diff --git a/swagspace_cloud_init/__init__.py b/swagspace_cloud_init/__init__.py
index adae01b..136a6ca 100644
--- a/swagspace_cloud_init/__init__.py
+++ b/swagspace_cloud_init/__init__.py
@@ -269,6 +269,30 @@ def password_hash(password: str) -> str:
     return pw_hash.stdout
 
 
+def get_ssh_keys(username: str) -> List[str]:
+    """
+    Gets all SSH keys that are specified for the user in the 'ssh_key/$username/*.pub' directory
+    """
+
+    keys = list()
+
+    dir = Path("ssh_keys") / username
+
+    # early abort if the directory does not exists
+    if not dir.is_dir():
+        logger.debug(
+            f"could not find user ssh key diretory: {dir}.\nAdding no SSH Keys"
+        )
+        return keys
+
+    for file in (Path("ssh_keys") / username).iterdir():
+        if file.is_file() and file.suffix == ".pub":
+            keys.append(file.read_text())
+
+    logger.debug(f"Found SSH Keys:\n{keys}")
+    return keys
+
+
 def build_user_data(username: str, password: str, target_dir: Path) -> Path:
     """
     Builds the user-data file in *target_dir* and returns a Path to it.
@@ -281,6 +305,7 @@ def build_user_data(username: str, password: str, target_dir: Path) -> Path:
             "lock_passwd": False,
             "shell": "/bin/bash",
             "sudo": "ALL=(ALL) ALL",
+            "ssh_authorized_keys": get_ssh_keys(username),
         }
     ]