What forms and documents do I need to bring with me ?

For adults

A fully completed application form (Deutsch, Français, English) with simultaneous application for passport and identity card, two fully completed forms (Deutsch, Français, English) (one each for the passport and the identity card) as well as two biometric passport photos. However, it is sufficient if you bring a set of copies with you so that you can apply for a passport and ID card at the same time.

Please bring all documents in the original plus one copy, the originals will be returned to you. Missing documents can be submitted at a later stage; however, this will delay the processing of your application.

Information sheet to download (Deutsch, Français, English)

  • a recent, max. 6 months old, biometric passport photo (if required, a photo booth is available on site.)
    (photo sample board of the Federal printing office)
  • Immigration card (if applicable)
  • Proof of current address (e.g. electricity bill or similar, “attestation de domicile”) only if you do not have a residence permit or if it does not contain your current address. The proof must be issued in the name of the applicant.
  • previous passport/temporary passport/identity card. Please copy the data page of the passport or the front and back of the identity card.
  • If the document is lost, a police report of the loss must be submitted

Additional documents, if:

  • there have been changes since the last application in Bern; or 
  • the passport or identity card was no longer valid when the appointment was made or
  • the last passport or identity card was not issued in Bern

  • If  the address in your last passport is still a German residence: deregistration certificate from Germany;
  • Birth/parentage certificate, alternatively German marriage/partnership certificate/German family book;
  • If you are or were married or partnered:
    • Marriage/partnership certificate with note on the use of the name
    • or extract from the family register with note on the name if married abroad; if applicable, name certificate according to German law.

Additionally (if applicable):

  • Certificate of acquisition of German citizenship (naturalisation certificate, only for first application);
  • Certificate of acquisition of a foreign citizenship (if Swiss citizenship is acquired, civil status form 7.9); The passport of the foreign nationality is not sufficient as proof.
  • If applicable, doctoral degree certificate (in German or English, with name and date of birth), if the doctoral degree is not evident from a previous passport/identity card and the entry in the new passport/identity card is desired.

All foreign documents not issued under the CIEC-Convention must be apostilled or legalised.

Apostille or legalisation of documents

In individual cases, the presentation of further certificates and documents may be necessary.

For minors

A fully completed application form (Deutsch, Français, English), one form per application when applying for a passport and identity card at the same time.

To apply for a biometric passport or identity card, the child must be present in person accompanied by the person/s entitled to custody. If a parent or guardian is unable to attend, the parent or guardian’s certified declaration of consent must be submitted. An exception to this is the application for an identity card by a minor over the age of 16. Such an application can be made by the minor himself/herself, without the involvement of his/her parents. Please fill out the application form for adults. (Deutsch, Français, English).

Please note: Regarding passports and identity cards for children under 6 years of age, until further notice, no applications will be accepted in the 14 days prior to the 6th birthday. Please book the application appointment after the 6th birthday so that the child’s fingerprints can be recorded.

Please bring all documents in original and one copy, the originals will be returned to you

Information sheet to download (Deutsch, Français, English)

  • a recent, max. 6 months old, biometric passport photo (if required, a photo booth is available on site.)
    (photo sample board of the Federal printing office)
  • if available: Previous identity document of the child with a copy of the data page of the passport or front and back of the identity card.
  • If the document is lost, a police report of the loss must be submitted.
  • Passports or identity cards of the parents.
  • If the last identity document shows a German residence: deregistration certificate
  • Swiss residence permit of the child, if (already) available
  • Swiss residence permits of the parents
  • Proof of current place of residence (e.g. parents’ electricity bill, “attestation de domicile” or similar)
  • Birth certificate of the child or family book/family certificate
  • If born in Germany after 01.01.2000, if at least one parent was not a German citizen at that time: birth register extract
  • For children of married parents: Marriage certificate of the parents or excerpt from the family register of the parents with a note on their names
  • If married abroad, name certificate according to German law ,if applicable 
  • for children of divorced parents and sole custody of one parent:
    • Proof of sole custody by custody order or divorce decree.
    • German recognition of foreign divorce decrees:
  • for children born to parents who were not married at the time of birth,
    • Acknowledgement of paternity, note further information:  Acknowledgements of paternity
    • Custody agreement according to the law of the country of residence: custody

Additionally (if applicable):

  • Certificate of acquisition of German citizenship 
    Naturalisation certificate, only for first application;
  • Certificate of acquisition of a foreign nationality (e.g. Swiss civil status form 7.9 Proof of citizenship for Swiss nationals). The passport of the foreign nationality is not sufficient as proof.

All foreign documents not issued under the CIEC-Convention must be apostilled or legalised.

Apostille or legalisation of documents

In individual cases, the presentation of further certificates and documents may be necessary.