Brian GeekGetting your German passport renewed in the UK can seem daunting — especially if you’re unfamiliar with consular procedures or are renewing it for the first time abroad. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know: costs, requirements, locations, documents, processing times, tips, FAQs and more — all tailored to German citizens living in or visiting the United Kingdom.
German Passport Renewal in UK
Renewing your German passport while living in or staying in the United Kingdom means you’ll be dealing with German diplomatic missions — not UK authorities. The German Embassy in London, the Consulate General in Edinburgh and a number of Honorary Consuls across the UK process passport applications for German nationals.
This service applies whether you’re a resident, student, temporary worker, or a visitor whose passport is nearing expiry. The overall objective is to issue you a new biometric passport before your current one expires so that you can continue to travel internationally without interruption.
Step-by-Step: How to Renew a German Passport in the UK
1. Check Your Eligibility
You can apply if you are a German citizen currently in the UK — whether resident or visiting.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documentation ahead of time, ensuring:
- All names match exactly
- Photos meet German passport standards
- You have originals and photocopies
3. Book an Appointment
Passport renewals must be done in person at a mission or Honorary Consul. You can book through:
- The German Missions in the UK online booking system
- Direct contact with the Honorary Consul office
Appointments must be booked in advance — walk-ins are not accepted.
4. Attend Your Appointment
What happens at the appointment:
- Present all documents
- Sign your application form
- Have fingerprints taken (biometric requirement)
- Pay the applicable fee
5. Wait for Processing
After your appointment, your application goes through administrative processing. Processing time is discussed in the next section.
6. Collect Your New Passport
You will typically receive instructions to pick up your new passport in person — or have it mailed at additional cost.
Documents Required for Renewal
When renewing, you will need to prepare a set of documents. If any document is missing, your application may be delayed or rejected.
Essential Documents
- Current German passport (even if expired)
- Completed passport application form (provided at the appointment or online)
- Two recent biometric photos
- Proof of residence in the UK (e.g., utility bill, tenancy agreement, bank statement)
- If your name changed since last passport:
- Legal name change documents (marriage certificate, etc.)
- Birth certificate (recommended to bring the original and a copy)
For children and minors, additional documents are required (see next section).
Note: Never send your passport by post — you must present it in person during the appointment.
Renewing a Child or Minor’s Passport
Renewing a minor’s passport follows a similar process, but both parents or legal guardians must usually attend, and additional documents are required, such as:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Consent signatures from both parents
- Guardians’ passports/ID
- Proof of custody if applicable
Children’s biometric passports differ in validity — often shorter than adults. The German Embassy’s official guidance outlines application requirements for minors too.
Emergency or Lost Passport Renewal
If your passport is lost, stolen, or urgently needed:
- Report the loss to local UK police and get a police report
- Contact the German mission immediately
- Apply for an Emergency Travel Document if you need to travel urgently — this comes with a different fee and limited validity.
Why Renew Abroad Instead of in Germany?
If you are residing in the UK, you are generally expected to renew your German passport at your local German mission rather than travelling back to Germany to renew it. Some reasons people renew in the UK include:
- Convenience and cost savings by not travelling back to Germany
- Residence requirements (you may not have a current German address)
- Avoiding entry/exit regulations with an expired passport when travelling
Other benefits of renewing locally include access to regional Honorary Consuls and digital application pilots intended to simplify the process.
Where You Can Renew Your German Passport in the UK
Germany maintains a network of diplomatic missions across the UK for passport services. You can renew your passport at:
1. German Embassy – London
- Located at 23 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PZ
- Serves residents of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar.
2. Consulate General – Edinburgh
- Located at 16 Eglinton Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 5DG
- Handles passport renewals for those living in Scotland.
3. Honorary Consuls
There are several Honorary Consuls across the UK in cities such as:
- Aberdeen
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Plymouth
- Southampton
- …and others
These Honorary Consuls can accept passport applications and forward them to the main German missions for processing.
Tip: Not all Honorary Consuls offer the full range of services; check ahead of time to confirm they handle passport renewals.
German Passport Renewal Cost in the UK
One of the most critical parts of planning your passport renewal is understanding the costs involved. Fees are fixed in euros but are charged in British pounds (GBP) by the German mission at the time of your appointment.
Standard Passport Renewal Fees
| Applicant Type | Cost in GBP (approx) | Equivalent in Euros |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (24+ years) | £88.20 | €101.00 |
| Under 24 years | £59.80 | €68.50 |
| Express Processing (extra) | £28.00 | €32.00 |
| 48-page passport surcharge | £19.30 | €22.00 |
| Temporary passport | £61.20 | €70.00 |
| Emergency Travel Document (single entry) | £45.40 | €52.00 |
Payments must be made during your appointment by credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard). Cash is not accepted at most offices.
Notes on Fees
- Express fee is an optional service for faster processing.
- 48-page passports are recommended if you travel frequently and need additional visa pages.
Appointment Booking & Locations
How to Book
- Visit the official German Missions in UK site
- Choose your mission or Honorary Consul
- Book a date and time that works for you
- Some missions allow partial online pre-submission before attending in person (pilot programme)
Locations Supporting Passport Renewal
As noted earlier, the key sites include the German Embassy in London, Consulate General in Edinburgh, and multiple Honorary Consuls throughout the UK. These locations are spread so applicants don’t have to travel long distances.
Processing Time & What to Expect
Processing times can vary depending on demand, time of year, and whether you choose express service:
| Type of Service | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing | 4–6 weeks |
| Express Processing | 2–3 weeks |
| Emergency Replacement | Same day/urgent (depending on case) |
These are estimates — allow extra weeks during busy travel seasons or holidays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When renewing your passport in the UK, don’t make these errors:
- Booking an appointment too late before travel
- Arriving without proper supporting documents
- Using mobile wallets instead of a physical card for payment (many missions don’t accept Apple/Google Pay)
- Forgetting that renewals are in person — you cannot complete this fully online
Visa & Travel Implications in the UK
Although renewing your German passport is unrelated to your UK immigration status, you must ensure your travel rights in the UK and beyond:
- German passports are essential for international travel and UK re-entry
- Post-Brexit, German travelers may need a UK ETA depending on travel plans — but for renewal just ensure your passport is valid
- Keep passport validity at least 6+ months before travel to avoid entry issues
FAQs
Do I need an appointment to renew my German passport in the UK?
Yes — appointments are compulsory. You cannot walk in without one.
Can someone else submit my passport application?
No — German passport applications must be filed in person by the applicant.
Can my expired passport be renewed by mail?
No — German missions require in-person handling due to biometric data capture.
What if my passport expires while I’m staying in the UK?
Apply for renewal before expiry. If already expired, start the appointment booking immediately.
Is there a way to speed up the process?
Yes — pay the express fee during your appointment for faster processing.
Summary & Final Tips
Renewing your German passport in the UK is manageable with the right preparation. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Book early — appointments fill up fast
- Check your documents twice — no one likes delays
- Arrive prepared to pay by card
- Consider express service if you’re on a deadline
This guide covers every major aspect you’ll need to complete your renewal smoothly, on time and without stress.