Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Obtaining a German passport provides access to one of the most powerful travel documents in the world, offering exceptional freedom of movement and the consular protection of the European Union. However, navigating between nationality requirements, mandatory appointment booking, name declarations, biometric photos, and sometimes lengthy processing times can quickly become confusing, especially for those living abroad.
This guide details eligibility conditions, where to apply, the list of required documents, costs, processing times, as well as procedures to follow in case of a lost passport or changes in family status. All information is presented in clear language based on official texts.
Understanding the German Passport
The German passport is an official identity document for German nationals for international travel. It serves as proof of both the holder’s identity and German nationality, and by extension, their status as a citizen of the European Union. It allows for travel to most countries outside the EU and can also serve as an ID if one does not possess a national identity card.
The German passport follows the standard EU format with a burgundy cover and the federal eagle. It is a biometric document containing an RFID chip that stores the digital photo and two fingerprints. Personal data is printed in three languages (German, English, French) and the machine-readable zone indicates the country code ‘D’.
Two versions exist: a standard 32-page booklet, sufficient for most travelers, and a 48-page version intended for frequent travelers who accumulate visas. The document is printed centrally by the Federal Printing Office (Bundesdruckerei) in Berlin, which partly explains the longer processing times when the application is submitted abroad.
Its validity depends on the applicant’s age at the time of issue: six years for persons under 24, ten years for those 24 and older. The passport cannot be extended. Upon expiration, a new complete application with supporting documents and recent photos is required.
Eligibility: German Citizenship as an Absolute Requirement
The first filter, even before considering the form or appointment, is nationality. The German passport is only issued to individuals who possess German citizenship. Without proof of this citizenship, no passport application can proceed.
Main Pathways to Citizenship
German law combines several mechanisms for acquiring citizenship:
– by descent (principle of descent, where at least one parent is German)
– by birth on German territory under certain conditions
– by naturalization after residence in Germany
– more rarely by adoption or under historical reparations (particularly Nazi persecution)
For most future holders of a German passport, two main scenarios exist: being German “by birth” or having become German through naturalization.
Being German by Descent
As a general rule, a child acquires German nationality if at least one parent is a German citizen at the time of birth. The precise rules vary depending on the era, the marital status of the parents (married or not), and the parent through whom nationality is transmitted.
For individuals born after the mid-1970s, German nationality is acquired if at least one parent is German. For earlier generations, the rules were more complex and could be discriminatory (transmission only through the father for births within marriage before certain dates, or requiring specific declarations for children of German mothers). Declaration or “reintegration” procedures exist today to correct these situations.
For a child born abroad, specific rules also apply when the German parent was themselves born outside Germany, which may require, in some cases, a declaration within a limited timeframe after birth.
Being German by Birth on German Territory
Since the introduction of the birthright principle (jus soli) around the year 2000, it is possible to become German by being born in Germany to foreign parents, provided one parent has legally resided in the country for a minimum period and holds permanent residence status. This required residency period has recently been shortened, making it easier for children of long-term residents to access citizenship.
Being Naturalized After Residence in Germany
For those without German ancestry, the classic pathway remains naturalization. General conditions include:
To become a German citizen, several criteria must be met: legal and continuous residence in Germany with permanent residence status; a residency period generally of five years, which can be reduced to three years for individuals with particularly good integration or spouses of German citizens; financial self-sufficiency without dependence on certain social benefits (except in special cases); proficiency in German at least at level B1; knowledge of the German legal order, society, and culture, verified by a test; a written commitment to the democratic order, Germany’s historical responsibility, and the protection of Jewish life; and no serious criminal convictions (minor offenses are not necessarily disqualifying).
Applications are submitted to the local citizenship authority (Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde). The process is lengthy: it often takes at least eighteen months until the naturalization certificate is issued. This certificate is then the key to applying for a German passport and, if applicable, an identity card.
Dual Citizenship and the German Passport
Following a major reform, dual citizenship is widely permitted. Germans can, in many cases, acquire a foreign nationality without losing theirs, and naturalized foreigners can generally retain their original nationality. Furthermore, in specific cases, it is even possible to hold multiple valid German passports simultaneously (e.g., to avoid visa problems related to certain stamps in one of the passports).
It is now possible to obtain German citizenship without renouncing one’s original nationality. However, it is crucial to first check the legislation of your country of origin, as some states prohibit or restrict the renunciation or holding of multiple nationalities.
Where to Apply: Germany or Abroad
Once citizenship is clarified, the next question is geographic jurisdiction. Germany strictly distinguishes between processing applications within its national territory and those from abroad.
Residing in Germany: The Bürgeramt as the Point of Contact
For residents in Germany, the standard point of contact is the citizen’s office (Bürgeramt) of the municipality of residence. The applicant must be registered (Anmeldung) there, i.e., declared with an official address. In principle, the application can be submitted in another municipality, but this may incur an additional fee for “lack of local jurisdiction.”
The interview for submitting the application must be conducted in person by the applicant, without representation by a third party, due to the need to take fingerprints and verify identity. Furthermore, depending on the municipality, an appointment may be required, especially in larger cities where waiting times can be long.
Residing Abroad: Embassy, Consulate General, or Honorary Consul
For Germans living outside Germany, the application for a German passport must be made at the responsible diplomatic mission: embassy or consulate general, sometimes via an honorary consul. The correct office is identified using an online tool like a “Consulate Finder” which determines the competent mission based on the place of residence.
Territorial jurisdiction is strict: a post normally only processes applications from residents within its consular district. Submission at another post is sometimes possible but usually incurs additional fees for “lack of jurisdiction.”
In some countries, applications can be submitted to honorary consuls, who then forward them to the embassy or consulate general. These consuls often charge additional service fees. Their payment conditions may also differ, for example, not accepting bank cards and requiring payment only in local cash.
Example of Jurisdiction Distribution
To illustrate, the Consulate General in New York is responsible for certain states in the northeastern United States, while other districts fall under Atlanta, Los Angeles, or other posts. In the Carolinas, an honorary consul in Charlotte may collect certain applications to avoid a long trip to the consulate general in Georgia, although first-time passport applications for some cases remain under the jurisdiction of the main post.
These examples highlight the importance of verifying territorial jurisdiction before booking an appointment.
The Appointment: A Mandatory Step to Organize Online
Regardless of the country, the rule is clear: every application for a German passport must be submitted in person and by appointment. Mailing applications has been prohibited for several years, primarily due to the mandatory collection of fingerprints.
Online Appointment Booking System
Missions abroad use an online booking system. This system is only accessible from the official websites of embassies or consulates, not via bookmarks or unofficial links, to avoid fraud and malfunctions. The previous version of this system, misused by companies reselling time slots, was permanently deactivated.
Appointment slots are typically released several weeks in advance. During peak demand periods, the wait can extend to several weeks, or even over a month. It is therefore strongly advised to plan well ahead, especially if travel is necessary.
Important point: only one reservation per person and per application is allowed. If the same person books multiple slots, all reservations may be canceled without notice. For a family, each member needs their own appointment.
Practical Tips for Booking
Technical problems are frequent if the page is kept open for too long, if the browser’s “back” button is used instead of the system’s button, or if the site is accessed via Safari, which is not always compatible. It is recommended to use a computer (rather than a phone), a common browser (other than Safari), and to open the system in only one tab.
The email address provided during the reservation must be accurate, as it receives the confirmation with a link to validate or cancel. After validation, it is imperative to print this email and present it at the appointment. In case of an error in the address, you must contact the relevant mission directly for assistance or to proceed with a cancellation.
In case of a scheduling conflict, it is requested to cancel early enough (usually one or two days prior) to free up the slot. Cancellations on the same day or after the appointment time are generally not possible via the automatic link.
Preparing the Application: Form, Documents, and Photos
The efficiency of processing largely depends on preparing the application file. Missions emphasize the need to carefully read the instructions on their website before booking, to correctly complete the official forms, and to gather all required originals and copies.
Official Form and Original Documents
The application form must be downloaded from the official website of the competent mission. Using generic forms found elsewhere on the internet is not accepted. It must be completely filled out, with no sections omitted.
On the day of the appointment, you must present all documents in original or as certified true copies. Consulates typically also require two simple copies of each document, on separate sheets, not stapled. These copies can be certified on-site during the appointment. In some cases, a single set of copies is sufficient if you are simultaneously applying for a German identity card.
For documents issued in a language other than German or English, a translation may be required. This translation sometimes needs to be accompanied by legalization or an apostille, especially for certain countries. For example, documents from Tanzania may require specific legalization.
Typical List of Required Documents
The exact documents vary depending on the situation (first-time application, renewal, minor, dual nationality, naturalization, etc.), but the following documents are commonly required:
| Document Type | Concrete Examples of Often Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Identity & Civil Status | Birth certificate indicating exact place of birth, old passport, German identity card |
| Family Status | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate of spouse |
| German Nationality | Naturalization certificate, certificate of nationality, parents’ German passports for first-time applications by descent |
| Residence and Other Nationalities | Residence permit in country of residence, foreign passport, citizenship certificate of another country |
| Proof of Address | Driver’s license, utility bill (electricity, water), rental agreement, registration certificate |
| Name Changes | Certificate of name declaration, proof of name change, certificate of name usage issued by a German registry office |
| Former Residence in Germany | Certificate of deregistration from last place of residence (Abmeldebescheinigung) if mentioned in the old passport |
| Academic Titles | Doctoral degree and, if applicable, old passport with the title mentioned, if you wish to have it listed in the passport |
For first-time applications for a German passport by descent, authorities additionally request the parents’ passports, their marriage certificate, any residence permits (e.g., the American residence permit of the German parent), and sometimes also naturalization or citizenship documents from previous generations to help prove the continuity of nationality.
Specifics for Minors
Children must be present in person, even at a very young age. Persons holding parental authority (generally both parents) must also attend the appointment. If one parent cannot be present, a declaration of consent certified by a German authority (embassy, consulate, town hall, German notary) is required; certifications by foreign authorities are not always accepted. In case of sole custody, a court decision or equivalent document must be produced.
For applications concerning a minor, it is imperative to provide a complete file including: the detailed birth certificate (long version with parents’ names), parents’ passports, parents’ marriage certificate, as well as proof of the child’s nationality. If the child was born out of wedlock, proof of paternity is also required.
Strict Requirements for Biometric Photos
Photos are a classic reason for application rejection. The German passport requires two identical biometric photos, recent (less than six months old), not cut out by the applicant, and conforming to official specifications based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
The photo must adhere to a 35 x 45 mm format. The face must be well-proportioned, straight, with a neutral expression, mouth closed, and eyes looking directly at the camera. The background must be plain, light, and preferably neutral gray. Lighting must be uniform, without strong shadows, reflections, or red-eye. Glasses are only acceptable if the eyes are perfectly visible, without reflections and without the frame covering any part of the iris; tinted or sunglasses are prohibited.
Head coverings are in principle prohibited, except for religious or medical reasons, provided the face is fully visible and any shadow produced is minimal. In these cases, a (religious or medical) attestation may be requested.
Children benefit from relaxed requirements, especially for the very young: babies do not necessarily need to have their eyes open, the face can be less centered and the expression less neutral for children under five. However, no other person or object (hands, toys, pacifiers) should appear in the photo.
Name, Marriage, Divorce, and Children: The Importance of Name Declarations
An often underestimated point concerns the name. German authorities apply a precise law on names, which does not always coincide with the customs of other countries. This results in the need, in many situations, to file a name declaration before being able to obtain a German passport.
When is a Name Declaration Necessary?
A name declaration may be required notably when:
Several everyday situations may require the establishment of a name declaration (Namenserklärung) in Germany. For example: when a spouse has changed their name after marriage and this change has not yet been formally registered on the German side; when a child applies for a first passport and the parents do not share the same surname; when a surname differs between foreign documents and German documents, or when there are spelling variations (e.g., forms with Umlaut and transcription as AE/UE/OE) requiring a single fixed form; or when a foreign divorce resulted in a name change and that divorce must first be recognized under German law.
In the case of marriage or a child, both spouses or both parents holding parental authority must generally be present at the time of the declaration. If the declaration concerns a child over 13 years old, their presence is also required. Adults file the declaration themselves.
Before a German passport application can be finalized, any change in civil status (marriage, separation, etc.) or the first application for a child born abroad must first be registered and validated by the German registry office (Standesamt). This mandatory formality can significantly extend processing times. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to initiate procedures several months in advance, especially in cases of a recent marriage, separation, or a first-time passport application for a child born outside Germany.
Specifics for Children Born Abroad
For a child born outside Germany, the determination of the name and sometimes even German nationality depends on a set of factors: parents’ marital status, nationality of each, place of birth, acknowledgment of paternity, possible naturalizations.
In many cases, especially if the parents do not share the same surname, a name declaration is required before issuing the first passport. From certain dates, German authorities may automatically derive the child’s name from the foreign birth certificate, making some former declaration procedures unnecessary, but these legal changes do not apply retroactively to all situations; it is therefore still necessary to check on a case-by-case basis.
Concrete Progression of the Appointment
Once the file is assembled and the appointment confirmed, the interview follows a fairly standard order, whether at a Bürgeramt in Germany or a consulate abroad.
The official verifies identity and examines each original document. An incomplete application or a missing essential document leads to refusal to process the file and requires a new appointment, with the delays that entails.
The form is reviewed, corrected if necessary, then signed on-site. Fingerprints are collected electronically, usually from the two index fingers. Foreign missions indicate that they delete fingerprint data from their systems after a short period, the only long-term storage being on the passport chip.
Payment is due immediately. Accepted methods vary by location: in Germany, by card or cash in euros. Abroad, posts often prefer card payments (Visa, Mastercard) in euros, or cash in local currency, as cash payments in euros may be refused. Honorary consuls frequently apply specific rules and surcharges for their services.
When everything is in order, the mission sends the application to Berlin. Unless it’s an extreme emergency, the applicant sometimes keeps their old passport if it is still valid, allowing them to travel during the production of the new document, provided they respect the validity rules of the countries visited.
Processing Times, Express Options, and Costs: What to Anticipate
The German passport is not a document issued in a few days in most cases, especially if you live abroad. Planning is essential.
Processing Times
In Germany, standard production times are around three to six weeks. Abroad, the range is wider, often between four and eight weeks, and for some distant countries with complicated postal routes, it can reach eight to ten weeks. Authorities sometimes recommend applying up to ten months before the expiration date of the old passport if traveling to states that require six months of residual validity.
A paid express option allows for faster passport issuance. In Germany, if the application is submitted by late morning, the document can be ready in about three business days. Abroad, this option generally reduces processing to three or four weeks by expediting production in Berlin, but the international shipping time depends on postal services.
The following table summarizes the general outline of typical processing times:
| Place of Application | Processing Mode | Estimated Production Time |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (Bürgeramt) | Standard | Approximately 3 to 6 weeks |
| Germany (Bürgeramt) | Express | Approximately 3 business days |
| Missions Abroad | Standard | Approximately 6 to 8 weeks, sometimes up to 10 weeks |
| Missions Abroad | Express | Approximately 3 to 4 weeks |
To these times, potential delays related to complex cases (name declaration, recognition of foreign divorce, nationality verification) or missing documents at the time of submission may be added.
Fee Schedule in Germany
Fees are defined nationally and vary according to the applicant’s age, the number of pages in the passport, and whether the express procedure is used. For an application in Germany, the commonly cited base amounts are as follows:
| Passport Type | Applicant Age | Number of Pages | Mode | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Passport | Under 24 | 32 pages | Standard | €37.50 |
| Standard Passport | Under 24 | 48 pages | Standard | €59.50 |
| Standard Passport | 24 and over | 32 pages | Standard | €70.00 |
| Standard Passport | 24 and over | 48 pages | Standard | €92.00 |
| Express Surcharge | All ages | – | Added to standard fee | +€32.00 |
| Temporary Passport | All ages | – | Emergency | Approx. €26.00 |
The 48-page versions are intended for frequent travelers and include a surcharge of about €22.00 compared to the 32-page model. The express option entails an extra cost of €32.00.
Additional Fees for Applications Abroad
Diplomatic missions abroad apply additional fees to cover costs related to processing outside Germany. Notably observed are:
Surcharge for a passport application submitted to a German mission abroad.
A summary table helps visualize these general trends:
| Situation | Approximate Surcharge (in addition to base fee) |
|---|---|
| Application abroad (German mission) | + ~€31.00 |
| Application outside the mission’s jurisdiction | Up to +€70.00 (adult) / +€37.50 (under 24) |
| Application via an honorary consul | Approx. +€33.60 to +€96.50 depending on the post |
| 48-page passport | +€22.00 |
| Express option | +€32.00 |
Additionally, return shipping or courier fees (e.g., FedEx) may apply, potentially amounting to several dozen dollars in some countries or island territories.
Validity, Renewal, Temporary Passport, and Second Passport
Once obtained, the German passport has a defined validity period, but certain events can trigger the need to renew it sooner.
Validity and Renewal
For individuals under 24, validity is six years; for those 24 and older, it’s ten years. However, many countries require the passport to be valid for at least six months after the entry date. It is therefore prudent to start renewal procedures about six months before expiration, or even earlier if planning travel to countries with strict validity rules.
Passport renewal constitutes a new official application, requiring a form, an appointment, new fingerprints and photos, as well as up-to-date supporting documents. Upon delivery of the new document, the old passport is typically canceled by perforation or marking, but it may sometimes be kept as proof of past travel or visas still valid.
Temporary Passport in Case of Emergency
In an emergency situation, when there is insufficient time to produce a biometric passport in Berlin, authorities can issue a temporary passport. This document, valid for a maximum of one year, allows for travel but is not accepted by all countries. It does not always contain all the biometric features of the standard document.
Abroad, in case of loss or theft of your documents, a short-validity travel document can be issued to allow your return to Germany or transit through certain countries. This simplified procedure can be completed in a few hours, provided your identity and nationality can be established. It is therefore highly recommended to carry copies of your identity documents with you when traveling to facilitate this process.
Second Passport
In very specific cases, particularly when certain destinations pose problems due to stamps from third countries (e.g., countries refusing entry if the passport contains visas from states with which they have no diplomatic relations), it is possible to obtain a second valid German passport. The validity of these additional passports is generally shorter, often six years, and their issuance must be justified.
Loss, Theft, or Damage of the Passport: The Right Steps to Take
Losing a German passport abroad or having it stolen requires a swift response.
The first step is to immediately report the loss or theft to the local police and to the competent German mission (embassy or consulate). This report allows the missing passport to be invalidated, preventing its fraudulent use. A police report is often necessary to obtain a replacement document.
Depending on the travel situation, several options are possible:
In case of loss or theft of a passport abroad, several solutions exist to return to Germany or continue your journey.
Document valid only for return to Germany or, possibly, within the EU. Its validity is often limited to a maximum of one month.
Can be used for a longer stay or more complex itineraries. Its validity can be up to one year.
Solution requiring gathering all required documents. The time to obtain it is at least several weeks.
Issuing a provisional document can, in simple cases, be done the same day or within a few hours; issuing a temporary passport generally takes a few days; producing a new standard passport takes at least four weeks. These times can lengthen if identity is not easily demonstrable (no copy of the passport, absence of other documents) or if the mission must first consult the town hall of the last residence in Germany.
Again, having copies of the passport and other identity documents on your person or in a safe place greatly facilitates replacement in case of problems.
Specifics for Children and Families
German policy regarding travel documents for children has evolved. For several years, a specific document, the Kinderreisepass (child’s passport), existed, inexpensive and quick to obtain, but without a biometric chip and regularly refused for entry into certain countries, notably the United States.
As of 2024, this document has been discontinued. Children must now also have a standard biometric passport, with the same technical standards as for adults. Each child must have their own passport, even infants.
For a passport application concerning a minor child, the presence of the child and the holders of parental authority is required. The detailed birth certificate, proof of nationality, and all documents relating to parentage (acknowledgment of paternity, custody rights, etc.) must be provided. Managing issues related to the child’s name, via a possible declaration, is also a frequent step in the process.
Processing times are similar to those for adults, but validity remains six years, as they are under 24. It is important to note that some posts no longer accept applications very close to a child’s sixth birthday, as fingerprints must be collected from a certain age; they then request an appointment after the birthday to include fingerprints on the chip.
The Link Between Citizenship and Passport in Practice
For individuals who recently acquired German citizenship, by naturalization, recognition of descent, or reinstatement due to past persecution, the German passport is often the first tangible manifestation of this new status.
Obtaining citizenship and obtaining a passport are two distinct and sequential procedures. You must first complete the entire naturalization process (submission of file, examination, test, declaration of allegiance, receipt of certificate). Only then can you apply for a passport, and often for an identity card. The appointments are separate and the files must be prepared independently, although some documents may be reused.
This close link also explains why, for many complex cases of descent or birth abroad, diplomatic missions start by verifying and, if necessary, establishing citizenship before processing the passport application, which can turn a “simple” travel document request into a more in-depth legal case.
In Summary: A Demanding but Structured Procedure
Obtaining a German passport requires navigating several levels of requirements: nationality law, strict rules on names, document standardization, biometric requirements, online appointment procedures, centralized production times, and territorial jurisdiction constraints.
After understanding the main principles, the procedure follows a precise pattern: verify or establish your citizenship, identify the competent mission (consulate or embassy), book an appointment via the official system, meticulously prepare all required originals and copies, comply with regulatory photo standards, appear in person for identification, fingerprinting, and payment, then wait while the file is sent to Berlin and the passport is finally shipped.
The result—a German passport offering one of the greatest freedoms of movement in the world and the consular protection of Germany and, in the absence of German representation, of other EU member states—often justifies the investment in time, effort, and costs required by this rigorous procedure.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
