Identity Matching
Identity matching (IdM) constitute a fundamental prerequisite for the realization of cross-border access to digital services. On this page, you will find information about what IdM is and what NOBID does to solve IdM between the Nordic and Baltic countries in its IdM Projects.
What is IdM? IdM refers to the process of recognizing and linking a user´s identity across different system or jurisidiction. In a cross-border context, it is about identifying a returning user that wish to access online services in a country that the user previously has been registered.
Whereas the eIDAS regulation sets down common rules for secure and seamless use of digital identities across Europe, including IdM, the Nordic and Baltic countries has been particularly proactive in recognizing the necessity of IdM solutions if cross-border access to services is to be realized.
At the political level, the importance of solving identity matching has been emphasised in joint declarations from both the Nordic and Baltic ministers for digitalisation(2023) and the Nordic Prime Ministers (2024).
IdM is a challenge that needs to be solved in respect of the coming European Digital Identity Wallets and the current eIDAS infrusastructure.
What is NOBID doing to solve IdM?
NOBID has initated multiple endeavours targeting IdM. In 2024, a report on Identity Matching in the Nordic Baltic Region, that presents an as-is analysis of the situation across the countries, was released.
Building on these insights and recieved poltical backing, NOBID followed in the start of 2025 up with a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) project to demonstrate how IdM could be solved. This project, which is still ongoing, involves resources from both digitalisation- and population registry authorities in the region.
NOBID Identity Matching Project
The aim of the project is to develop and test concepts for identity matching between the countries in the region, build upon the common strengths and features, and deliver a technical PoC of an identity matching, self-service, solution. In doing so, the project faciliates analysis and testing of relevant PID/attribute profiles that could be employed and harmonised across the region´s countries.
The PoC is being developed in cooperation with Kantega AS and is being built in alignment with both eIDAS 1.0 and eIDAS 2.0.
The NOBID IdM project will continue to span throughout the autumn of 2025 and into 2026.
Self-test of the IdM PoC service
FAQ
A returning individual is someone who has digital user relationships or legal entitlements in one country but resides in another. Typical examples include:
- Pensioners receiving benefits from a former country of employment
- Students with education from abroad
- Workers with rights and obligations across multiple countries
The goal is to ensure that such individuals can be easily and securely identified when they return to use public services across borders — without needing to register again each time.
The project is developing technical software code (software solutions) for digital identity matching. This code can be integrated into national systems, allowing each participating country to adopt the solution as needed.
If the system identifies a match, the individual is immediately recognized and granted access to relevant services.
- If no match is found, the system proceeds to a biometric-based registration process.
- This involves facial recognition and document verification, enabling secure, one-time identity creation that can later be matched.
Two different solutions are being developed and made available for testing:
- Solution A focuses on integration with national population registers and provides a seamless user experience.
- Solution B is based on a modular technical architecture, with strong emphasis on privacy and data protection.
Both solutions aim for certification under the EU’s eIDAS 2.0 regulation, ensuring compliance with future European digital identity standards.
- Simplify cross-border access to public services
- Ensure secure and efficient recognition of individuals with rights and obligations in multiple countries
- Strengthen European cooperation and contribute to a common digital identity framework