Deutschland Kompass
STEP

Pass & Aufenthaltstitel: Documents for Your Child

For children of parents without German citizenship. A two-stage process: first a national passport via the consulate, then a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) via the Ausländerbehörde.

WHAT TO DO

What and when

If neither parent holds German citizenship, the child does not automatically become German (exception: if at least one parent has legally resided in Germany for 5+ years, the Geburtsortprinzip applies).

For everyone else: you need a national document (from the consulate) and a German residence permit (from the Ausländerbehörde).

Step A: National passport through the consulate

Contact your home country’s consulate. Typical documents required:

Options: add child to a parent’s passport (quick, temporary) or obtain a separate children’s passport.

Step B: Aufenthaltstitel through the Ausländerbehörde

Under §33 AufenthG, the child has the same residence permit category as the parents from birth. Getting the physical card requires a visit to the ABH.

Appointment: book online via your city’s portal. In Berlin, Munich, Hamburg: waiting times of 2–6 months. Book immediately after birth.

Documents for the ABH:

👨🏻‍💻
Max recommends:

In Munich I booked the ABH appointment on the day the child was born — the available date was 4 months later. By then, the national passport was already ready. Parallel processes save time.

👩🏼‍💼
Lea recommends:

Biometric photo for a newborn is its own challenge: neutral background, eyes open. Some photography studios are experienced with babies. Or take the photo yourself following ABH guidelines — accepted too.

Next step →

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What type of residence permit does the child receive? ▾

A child born in Germany to foreign parents receives the same type of Aufenthaltstitel as the more privileged parent (§33 AufenthG). For example: if one parent holds a Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence), the child also gets a Niederlassungserlaubnis.

Is there urgency in visiting the Ausländerbehörde? ▾

Legally, the child has the same residence rights as the parents from birth (§33 AufenthG). But for international travel and certain official processes, the physical card is required. Given long waiting times at ABH — book an appointment immediately after birth.

Our parents have different nationalities — which consulate? ▾

Either country's consulate. Choose the passport most useful for travel. If one parent is an EU citizen, the child may be entitled to EU citizenship — consult a lawyer.

What is the Reiseausweis für Ausländer? ▾

A German travel document for foreigners who cannot obtain a national passport. Issued by the Ausländerbehörde and recognised by most countries.

OFFICIAL SOURCES