microchip

Italy: New residence permit format with digital microchip now available

Italy has begun to issue residence permits in a new format containing a microchip that stores the holder’s picture and fingerprint data, in accordance with a 2008 EU regulation requiring member countries to implement a card that meets uniform guidelines.

The microchip, which is not visible on the outside of the card, allows Italian and European police to instantly view and compare the card holders’ information with police and immigration databases.