Abstract: In an electromagnetic actuator having a housing, two ferromagnetic pole shoes are distanced from each other and are rigidly connected to the housing. A mobile structure, which can be moved in the housing along an axis between two end positions, is arranged between the pole shoes, includes at least one magnet system, and is connected to a shaft that is axially displaceable in the housing. The magnet system includes at least one arrangement of at least one permanent magnet polarized radially with respect to the axis, and an annular coil connectable to a current source. The magnet system forms, together with the pole shoes, an air gap system having axially variable air gaps. The mobile structure is securable in each end position without excitation of the coil and is movable from one assumed end position into the opposite end position by excitation of the coil.