How To Renew German Passport In South Africa

See here what is required to renew your German passport and how you can apply in South Africa.

How Do I Apply?

  • Show larger version of image.
  • Compile the necessary documents. If you lack any of the listed documents in the original, read here about how to obtain it.
  • Complete the application form
  • Book an online appointment at your German Mission.
    If a name declaration is necessary you can get two appointments on the same day.
  • Bring all documents in the original plus one simple (non-certified) copy. Incomplete applications cannot be submitted.

What are the Required Documents?

  1. Application form
  2. 1 passport photo – ATTENTION: The photo must meet biometric specifications, see here
  3. Fee
  4. Current passport and if applicable current German ID card
  5. If you were residing in Germany or elsewhere at any time since the last passport was issued to you: Deregistration letter if applicable, or proof of relocation in case of countries without registration system.
  6. South African ID or Visa (temporary or permanent residence permit)
  7. Birth certificate (South African: unabridged/full)
    A birth certificate in which your parents are not listed cannot be accepted.
  8. Proof of surname: Were you born abroad after 01.09.1986? In order to establish your surname, a German birth certificate or name certificate must be submitted. If you possess neither, read here whether a name declaration is necessary.
    Exception: Is your father is a German citizen and your mother has South African citizenship only and does she carry your father’s surname? Then a name declaration is usually not necessary, instead her South African ID or passport must be presented.
  9. Do you wish to carry a married name? Please submit your marriage certificate (South African: unabridged/full) and if applicable name certificate. If you do not possess a name certificate, read here whether a name declaration is necessary.
  10. Proof of German citizenship: If you have a certificate of citizenship (even if expired), a naturalization certificate, or letter of retention, this document must be submitted.
    If you possess neither of these documents, the following documents must be submitted, depending on which case applies to you:

You were not born in South Africa (but for example in Germany)

You have not become a South African citizen?

Proof:

  1. South African ID, not older than 10 years or
  2. valid South African visa or
  3. letter “determination of citizenship status”, recently issued by the Department of Home Affairs, confirming non-acquisition of South African citizenshipYou became a South African citizen by “automatic naturalisation”?
    Proof through certificate “determination of citizenship status” issued by the Department of Home Affairs, confirming automatic naturalisation according to sec. 11A of the former South African Citizenship Act and date thereof.
    You became a South African citizen by descent?
    Proof:
  1. Your South African birth certificate and South African passport/ID of your parent or
  2. letter issued by the Department of Home Affairs confirming South African citizenship by descent/birth

You were born in South Africa AFTER 1.1.1975 AND your German parent was not born in South Africa (but for example in Germany)

1. Birth certificate of your German parent
2. Marriage certificate of your parents (South African: unabridged/full): always required if your mother was not German and you were born before 01.07.1993
3. South African ID of your German parent stating “non-citizen”, issued after your birth or
letter “determination of citizenship status” for your German parent, issued by the Department of Home Affairs after your birth or
South African death certificate of your German parent, reflecting a “non-citizen” ID number or
South African naturalisation certificate of your German parent (if applicable with German letter of retention) or
German naturalisation certificate of your parent, issued before your birth

Note:
Can you present a certificate of citizenship for your parent, which was issued after your birth? Then documents under 3. will not be required.

What Happens after I submitted my Application?

If all required documents are submitted, we will take your fingerprints. After your appointment, we will process your application and order the printing of your passport.

It will take approximately 6-8 weeks for your passport to be produced and delivered to South Africa. Please make sure to apply at least 3 months before the end of validity of your previous passport. If you require a passport more urgently (proof required, e.g. flight bookings, medical certificates) you may apply for a temporary passport, the issuing of which depends on whether the above listed requirements are met.

Once your passport has arrived at the German Mission, you will be informed by email.