Blog
March 18, 2025
How to Transfer Your Residence Permit to a New Passport in Berlin: A Complete Guide
Blog
March 18, 2025
How to Transfer Your Residence Permit to a New Passport in Berlin: A Complete Guide
If you've recently received a new passport and hold a valid German residence permit, you’ll need to have your permit transferred to your updated travel document. While this may seem like another layer of bureaucracy, the process is relatively straightforward—especially if you plan ahead. This guide breaks down each step to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience at the Bürgeramt or the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) in Berlin. By Khaled Alaswad
Why Is Transferring Your Residence Permit Necessary?
Your residence permit is directly tied to your passport. If you’ve obtained a new passport due to expiration, loss, or theft, your current residence permit remains valid only when linked to the correct travel document. Failure to transfer it could lead to complications when:
Traveling internationally
Dealing with German authorities
Renewing or updating your residence status
However, if your residence permit is set to expire in six months or less, transferring it isn’t advisable. Instead, you should apply for a renewal directly at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) to save both time and fees.
Where to Transfer Your Residence Permit?
You have two options for transferring your residence permit in Berlin:
A Bürgeramt – If you meet the criteria outlined below.
The Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) – If you don’t meet the Bürgeramt’s requirements.
Can You Transfer Your Permit at a Bürgeramt?
You’re eligible for a Bürgeramt transfer if:
Your old passport with a valid residence permit is still available.
Your residence permit was originally issued in Berlin or was last transferred at a Bürgeramt in Berlin.
Your old passport is fully intact.
Your new passport was issued within the last six months.
You haven’t left Germany for more than six consecutive months.
If you don’t meet these conditions, your only option is to complete the transfer at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA).
What Documents Do You Need?
To avoid delays, ensure you have all required documents prepared before your appointment:
New passport (original + copy)
Old passport (original, containing the valid residence permit)
Biometric passport photo (compliant with German biometric standards)
Completed application form (available online or at the Bürgeramt/LEA)
Proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung)
Electronic residence permit (eAT), if applicable
Police report, if your old passport was stolen
Make extra copies of your documents in case they’re requested.
How Much Does It Cost?
The fees for transferring your residence permit vary based on your status:
€67.00 – Adults
€33.50 – Minors
€22.80 – Turkish nationals under 24
€37.00 – Turkish nationals 24 and older
Who Is Exempt from Fees?
You may qualify for a fee waiver if you receive:
Bürgergeld (SGB II)
Social assistance (SGB XII)
Asylum seeker benefits
A publicly funded scholarship
How Long Does the Process Take?
Once your application is submitted, your new electronic residence permit (eAT card) will be issued. Processing typically takes 4 to 5 weeks, but timelines can fluctuate based on appointment availability and office workload.
If you are planning to travel soon, you can temporarily use your old passport and residence permit alongside your new passport. However, check the entry requirements for your destination country, as some may impose additional conditions for travelers with pending permit transfers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Your Residence Permit
Determine where to apply – Bürgeramt (if eligible) or LEA.
Book an appointment well in advance.
Prepare all required documents and extra copies.
Arrive on time for your appointment.
Submit your application and supporting documents.
Pay the processing fee, if applicable.
Wait for your new electronic residence permit (eAT card) to be issued.
Tips for a Smooth Appointment
Book early: Appointments fill up fast, so schedule yours as soon as possible.
Arrive on time: Being late could mean losing your slot.
Check your documents: A missing form or incorrect paperwork could delay your process.
Plan for processing time: Since the eAT card takes weeks to arrive, avoid last-minute applications if you have travel plans.
Need Help? Let ExpatEaze Guide You!
Navigating Germany’s administrative maze can be stressful—especially when language barriers come into play. That’s where ExpatEaze can help.
Hi, I’m Khaled Alaswad, and I specialize in helping expats navigate bureaucratic processes in Germany. My personalized consultation service ensures that you don’t have to worry about:
Booking appointments on time
Gathering and reviewing necessary documents
Communicating effectively with German authorities
Let me handle the complexities so you can focus on enjoying life in Berlin.
📩 Get in Touch Today
📞 Phone: +49 163 4732254
💬 WhatsApp: Click to Chat
✉️ Email: info@expateaze.de
🌐 Website: www.expateaze.de
Why Is Transferring Your Residence Permit Necessary?
Your residence permit is directly tied to your passport. If you’ve obtained a new passport due to expiration, loss, or theft, your current residence permit remains valid only when linked to the correct travel document. Failure to transfer it could lead to complications when:
Traveling internationally
Dealing with German authorities
Renewing or updating your residence status
However, if your residence permit is set to expire in six months or less, transferring it isn’t advisable. Instead, you should apply for a renewal directly at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) to save both time and fees.
Where to Transfer Your Residence Permit?
You have two options for transferring your residence permit in Berlin:
A Bürgeramt – If you meet the criteria outlined below.
The Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) – If you don’t meet the Bürgeramt’s requirements.
Can You Transfer Your Permit at a Bürgeramt?
You’re eligible for a Bürgeramt transfer if:
Your old passport with a valid residence permit is still available.
Your residence permit was originally issued in Berlin or was last transferred at a Bürgeramt in Berlin.
Your old passport is fully intact.
Your new passport was issued within the last six months.
You haven’t left Germany for more than six consecutive months.
If you don’t meet these conditions, your only option is to complete the transfer at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA).
What Documents Do You Need?
To avoid delays, ensure you have all required documents prepared before your appointment:
New passport (original + copy)
Old passport (original, containing the valid residence permit)
Biometric passport photo (compliant with German biometric standards)
Completed application form (available online or at the Bürgeramt/LEA)
Proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung)
Electronic residence permit (eAT), if applicable
Police report, if your old passport was stolen
Make extra copies of your documents in case they’re requested.
How Much Does It Cost?
The fees for transferring your residence permit vary based on your status:
€67.00 – Adults
€33.50 – Minors
€22.80 – Turkish nationals under 24
€37.00 – Turkish nationals 24 and older
Who Is Exempt from Fees?
You may qualify for a fee waiver if you receive:
Bürgergeld (SGB II)
Social assistance (SGB XII)
Asylum seeker benefits
A publicly funded scholarship
How Long Does the Process Take?
Once your application is submitted, your new electronic residence permit (eAT card) will be issued. Processing typically takes 4 to 5 weeks, but timelines can fluctuate based on appointment availability and office workload.
If you are planning to travel soon, you can temporarily use your old passport and residence permit alongside your new passport. However, check the entry requirements for your destination country, as some may impose additional conditions for travelers with pending permit transfers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Your Residence Permit
Determine where to apply – Bürgeramt (if eligible) or LEA.
Book an appointment well in advance.
Prepare all required documents and extra copies.
Arrive on time for your appointment.
Submit your application and supporting documents.
Pay the processing fee, if applicable.
Wait for your new electronic residence permit (eAT card) to be issued.
Tips for a Smooth Appointment
Book early: Appointments fill up fast, so schedule yours as soon as possible.
Arrive on time: Being late could mean losing your slot.
Check your documents: A missing form or incorrect paperwork could delay your process.
Plan for processing time: Since the eAT card takes weeks to arrive, avoid last-minute applications if you have travel plans.
Need Help? Let ExpatEaze Guide You!
Navigating Germany’s administrative maze can be stressful—especially when language barriers come into play. That’s where ExpatEaze can help.
Hi, I’m Khaled Alaswad, and I specialize in helping expats navigate bureaucratic processes in Germany. My personalized consultation service ensures that you don’t have to worry about:
Booking appointments on time
Gathering and reviewing necessary documents
Communicating effectively with German authorities
Let me handle the complexities so you can focus on enjoying life in Berlin.
📩 Get in Touch Today
📞 Phone: +49 163 4732254
💬 WhatsApp: Click to Chat
✉️ Email: info@expateaze.de
🌐 Website: www.expateaze.de
If you've recently received a new passport and hold a valid German residence permit, you’ll need to have your permit transferred to your updated travel document. While this may seem like another layer of bureaucracy, the process is relatively straightforward—especially if you plan ahead. This guide breaks down each step to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience at the Bürgeramt or the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) in Berlin. By Khaled Alaswad
Why Is Transferring Your Residence Permit Necessary?
Your residence permit is directly tied to your passport. If you’ve obtained a new passport due to expiration, loss, or theft, your current residence permit remains valid only when linked to the correct travel document. Failure to transfer it could lead to complications when:
Traveling internationally
Dealing with German authorities
Renewing or updating your residence status
However, if your residence permit is set to expire in six months or less, transferring it isn’t advisable. Instead, you should apply for a renewal directly at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) to save both time and fees.
Where to Transfer Your Residence Permit?
You have two options for transferring your residence permit in Berlin:
A Bürgeramt – If you meet the criteria outlined below.
The Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) – If you don’t meet the Bürgeramt’s requirements.
Can You Transfer Your Permit at a Bürgeramt?
You’re eligible for a Bürgeramt transfer if:
Your old passport with a valid residence permit is still available.
Your residence permit was originally issued in Berlin or was last transferred at a Bürgeramt in Berlin.
Your old passport is fully intact.
Your new passport was issued within the last six months.
You haven’t left Germany for more than six consecutive months.
If you don’t meet these conditions, your only option is to complete the transfer at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA).
What Documents Do You Need?
To avoid delays, ensure you have all required documents prepared before your appointment:
New passport (original + copy)
Old passport (original, containing the valid residence permit)
Biometric passport photo (compliant with German biometric standards)
Completed application form (available online or at the Bürgeramt/LEA)
Proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung)
Electronic residence permit (eAT), if applicable
Police report, if your old passport was stolen
Make extra copies of your documents in case they’re requested.
How Much Does It Cost?
The fees for transferring your residence permit vary based on your status:
€67.00 – Adults
€33.50 – Minors
€22.80 – Turkish nationals under 24
€37.00 – Turkish nationals 24 and older
Who Is Exempt from Fees?
You may qualify for a fee waiver if you receive:
Bürgergeld (SGB II)
Social assistance (SGB XII)
Asylum seeker benefits
A publicly funded scholarship
How Long Does the Process Take?
Once your application is submitted, your new electronic residence permit (eAT card) will be issued. Processing typically takes 4 to 5 weeks, but timelines can fluctuate based on appointment availability and office workload.
If you are planning to travel soon, you can temporarily use your old passport and residence permit alongside your new passport. However, check the entry requirements for your destination country, as some may impose additional conditions for travelers with pending permit transfers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Your Residence Permit
Determine where to apply – Bürgeramt (if eligible) or LEA.
Book an appointment well in advance.
Prepare all required documents and extra copies.
Arrive on time for your appointment.
Submit your application and supporting documents.
Pay the processing fee, if applicable.
Wait for your new electronic residence permit (eAT card) to be issued.
Tips for a Smooth Appointment
Book early: Appointments fill up fast, so schedule yours as soon as possible.
Arrive on time: Being late could mean losing your slot.
Check your documents: A missing form or incorrect paperwork could delay your process.
Plan for processing time: Since the eAT card takes weeks to arrive, avoid last-minute applications if you have travel plans.
Need Help? Let ExpatEaze Guide You!
Navigating Germany’s administrative maze can be stressful—especially when language barriers come into play. That’s where ExpatEaze can help.
Hi, I’m Khaled Alaswad, and I specialize in helping expats navigate bureaucratic processes in Germany. My personalized consultation service ensures that you don’t have to worry about:
Booking appointments on time
Gathering and reviewing necessary documents
Communicating effectively with German authorities
Let me handle the complexities so you can focus on enjoying life in Berlin.
📩 Get in Touch Today
📞 Phone: +49 163 4732254
💬 WhatsApp: Click to Chat
✉️ Email: info@expateaze.de
🌐 Website: www.expateaze.de
