany, this is usually not yet possible – but you can apply for a new certificate.
5. How much does a certified translation of the digital birth certificate cost?
You can get a certified translation of your birth certificate from us starting at just €44.90. This price is based on our high quality and 100% acceptance guarantee by all authorities in Germany. You can find more details about our pricing in our blog .
6. How do digital birth certificates work for binational children?
For children with binational ties, digital birth certificates present a particular challenge. While some countries have already switched entirely to digital documents, others only accept paper versions. For binational families, this often means that the certificate issued digitally in the country of birth must be printed, certified, translated, and apostilled to be recognized in the second country of origin. It is crucial to check early on which format (digital or physical) is accepted by both countries. In our comprehensive guide, you will find country-specific information and practical tips on handling digital documents for children with binational ties.
Do you need a certified translation?
Whether digital or on paper - we help you with the official certified translation you need for authorities.
Note: Regulations regarding the recognition of digital documents may vary from country to country. We regularly update this guide to provide you with the latest information.
