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Passports and Biometrics in Germany: real experience from chats

Short answer
If your documents are expiring, apply for a Fiktionsbescheinigung at the Ausländerbehörde to maintain your legal stay and work status. For new residence permit applications, obtain a biometric passport, as non-biometric versions are generally no longer accepted for travel as of 2026.

From real experience

If your German residence permit and passport are expiring soon, and obtaining a new passport appointment is difficult, consider applying for a Fiktionsbescheinigung (provisional document) from the relevant authority (Ausländerbehörde).
This document can temporarily extend your legal stay and allow you to continue working. It is also advisable to apply for a second passport abroad if possible, as it is a common practice ('must-have') for individuals residing overseas.
✓ 2 reports from chats
Since January 1, 2026, Germany generally does not accept non-biometric 5-year passports for entry.
Exception: If a German Residence Permit (VNZh) was issued *before* January 1, 2026, and linked to a 5-year non-biometric passport, the individual may travel on these documents until the VNZh expires. For new VNZh applications, a biometric passport is typically required. Processing times for biometric passports can vary significantly (e.g., 2.5 weeks to 3+ months). It is recommended to contact the German Embassy in Russia (visa.auswaertiges-amt.de) for specific clarification and to carry their response when traveling. Information on visiting consul schedules can be found on resources like documenty.de Instagram.
✓ 1 report from chats
For a Russian citizen to travel internationally, a valid Russian international passport is required for exiting Russia and often for entering other countries.
While a German Personalausweis may suffice for travel to some neighboring countries like Turkey (when flying from Germany), it is not a substitute for a Russian international passport for exiting Russia or for entry into many other destinations. Obtaining a Russian international passport can take up to a month, though expedited processing may be possible.
✓ 1 report from chats

Related topics

🛂 German Schengen Visa (Visitor/Tourist) 💰 Official Invitations and Financial Guarantees 🛂 Work Visas and Blue Card 🛂 Job Search and Skilled Worker Visas 💰 Issuing Invitations and Financial Guarantees 🛂 Schengen Visa Usage and Purpose of Trip

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