On 1 May 2025, the law to strengthen security in the passport and ID card system came into force. Since then, biometric passport photos may only be taken digitally directly in the authorities’ offices or in photo studios that can transmit them digitally to the authorities via a secure electronic channel.
This change also affects the Berlin Immigration Office (LEA) and the issuing of electronic residence titles and travel documents. This does not apply to the issuing of residence permits for refugees from Ukraine in the passport, temporary suspension of deportation status (Duldung) and certificate confirming permission to remain pending an asylum decision (Aufenthaltsgestattung).
The following applies for dates from July 14, 2025 onwards:
- Please do not bring any classic biometric passport photos (on photographic paper). These are no longer accepted.
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Our recommendation for the quickest possible process: Have the digital passport photo taken in advance in a photo studio or in certain drugstores that can transmit photos to our authority via a secure photo cloud. This applies in particular if you are visiting us with children. You will receive a QR code from the photo studio or drugstore, which you should bring with you to your appointment.
- Alternatively, you can take passport photos at our self-service terminals (so-called PointID devices) for a fee of 6.00 euros at your appointment.
Exceptions: The changes do not apply to the issue of
Persons affected by these exceptions should continue to bring non-digital, biometric passport photos on photographic paper.
