The so-called residence permit is, in contrast to the more commonly known ID card, a document about which people are not as familiar with. To begin addressing the residence permit, we first want to clarify the type of document and its purpose. As with any work involving documents, we need to distinguish between identification (who is the person?) and legitimization (is the person allowed to do this?). In the context of customers, this means in reverse: Am I allowed to issue this application/account opening/approval/certificate/purchase/lease & rental agreement/etc., that the person is asking for? I must verify the legitimization (e.g., residence permit, visa, driver’s license). Who am I dealing with? I must verify the person’s identity (ID document, facial recognition). For more details, feel free to read our article: Identification or Legitimization Residence permit It is important to note that a residence permit is a document of legitimization. It certifies that a person who does not hold German citizenship [...]
The so-called residence permit is, in contrast to the more commonly known ID card, a document about which people are not as familiar with. To begin addressing the residence permit, we first want to clarify the type of document and its purpose. As with any work involving documents, we need to distinguish between identification (who is the person?) and legitimization (is the person allowed to do this?). In the context of customers, this means in reverse:
- Am I allowed to issue this application/account opening/approval/certificate/purchase/lease & rental agreement/etc., that the person is asking for? I must verify the legitimization (e.g., residence permit, visa, driver’s license).
- Who am I dealing with? I must verify the person’s identity (ID document, facial recognition).
For more details, feel free to read our article: Identification or Legitimization
Residence permit
It is important to note that a residence permit is a document of legitimization. It certifies that a person who does not hold German citizenship is legally allowed to stay in the country, specifying for what period and for what purpose (e.g. work, study). The person is therefore legitimized to stay here.
However, as a document of legitimization, it cannot be used to identify the person. This means that whenever a residence permit is shown, a second document for identification must always be provided (e.g. passport, passport substitute, ID card substitute). As mentioned earlier, a residence permit is issued only to non-citizens. This means that the second document (identification document) is usually issued by another country.
Example: A person from Syria (Syrian nationality) holds a German residence permit and lives and works in Germany. This person now wants to open a bank account. How should you proceed? What documents must you ask to see?
- Check if the person is legitimized to open an account. Is the person allowed to do this? Verify the authorization using the residence permit (issued in Germany).
- Verify the person’s identity. Who is the person? Conduct the identification using a second document, such as a passport (issued in Syria).
Digression: immigration law
Please note that the situation is different for persons who have officially migrated to Germany. They do not possess identification documents from their country of origin (e.g. passport or birth certificate from their home country). In such cases, in addition to the residence permit, you should request a document such as a travel document for foreigners, a refugee travel document, or a stateless person’s travel document. These documents serve as a substitute for a passport and are recognized as valid identification.
Limited or unlimited?
A residence permit is the document that grants a person from another country the right to stay in Germany. However, the length of their stay may vary.
On the document itself, under “Type of Permit,” you will find the following two options:
| 1. Residence permit, which is always limited. | 2. Settlement permit, which is always unlimited. |
Note: The notation “Card valid until” on the residence permit refers to the physical document itself (polycarbonate card), not the person’s stay in Germany.
Special case: residence permit as an ID substitute – only valid in Germany!
In Germany, it can happen that the residence permit has the note “ID substitute” under “remarks.” In this case, the residence permit is also recognized as an identification document (only in Germany). Therefore, no additional document is required for identification.
Caution: due to an error by the issuing authorities, there are also valid residence permits in circulation that contain the notation “passport substitute” under “remarks” along with a passport number. This variant is allowed in Germany. Remember that in this case, two documents are required: the residence permit and the passport, which should have the corresponding number listed as the identification document on the residence permit.
| Note “ID substitute” for residence permit: valid as an identification document. | Note “passport substitute” for settlement permit: not valid as an identification document => a second document (passport with the noted number) must be provided. |
Good to know: a permitted employment activity would also be listed under “remarks.”
Practical tips
- If you’re unsure whether the residence permit can be used as an identification document (ID substitute), always ask for a second document.
- Familiarize yourself with sample documents. There are free document databases where you can view sample documents and special features. You can find the link to the European document database Prado here: Link to Prado
- Invest in regular training for yourself and your team! We’re happy to assist with either in-person training or e-learning—just get in touch: contact form.
We can also advise and train you on other topics such as: arrival certificate, residence permit, suspension of deportation, fictitious certificate, and much more.
