IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION
From September 1, 2011 German residence permits are no longer put in passports in the form of a "sticker". According to the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge these adhesive labels "will be replaced by an electronic residence permit (eAT) in credit card format."
The new cards have a chip on it that includes biometric features – a photograph and two fingerprints - as well as other information. A photograph is displayed on the card as well. The additional information on the chip can be used as an electronic identity document as well as a qualified electronic signature.
This is an EU requirement in an effort to standardize residence permits throughout the member countries. It is also intended to "strengthen the bond between the document and the document's holder." Furthermore, "all residents of non-member states (including infants and children) shall be issued their own electronic residence permits."
The practical implications of this new requirement means that each family member will have to have proper "biometric" photos taken and will have to visit the Ausländerbehörde to be fingerprinted before a residence permit is issued.
Those who currently have the residence permits in their passports do not have to get the new card right away. Their residence permits will remain valid until 30 April 2021. If the passport expires before that date the new card will be issued upon renewal of the residence permit.
--
No comments:
Post a Comment