The EMN Inform on the "Digitalisation of identity documents and residence permits issued to third-country nationals" highlights inter alia that:

• The majority of EMN Member and Observer Countries currently issue physical residence permits, incorporating biometric data and electronic elements. Countries like Finland and Germany are actively exploring digital alternatives, with Finland piloting Digital Travel Credentials (DTC).
   
• Italy, Lithuania, and Poland have started issuing digital-only residence permits and identity documents. High numbers of arrivals and applications for residence resulting from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine have encouraged authorities in Italy, Lithuania and Poland to adopt digital-only documents and digitalised procedures.
   
• Several EMN Member and Observer Countries identify advantages associated with issuing digital-only documents to third-country nationals. Digital documents are considered more secure, while digitalised production and procedures can save national authorities resources, time and money.
   
• Several EMN Member Countries expressed concerns about the potential for fraud and counterfeiting of digital-only documents, as well as their misappropriation via physical and electronic means. Digitalisation initiatives must also ensure that less digitally adept individuals are not left behind and must therefore provide for fall-back solutions.
   
• Solutions are needed to ensure the interoperability and verifiability of digital-only documents across borders and during border checks. As a result, digital-only documents are currently used on their own solely in a national context and must be accompanied by physical travel documents at border controls.

For further information, please read the Inform above.