Electronic residence permit card (eAT) and travel document for foreigners

This page covers two related documents for foreign nationals in Germany: the electronic residence permit (elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel, eAT) and the travel document for foreigners (Reiseausweis für Ausländer). The eAT is a plastic card with a chip and, in many cases, an online ID function; the travel document is issued only in special cases when a national passport or passport substitute cannot be obtained on reasonable terms. 134

Who needs this

• You may receive an electronic residence permit (eAT) if your application for a residence title such as a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU), settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), or EU permanent residence permit (Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt-EU) has been approved and the eAT has been ordered from the Bundesdruckerei. 2
• The eAT is used together with your passport for identification in everyday situations and can be used for online identification if the online ID function is activated. 1
• A travel document for foreigners (Reiseausweis für Ausländer) may be issued in individual cases if you do not have a passport or passport substitute and cannot reasonably obtain one. 34
• In Köln, the travel document is only issued if you are a national of a non-EU country, can prove that you do not have a national passport or passport substitute, and it is unreasonable for you to obtain one. 3
• In München, you must be registered in München and have a valid residence title to apply for a travel document for foreigners. 4

Step by step

1. If you are collecting an eAT, go to the authority that ordered it from the Bundesdruckerei. In Berlin, this means the same Bürgeramt or the same office of the Landesamt für Einwanderung where you applied. 2
2. Bring the required documents with you when collecting the eAT. A person with power of attorney may collect it in some cases. 25
3. For a travel document for foreigners, submit your application to the responsible office. In Köln, you can apply informally in writing, by email, or by post. In München, you should submit the required documents online or by post, and then you will receive an appointment for personal attendance after the application is checked. 34

Documents

• For eAT collection: passport or passport substitute; the previous eAT, if available; and, if a representative collects it, a power of attorney plus the representative’s passport or ID card. In Berlin, the representative must be at least 14 years old. 2
• For the travel document in Köln: a written explanation of why obtaining a national passport is unreasonable or why statelessness is assumed, with supporting evidence; a naturalisation promise and confirmation from the embassy of the country of origin, if you must surrender your passport during naturalisation proceedings or cannot temporarily receive a new passport; and a digital biometric photo 35 mm x 45 mm. 3
• For the travel document in München: a completed application form, a current biometric passport photo digitally transmitted by a certified photo studio or drugstore, and a written explanation with evidence showing why obtaining a national passport is unreasonable. 4

Cost and time

• eAT collection in Berlin: no fee. 2
• Berlin: after production and delivery by the Bundesdruckerei and internal checking, the eAT is usually handed out after about 4 to 5 weeks. 2
• Köln: the fee for a travel document with storage and processing medium depends on the type and age group; for example, the source lists 100 euros for persons over 24 and 97 euros for persons under 24 for a travel document for foreigners. 3
• München: the processing time is 10 to 12 weeks. The fee is 100 euros for persons 24 and over and 97 euros for persons under 24; for subsidiarily protected persons and resettlement refugees, it is 70 euros for persons 24 and over and 38 euros for persons under 24. 4

Deadlines

• In Stuttgart, if no email address was given, you can book an appointment to collect your eAT no earlier than 6 weeks after applying. If you did give an email address, you can book an appointment after you receive the notification that your eAT has arrived. 5
• In München, questions about the status of a travel document application cannot be answered during the 10 to 12 week processing time. 4

City by city

• Berlin: eAT collection is free of charge, takes about 4 to 5 weeks after production and delivery, and must be collected at the same authority that ordered it. A representative may collect it with a power of attorney and must be at least 14 years old. 2
• Köln: travel document applications can be submitted in writing, by email, or by post. The city lists specific fee amounts and requires proof that passport procurement is unreasonable, plus a biometric photo. 3
• München: travel document applicants must be registered in München and hold a valid residence title. The city requires online or postal submission, then an appointment, and lists a 10 to 12 week processing time and specific fees. 4
• Stuttgart: once the eAT has arrived, you can book a pickup appointment online; if you did not provide an email address, you can book no earlier than 6 weeks after application. 5