Why apply for a German passport at all?
To apply for a applying for a German passporthas various advantages. On the one hand, there are Naturalization advantages in Germany in your everyday life, such as the following:
- Deportation is no longer possible.
- It is easier to take out a loan.
- No work permit is required.
- It gives you planning security.
- You can get involved in politics.
- You have the same rights as any other German citizen.
Also when traveling or with your family many things are easier for you. There are these advantages:
- It is always possible for you to enter and leave the country.
- It is possible for you to leave the country permanently.
- Family reunification is easier.
Who can apply for a German passport?
Foreigners who meet all the requirements for a German passport can generally apply for a German passport. The requirements for Naturalization can be found in § 10 StAG in detail.
The basic requirements are:
- the necessary length of stay,
- Language skills,
- securing a livelihood,
- proof of identity,
- a completed naturalization test and
- the signed declaration of loyalty with the commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In this checklist you will find all the necessary documents for the application.
How do I apply for a German passport?
To ensure that your application for a German passport is successful, there is a certain procedurewhich you should memorize. The following steps are important for you:
- Organize the documents: Organize all the documents you need for your naturalization application. It is worth obtaining language certificates and naturalization tests in advance. This will save you a lot of time.
- Check the documents: The next step is to check all your documents again for completeness and accuracy and fill out the naturalization application form.
- Applying for the Naturalization: You can apply online or in person. If in person, have the application countersigned at reception.
After submitting your application, you must wait 12 weeks. The naturalization authority is required by law to process your application within this period. If nothing happens after 12 weeks, you can lodge an appeal with the administrative court. Lawsuit for failure of act appeal. Once the authority has processed your application, you will be contacted and an appointment will be made for the naturalization certificate to be issued.
Where do I apply for a German passport?
The application for a German passport is submitted to the competent naturalization authority. As soon as you have organized all the documents for Naturalization , submit the application online or in person. The application will then be processed by the naturalization authority. Below is a table with the addresses of the naturalization authorities in the 10 largest cities in Germany:
City | Address | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
Berlin | Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24 13353
Berlin | Mon, Tue: 07:00-14:00 Wed: 08:00-14:00 Thu: 09:00-17:00 Fri: 08:00-12:00 |
Hamburg | Hammer Straße 30-34 22041 Hamburg | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu: 07:30-13:30 |
Munich | Ruppertstraße 19/Entrance 19a 80337 Munich | Mon, Wed, Fri: 07:30-12:00 Tue: 08:30-12:00, 14:00-18:00 Thu: 08:30-16:00 |
Cologne | Dillenburger Street 55-66 51105 Cologne | Mon-Fri: 08:00-12:00 |
Frankfurt | Berliner Strasse 33-35 60311 Frankfurt | Mon-Fri: 08:00-12:00 |
Stuttgart | Schmale Street 13 70173 Stuttgart | Mon, Tue: 08:30-13:00 Thu: 13:00-18:00 Fri: 08:30-12:00 |
Düsseldorf | Redlichstrasse 2A 40239 Düsseldorf | Mon-Thu: 08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00 |
Leipzig | Prager Street 118-136 04317 Leipzig | Mon-Thu: 09:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00 Fri: 09:00-13:00 |
Dortmund | Olpe 1 44135 Dortmund | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 07:30-12:00 |
Food | Schederhofstrasse. 45 45145 Essen | Mon, Tue: 08:00-13:00, 14:00-15:00 Thu: 08:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00 Fri: 08:00-12:30 |
If you already have a German passport and it expires, you must apply for a new passport at the citizens' office of your main place of residence. When applying, a distinction is made between the classic application, the application for an express passport and the application for a temporary passport.
How much does the German passport cost?
The costs for the German passport for the application to Naturalization amount to 255 for adults and €51 for minorswho are naturalized with their parents. For children applying for a German passport alone, the fee is €255. The legal basis for the costs of Naturalization is § 38 StAG.
Applying for a German passport after successfully completing Naturalization is laid down in § 15 PassV (Passport Ordinance).
How long does it take to apply for a German passport?
The application for a German passport takes about 7-8 weeks if you are applying for a passport for the first time after Naturalization or if you already have a German passport and it expires. You have the option of applying for an express passport, which takes up to 5 days to process. If an express passport would also be too late, you can apply for a temporary passport in justified exceptional cases, which can be issued immediately.
The duration of the application for a German passport at Naturalization is, in our experience of working with German naturalization authorities varies depending on the location. There are cities such as Cottbus or Essen where the Naturalization takes 6-15 months and examples such as Frankfurt (32 months) or Leipzig (over 50 months) where the Naturalization can take significantly longer.
To shorten the waiting time for the German passport, please note the following:
- Check your documents for completeness and correctness.
- Make the application with legal support.
- Organize all documents in good time.
The clearer and more structured your application is, the easier it will be for the authorityprocess your application.
Are there special regulations when applying for a German passport?
If the processing time of several weeks for issuing a German passport is too long for you, then you can apply for an express passport. This costs an additional €32.
If you do not live in Germany and want to apply for a passport from abroadyou will have to pay an additional €31 on top of the basic fee.
If an express passport also means too long a processing time for you, you can obtain a temporary passport. This costs €26 if you apply at your main place of residence in Germany and €44 if your main place of residence is abroad. You must provide reasons for obtaining the temporary passport
Get help with your application for a German passport now
Do you have questions about how to apply for your German passport? We will be happy to help you! With years of experience in Immigration law and in working with German naturalization authorities, we have the expertise to help you become a German citizen as quickly as possible!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about applying for a German passport
Yes, the German passport must be applied for in person. An application must be signed by you. Even if the application was made online, you must do it yourself.
The German passport is valid for 10 years for over 24 year olds and 6 years for those under 24. If your German passport expires, you must always apply for a new one and will then receive a new passport each time.
If your German passport expires, you must have it renewed. If your German passport is lost or stolen, you must contact the Bürgeramt (if in Germany) or the embassy (if abroad). They will then issue a new passport for you.
In order to obtain German citizenship, you must fulfill the requirements of § 10 StAG and and submit a complete and correct application to Naturalization .
The application for a German passport costs at Naturalization € 255 as an adult. After Naturalization and when the passport expires, the application costs €70 for over 24-year-olds and €37.50 for under 24-year-olds (including children).
