New Biometric Passport Photo Rules at Berlin Immigration Office from May 2025 for Residence permit

New Digital Photo Requirements for Residence Permit documents in Berlin: What HR Needs to Know

Starting May 1, 2025, a new regulation will change how biometric passport photos are handled for residence permits and travel documents in Berlin. This update, aimed at improving security for identity document issuance, affects processes at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA). As HR professionals managing employee documentation, here’s what you need to know to ensure compliance for your workforce.

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Key Changes for Biometric Photos

Under the new law, biometric photos for electronic residence permits and travel documents must be taken either:

• At government offices during an appointment, or
• At certified photo studios with secure digital transmission to authorities.

This rule applies to most residence documents processed by the LEA. However, there are exceptions:

• Residence permits for Ukrainian refugees,
• Toleration permits (Duldungen),
• Temporary residence authorizations (Aufenthaltsgestattungen).

These exemptions mean that employees holding such permits may follow different photo submission protocols. HR teams should verify specific requirements for these cases on the LEA’s official website.

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Self-Service Photo Terminals at LEA

To support this transition, the LEA will introduce self-service photo terminals starting May 1, 2025. Employees attending appointments can use these terminals to take a digital biometric photo for a fee of €6. This option streamlines the process by allowing on-site photo capture, reducing the need for external studio visits.

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Important Notes for Appointments After May 1, 2025:

• During the initial rollout phase, technical irregularities with the self-service terminals may occur. Visitors are strongly advised to bring a current biometric passport photo to ensure smooth processing.
  
  

Staying Informed

The LEA will provide updates on the implementation of these changes. HR teams can check the LEA website or the dedicated page at https://www.berlin.de/einwanderung/ueber-uns/aktuelles/artikel.1541531.php for the latest information. Proactively monitoring these resources will help you guide employees effectively.

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Action Steps for HR

1. Inform Employees: Share details about the new photo rules and exceptions, especially for those with upcoming LEA appointments.
2. Advise on Photos: Recommend bringing a biometric photo to avoid delays, even if using the self-service terminals.
3. Monitor Updates: Regularly visit the LEA website to stay updated on terminal functionality and other changes.
4. Budget for Costs: Note the €6 fee for on-site photos when planning employee support for documentation.

By taking these steps, HR can help employees navigate the new system with confidence, ensuring a seamless experience at the LEA.