Germany: Measures to simplify and digitise passport and ID procedures

16 April 2024

The Federal Government of Germany has taken steps to further reduce bureaucracy and digitise the country’s passport and ID system, making it easier and faster for applicants to get their documents.

The government has adopted amendments to the passport and identity card administration regulations, which aim to simplify and modernise the process.

Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser said: “We are making life easier and more digital. We are saving citizens the arduous journey to the office. And we are saving some people the rude awakening shortly before their vacation that their passport has expired. In the future, citizens will receive information by email upon request and reminders of the expiration of your documents.”

The regulations implement the following facilitations:

  • For persons immediately after naturalization, the application for German passports and identity cards will be simplified.
  • Effective from the end of April 2025, the obligation to submit a paper-based passport photo will no longer apply. For this purpose, the government has created detailed regulations for the establishment of self-service stations at government offices for media-free digital recording of biometric information (photo, fingerprints, signature).
  • The possibility of direct postal delivery of passports and identity cards to the domestic registration address of the applicant will be introduced from May 2025.
  • On request, applicants will be able to store an email address, for example in order to receive a reminder for a renewal application in good time before the expiry of the respective identity document.
  • The issuance of digitally generated change stickers will be simplified by eliminating the obligation of an official signature and date.

The amending regulation must now be approved by the Federal Council.

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If you are looking to relocate to Germany and require support with the immigration process, Smith Stone Walters can help.

Our team of immigration advisors in Frankfurt can assist you every step of the way. To find out how we can help, please contact us today.

 

Disclaimer: In accordance with the German law governing legal advice and services (RDG, section 2 subsection 1) our services do not include any legal advice.

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