GERMAN PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
APPLYING FOR AN GERMAN PASSPORT OR PASSPORT RENEWAL
Whether you are looking to apply for a German passport for the first time, or renew an expired German passport there is a fairly straightforward process. However, unlike some other European countries, you will need to do the process in person which can be slightly inconvenient.
That being said, the documents needed for both first time applications and those looking for German passport renewal are often simple to collect. We go over everything you need to know in the guide below, but you’ll always want to double check the application in case any requirements have changed or been updated.
Of course, before you get started, you’ll need German citizenship. If you are getting a German passport for the first time, you have to prove citizenship through documentation. You cannot obtain a German passport unless you are a citizen.
Still need to get citizenship? Check out our full guide on how to get German citizenship here. There, you’ll find everything you need to know about German citizenship through descent, marriage, and residency.
Getting a German Passport with Dual Citizenship
You’ll need to obtain German citizenship before you can apply for a passport. There are many routes: descent, marriage, and more. And because Germany no longer has restrictions for becoming a dual citizen, that means many people around the world can get a German passport without renouncing the country of origin.
The passport you receive will be an official government ID that you can use inside the country. And it will also serve you in your travels—Passport Index ranks the German passport at the 3rd best in the entire world.
How you go through the German passport application process is a little different depending on if you live in the country or abroad. If you live in Germany, you can apply for a passport at the citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) in your municipality. If you live abroad, you need to apply at the nearest German mission. In both cases, attending the appointment in person is required, and you must provide specific documents, including proof of identity and a recent passport photo.
First Time German Passport Application for Adults (Over 18 Years of Age)
German Passport Requirements:
- Recent passport photo meeting government standards
- Proof of identity and German nationality (e.g., identity card or naturalization certificate)
- Fingerprints from both index fingers (taken during the appointment)
German Passport Application Steps:
- Make an appointment at the citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) in your municipality or at a German mission if abroad
- Attend the appointment in person with the required documents in hand
- Pay the fee based on age and passport type
- Track your application progress online.
- Collect the passport once it is ready (if you can’t get it yourself, you can authorize someone else to pick it up through a signed letter of consent)
If you are going to go through with your German passport form, you should also know:
- Processing Time: You can expect 3-6 weeks to receive the passport from the day you submit your application. But if you opt for express service (which costs a little more, as you’ll see in the table below) you can get it in as little as 3 working days.
- Cost: There are fees associated with your German passport application. The amount depends on your age and the type of passport you want, and the price can go up if you want express service. Check the table below for fee information.
- Validity: A German passport is valid for 10 years for adults over 24, and 6 years for younger applicants under 24 years old.
- Lost/Stolen Passports: If lost or stolen, report it to the citizens’ office and apply for a replacement, potentially using a temporary passport if you need to travel urgently.
How much does the German Passport Application cost?
| Type | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Standard Passport (32 pages) - under 24 y/o | €37.50 |
| Large Passport (48 pages) - under 24 y/o | €59.50 |
| Express Passport (32 pages) - under 24 y/o | €69.50 |
| Express Passport (48 pages) - under 24 y/o | €91.50 |
| Standard Passport (32 pages) - over 24 y/o | €70.00 |
| Large Passport (48 pages) - over 24 y/o | €92.00 |
| Express Passport (32 pages) - over 24 y/o | €102.00 |
| Express Passport (48 pages) - over 24 y/o | €124.00 |
| Children's Passport | €13.00 |
| Additional Fee for Applications Abroad | Starting from €31.00 |
Renew German Passport in Germany
To renew a German passport while you are in Germany, you need to book an appointment at your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt).
You’ll then go through a similar procedure.
Bring with you:
- a current or expired passport
- a recent passport photo that meets the official requirements
- any additional identification documents if requested
Much like with getting a new passport, they’ll take your fingerprints.
A German passport renewal generally takes 3-6 weeks, but you can opt for an express service for faster processing, usually within three working days.
Renew German Passport in USA
German passport renewal is possible if you live abroad, but you can no longer do it through the post. Instead, you’ll need to go to your nearest German mission in the country you live in.
You’ll have to make an appointment ahead of time.
Processing time abroad is a little bit longer, as the document is printed at the Federal Printing Office in Berlin and then mailed to your country of residence. Expect 4 to 6 weeks.
Lost or Stolen German Passports
If your passport is lost or stolen, there are steps you can take to obtain a replacement.
If the passport is lost while you are in Germany, simply go to the nearest citizen’s office or German consulate/embassy and report the missing passport. (Reach out to them if you later find the passport.)
You can get a new passport with express service to rapidly replace the document in case of urgent travel.
If you are abroad and lose your German passport, go to the nearest German diplomatic mission in the country you are visiting. They will guide you through getting replacement travel documents issued.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Can I Get a German Passport?
If you are a German citizen by birth, descent, naturalization, or marriage you are eligible to apply for a German passport. You must be a registered German citizen before you can apply for a passport.
Can I Apply for a German Passport?
Yes, you can apply for a German passport if you hold German citizenship. Once your citizenship status is confirmed, you can submit your passport application through the Bürgeramt in Germany or a German mission abroad.
How Long Does It Take to Get a German Passport?
The typical processing time for a German passport application in Germany is typically 3-6 weeks. For applications filed abroad, processing may take 4-6 weeks, but an express option is often available for a faster processing time.
How Do I Check the Status of My German Passport?
You can track your passport application status using the file number provided by the Bürgeramt or the German consulate where you applied.
How Much Does a German Passport Cost?
The cost of a German passport varies depending on your age, location, and whether you opt for standard or express service. Fees range from €37.50 to €124.00, with additional fees for applications processed abroad.
How long does the German passport valid for?
The standard German passport is valid for 6 years for applicants under the age of 24. It is valid for 10 years for adults over 24 years old.
How long does it take to renew a German passport?
On average, it takes between 8 to 10 weeks to process, assuming your application is fully completed and all required documents are submitted properly. In some cases, the processing period may be extended.
This page was last updated with with help by Marco Permunian
Additional Resources:
