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Losing your passport or visa while living or working abroad can be stressful — especially in a country like Germany where legal documentation is essential for residence and employment.?If your Germany visa or residence permit is lost or stolen, it’s important to act quickly to protect your legal status and prevent misuse of your personal information.
This guide explains the exact steps you should take, who to contact, and how to replace your visa or residence permit safely.
1. Report the Loss or Theft Immediately
If your visa or residence permit card is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to:
• The local police station (Polizei), and
• The Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde) in your area.
Reporting ensures your document is officially marked as lost or stolen, preventing anyone from using it fraudulently.
What to do:
• Visit the nearest police station and file a loss/theft report (Verlustanzeige or Diebstahlanzeige).
• Request a copy or receipt of the report — you will need this for your replacement application.
2. Inform the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde)
After reporting to the police, you must notify the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) where you are registered.?They handle visa and residence permit replacements for foreign nationals in Germany.
You will need to:
• Present your police report.
• Provide identification (e.g., a passport copy or ID if available).
• Fill out a form for a replacement residence permit.
If your residence permit was issued as a plastic card (eAT), the authority will also cancel the lost document electronically.
3. Notify Your Embassy or Consulate
If your passport was also lost or stolen along with your visa, contact your home country’s embassy or consulate immediately.
They will help you:
• Obtain a temporary passport or travel document.
• Issue necessary certifications confirming your identity.
This document will be needed when applying for a replacement visa or residence permit from the German authorities.
4. Apply for a Replacement Residence Permit
Once you have your new passport or temporary document, you can apply for a replacement visa or residence permit.
To do this, you’ll need to visit your local Ausländerbehörde with:
• Your new passport or temporary travel document.
• The police loss/theft report.
• A passport photo (biometric standard).
• Proof of registration (Anmeldung).
• Any employment or residence documents that support your stay.
• The application fee (usually €60–€100).
Processing times vary but typically take 2–6 weeks, depending on the office and your location.
5. If Your Visa Was Lost Abroad
If you lose your German visa while outside Germany, you must:
1 Report the loss to the local police in that country.
2 Contact the German embassy or consulate there.
3 Apply for a replacement visa or re-entry visa to return to Germany.
You will likely need to provide:
• A copy of the police report.
• Proof of residence in Germany.
• A valid passport or temporary travel document.
You cannot re-enter Germany without a valid visa or residence permit.
6. Prevent Future Issues
To avoid complications in the future:
• Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and residence card.
• Store important documents separately while traveling.
• Report any loss immediately to avoid legal or immigration penalties.
• Use a secure wallet or pouch for travel documents.
Quick reporting and documentation are key to protecting your identity and legal status.
7. Important Contacts
Here are key authorities to contact if your visa is lost or stolen:
• Local Police (Polizei): File loss/theft report immediately.
• Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde): Apply for replacement.
• Your Embassy/Consulate: Obtain a replacement passport.
• German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF): For general visa-related queries.
Key Takeaway
If your Germany visa or residence permit is lost or stolen, don’t panic — but act fast.?File a police report, notify your local immigration office, and, if needed, your embassy.?Once your identity is verified, you can apply for a replacement permit and continue living and working legally in Germany.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.?Procedures may vary based on your location, visa type, and local immigration office.?Always verify the latest requirements with your local Ausländerbehörde or the German embassy before applying for a replacement.
November 1, 2025
