From May 1, 2025, new legal regulations for passport photos will come into force in Germany when applying for identity documents such as residence permits and travel documents.

From this date, only digital passport photos (ID photos) will be accepted. Printed passport photos on paper are no longer permitted.

This switch to digital passport photos serves to increase security and is intended to prevent manipulation, such as that made possible by so-called morphing techniques.

There are two ways to create a digital photo.

• Photo studio: you can go to a certified photo studio that is authorized to take digital passport photos and make them available to the immigration authorities. You will receive a QR code from the photographer, which you must bring with you to your appointment with us.
• Foreigners' Registration Office: There will be photo booths in the waiting room at the Foreigners' Registration Office. You must take the photos before your appointment . If you want to use this option, please come to the immigration office early and allow for the extra time.

Please note that we will no longer be allowed to use printed photos on paper from May 1, 2025.

All residence permits for refugees from Ukraine that are valid on February 1, 2025 will be automatically extended until March 4, 2026.

Refugees do not need to visit the Foreigners' Registration Office to extend their residence permits. It is not necessary to submit an application or make contact.

If you have any questions about your residence status and your right of residence, please send an e-mail to auslaenderbehoerdewiesbadende. We will answer you as soon as possible!

You can also find all important information under the following link:

Hessen helps Ukraine | State of Hessen (opens in a new tab)

On December 31, 2022, the new right of residence opportunity came into force. If you are in possession of a tolerated stay permit and have been living in Germany without interruption for five years since October 31, 2022, whether permitted, tolerated or with a residence permit, you will be given the opportunity to obtain an 18-month right of residence.

What do you need to do while you have the right of residence in order to obtain permanent prospects of staying in Germany? The migration advice services in Wiesbaden can provide you with information on this.

Migration advice centers (opens in a new tab)