In an attempt to reduce bureaucracy and embrace digitalisation, the German government has approved changes to the application process for ID cards and passports.
The changes aim to make the process of obtaining the two documents easier and more convenient for all citizens of the country, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
According to the Ministry of Interior of Germany, as soon as the new rules become effective, foreigners who have just recently become naturalised German citizens will see a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles when applying for ID cards and passports.
In addition, the requirement to submit a paper-based passport photo will be removed for all citizens of the country by the end of April 2025.
Instead, the country will establish self-service stations that will gather biometric data of applicants, including photographs, signatures, and fingerprints.
However, it is yet to be determined when this service will be launched as the authorities are still working on creating detailed regulations.
To this end, we are creating detailed regulations for setting up self-service stations in the authorities for the media-free digital recording of biometric information (photograph, fingerprints, signature).
Another simplification that Germany will make is that from May 2025, it will offer the option for ID cards and passports to be delivered directly to the applicant’s registered address.
ID Card & Passport Applicants Can Register to Receive Reminders of Documents’ Validity by Email
All applicants will have the opportunity to register an email address to receive reminders about the expiration date of their documents. By offering such an opportunity, the German authorities want to ensure that everyone can renew their documents promptly.
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. Reminders of the expiration of your documents.
In addition to the above-mentioned, Germany will also streamline the issuance of digitally generated changed stickers. In the future, there will no longer be a need for an official signature and date.
Commenting on the changes that will be introduced soon, Minister Faeser said that the country is committed to making life easier for its citizens.
The same emphasised that they want to spare citizens the trip to government offices to apply for these two documents.
Germany’s passport currently ranks as second in the world, according to the VisaGuide Passport Index.
German passport holders can travel visa-free to a total of 107 world countries. On the other hand, they are required to obtain a visa for entry to 18 countries.
