Passport issuance for Germans living abroad

The necessary authorisation from the competent authority abroad (embassy) is obtained from the competent authority when the application is submitted.

Since the issuance of the passport is regulated by state laws, applicants should in any case contact the respective registration authority in advance and be informed about fees and necessary documents.

Collection is also possible by an authorized person. An old passport, if any, must be handed in.

Domestically: Residents' registration office (last main residence or any other identity card authority, registration office in Germany, except Hamburg).

Abroad: Embassy or Consulate

• Current biometrics-compatible photograph, in passport format (45 x 35 mm) in portrait format, frontal image without edge, without headgear and without covering the eyes
• If applicable, previous passport

• Period of validity: 6 years
  for applicants under 24 years of age
• Period of validity: 10 years
  for applicants aged 24 and over

• Passport Act (PaßG)
• § 15 Ordinance on the Implementation of the Passport Act (PassV)

For children born abroad, the diplomatic missions responsible for the place of birth are responsible for issuing a passport or passport replacement document for the first time, regardless of a transfer of habitual residence to Germany. Entry with a child born abroad is only allowed with a valid document.