How your city’s office invites you and hands over the card
Not every Ausländerbehörde works the same way. Some invite you for fingerprints and a photo and send a second invitation when the card is ready, while others post the card or let you collect it at a counter. The details for your city show what its office does, how to arrange the visit and what to bring, such as your passport and any letter you received.
Hamburg
Süderstraße 32b, 20097 Hamburg
Keep your appointment even if you use the self-service terminal, which does not replace the meeting with your caseworker.
Bring passport and the originals specified in your appointment notice. The self-capture terminal costs €6, separate from the permit fee. Check the office’s current photo instructions and requirements for your child or any capture difficulty before the visit.
Related services
For people who cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs. See whether the Sozialamt or the Jobcenter is your starting point and how to reach them.
For freelancers, sole traders and new business owners. See how tax registration works, what the Steuernummer is for and which tax office can help.
For people who already live in Germany and move to a new home. See how to update your registered address and which office takes it.
For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.
For anyone moving into a home in Germany from another country. See what the registration involves and which office in your city deals with it.
For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.
Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Liège, Brussels, and Aalst
Most offices in A Coruña, Alicante, and Almería
Most offices in Białystok, Bielsko-Biała, and Bydgoszcz
Most offices in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht
Where to next
For people who have applied for a residence permit and now need to give fingerprints and a photo or collect the finished card. See how it works and which office to contact.
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