What is a national passport?
The national passport is an official document with which you can prove your identity and the nationality of your country of origin. The national passport also entitles you to leave and re-enter your country of origin. A valid national passport usually contains the following information:
- First name
- Surname
- Nationality
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Biometric passport photo
- Your signature
- Issuing authority
- Passport number
The national passport of your country of origin is particularly important if you wish to apply for a permanent Residence permit in Germany. This requires a clear Clarification of identity , which is usually provided by your national passport. Without a valid national passport, it will therefore be more difficult for you to obtain a Settlement permit or German citizenship.
For a national passport to be valid, it should:
- not expired, signed, recognized and
- contain your data correctly.
This means that your name should be spelled correctly and other information such as date and place of birth must also be correct.
You can also find comprehensive information from Migrando on the subject of national passports and Clarification of identity in our Playlist on YouTube.
The importance of the national passport for Naturalization
Clarification of identity is one of the most important requirements for Naturalization. A valid original national passport is usually required for this Clarification of identity . This only needs to be presented and will not be retained by the authorities.
Ideally, your national passport should remain valid throughout the entire naturalization process. If it expires in the meantime, you should therefore have your national passport extended in good time.
Naturalization without a national passport: is that possible?
In principle, it is always best if you can present a valid national passport from your country of origin for the Clarification of identity . However, if this is not possible and you can prove that you have tried everything to obtain a national passport, Naturalization is also possible without a national passport.
Common problems with the National Passport and what you can do
Naturalization procedures often lead to difficulties and complications in connection with the national passport. We look at the most common problems and tell you what you can do.
What if I do not have or cannot obtain a passport from my country of origin?
If you do not have a passport from your country of origin and cannot obtain one, you must prove that obtaining a passport is objectively impossible or subjectively unreasonable. In such cases, alternative documents or affidavits can serve as proof of your identity.
Objectively impossible: It is not possible for people from Afghanistan to obtain a national passport, as the Afghan government does not issue national passports in some cases. You therefore have no possibility of obtaining a national passport and can prove your identity with other documents. It is important that you obtain a certificate of non-issuance of a national passport from the embassy. This is usually not a problem.
Subjectively unreasonable: If you come from Eritrea , you would have to submit a declaration of repentance as soon as you apply for a national passport at the relevant embassy. In doing so, you would be admitting to having committed a criminal offense (fleeing Eritrea). In Germany, this is considered unreasonable and you are therefore not required to obtain a national passport.
What happens if my country of origin refuses to renew my passport?
If your country of origin refuses to renew your passport, you should prove that you have taken all reasonable steps to obtain a new passport. In such cases, alternative documents or affidavits may be accepted as proof of your identity. It is important to document the reasons for the refusal to renew your passport in detail and present them to the naturalization authority.
What do I do if the data in my passport is incorrect?
If data in your passport is incorrect, for example if your name is misspelled, you should contact the relevant embassy in your country of origin to have it corrected. If a correction is not possible, inform the naturalization authority and, if necessary, submit additional documents confirming the correct data.
What can I do if the Foreigners' office does not recognize my national passport?
In some cases, the immigration authorities do not recognize national passports. This may be due to the current political situation in certain countries and currently affects Syrians and Somalis in particular. Syrian passports are given a sticker in the expired passports when they are renewed, but this is not recognized by the German authorities.
National passports from Somalia that have been issued since 1991 are also not recognized by the German authorities due to the civil war that has been raging since then.
In all of the above cases, it is important to discuss your individual circumstances with the relevant naturalization authority and provide written proof that you are unable to obtain a national passport and why. To ensure that your Naturalization still works, there is a so-called 4-step model for the Clarification of identity that you can follow.
The 4-step model for the Clarification of identity
With the 4-step model, you have 4 options for proving your identity during Naturalization . It is particularly helpful if there are problems with your national passport. Please note: you should only attempt the next step if you are unable to complete the first stage. You must be able to prove all your efforts in writing.
We have prepared an accompanying protocol for the interview at the embassy, which you can download free of charge.
Level 1: You obtain a valid national passport
The easiest way to establish your identity is if you can show a valid national passport. It should not be expired and should contain your correct details. If you do not currently have a national passport, you should try to obtain one. You should document these attempts in writing so that you can prove in case of doubt that it is not possible for you to obtain a national passport.
If you are in Germany and would like to apply for a national passport, you must go to the embassy responsible for you in Germany. For example, if you are from Syria, you must go to the Syrian embassy in Germany.
Stage 2: Alternative documents
If it is objectively impossible or subjectively unreasonable for you to obtain a national passport, you can also use other documents as proof of identity.
As alternative documents for your identity confirmation can be presented:
- Birth certificate
- Baptism certificate
- Driver's license
- Confirmation of registration
- Wedding certificate
- other official documents from your country of origin
If you are unable to obtain any of these documents, you must first explain this in writing and in a comprehensible manner. Only then can you proceed to stage 3.
Stage 3: Witness statements and additional documents
If you have family members in Germany whose identity has already been established, they can confirm your identity for you as a witness. To do this, the person must have a valid passport or have already been naturalized in Germany. In some cases, a DNA test can also be used to confirm that you belong together.
Testimony is usually given in person by making an oral presentation to the authorities. Additional documents can also be presented, for example letters that you have written and that contain your name.
If you have no relatives in Germany whose identity has already been confirmed, you must also prove this in writing and can still try stage 4.
Level 4: Own statements
If you do not have a national passport, too few alternative documents and no family member to provide a witness statement, you must explain plausibly and comprehensibly why the first 3 stages were not possible for you. It is particularly important to document all steps taken as well as possible and submit them in writing.
The authority can consult your foreigner file for a decision. If your data in this file has always remained the same since you entered the country, this can serve as proof that your identity has been clarified.
Traveling with the National Pass
As the national passport is basically also a passport, you can also use it to travel if you are applying for a Settlement permit or Naturalization in Germany. Please note, however, that longer absences could have a negative impact on your Residence permit procedure in Germany.
If you apply for dual citizenship, you can generally keep your original national passport if your home country allows this. In Germany, dual or multiple citizenship is permitted thanks to the current Naturalization Act of 27 June 2024. You can then use both national passports when traveling; however, please note that you must always present your German passport when entering and leaving Germany.
As some countries only allow travel to very few countries, you should know and observe the respective regulations if you want to travel with your national passport. The German passport allows you to travel visa-free to almost 200 countries worldwide, which is why it is the safe choice in most cases.
Problems with your national passport? We will be happy to help you!
If you have a valid national passport, you have already taken an important step towards Naturalization . However, this is often not so easy, especially if there are political complications in your country of origin. The legal experts at Migrando have years of experience in the field of Naturalization and national passports. Take the free test and we will help you!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the National Pass
Can I apply for a German passport without a valid national passport?
In principle, you can obtain German citizenship without a national passport, but you should always try to obtain a valid national passport first. If this is not possible for understandable reasons, you may be able to use other documents to confirm your identity.
Can you travel without a national passport?
Without a national passport, you may be severely restricted when it comes to traveling, depending on your country of origin. As an EU citizen, you can travel to most European countries with a valid identity card. If it is not possible for you to obtain a national passport, you may be able to apply for replacement documents from the Foreigners' office .
What happens if I do not have a national passport?
For foreigners in Germany, possession of a valid national passport in accordance with § 3 AufenthG is a basic requirement for entry, residence and Naturalization in Germany. If you do not have a national passport, you should first try to obtain one from your country of origin. If this is not possible, you must be able to prove this.
Can I have several national passports?
Yes - if your country of origin and the country whose citizenship you wish to acquire recognize dual citizenship, you can hold two or more national passports. You do not have to surrender your national passport at the time of Naturalization .
