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Real Experiences. Real Timelines. Real Insight.

Applying for a South African passport from Germany doesn’t always follow a straight line. Here, families share what actually happened — from first application to final collection — so you know what to expect.

These are real experiences shared by South Africans who have applied for passports or birth registration through VFS in Germany. Every journey is a little different, but together they give a clearer picture of what to expect.

Shared by Lindie 25/03/2026
Application Type Family (Adult and Child passports)
🪪 Adult Passport
Documents Passport Photos (4 each)
Form BI-73 / DHA-73
Form BI-529 / DHA-529
South African ID
Proof of residence (Germany)
Current passport
👶 Child Passport
Parents SA Citizens Yes
Child Registered Yes
Family Parents married
Documents Passport Photos (2 each)
Form BI-73 / DHA-73
Form BI-529 / DHA-529
SA ID books/cards (parents)
SA passports (parents)
Marriage certificate
Unabridged birth certificates (parents)
Child birth certificate
Proof of residence (Germany)
🌍 General
Appointment Duration 10:00 – 12:50
Notes Copies can be certified at VFS
Fingerprints done with ink (parents only, not required for under 16)
Tips Do not staple documents (they separate into two bundles)
Applicants 16+ must first apply for ID at DHA Berlin
Wait for ID (via Einschreiben) before applying for passport at VFS
💶 Cost
Per Passport €151.28 (incl. postage)
Total €453.84
Shared by Tracy 28/03/2026
Application Type Child Passport
👶 Child Passport
Parents SA Citizens No – one parent is a German citizen
Child Registered Yes
Family Parents married
Documents Passport Photos (4 each)
Form BI-73 / DHA-73
Form BI-529 / DHA-529
South African passports (parents)
Marriage certificate
Unabridged birth certificates (parents)
Child birth certificate
Proof of residence (Germany)
Special Rules International birth certificate accepted (Internationale Geburtsurkunde)
Additional Documents Copy of Aufenthaltstitel
📄 Birth Registration
Child Age 14
Documents Foreign birth certificate (child)
Foreign ID documents (child)
Birth certificates (parents)
Marriage certificate (parents)
ID & passports (parents)
Parent’s foreign citizenship certificate (if applicable)
Additional Documents Copy of Aufenthaltstitel
💶 Cost
Total €236.56
Shared by Deon 30/03/2026
Application Type Adult Passport
🪪 Adult Passport
Documents Passport Photos (4 each)
Form BI-73 / DHA-73
Form BI-529 / DHA-529
South African ID
South African birth certificate
Proof of residence (Germany)
Current passport
Additional Documents ID application form provided at VFS (completed on site) BI-9 form (or DHA-9) is a mandatory South African Department of Home Affairs document for applicants aged 16 and older, primarily used to collect a full set of fingerprints for ID and passport applications
🌍 General
Payment All payments made at VFS – card only
Waiting Time Approx. 45 minutes after scheduled appointment before being attended to
Tips Allow extra time for your appointment
Expect delays even with a booked time slot
VFS Berlin Note Use the entrance directly from the street (Canadian office entrance)
Canadian, South African and Nigerian services share the same office space
💶 Cost
Total €152 (passport, VFS fee & courier)

How long does it actually take? These timelines show the journey from application to collection, helping you understand what is typical — and where delays can happen.

Shared by Candi 17/03/2026
Application Type Adult Passport
Application Date 27 Jan 2026
Received Passport 17 Mar 2026
Total Processing Time 49 days
Tracking Only partially
Courier Option No – collected in Berlin
📅 Key Updates
28 Jan 2026 Application reached Pretoria
09 Mar 2026 Processed application on its way to Germany
Shared by Estelle 01/04/2026

📊 Timeline – Adult Passport

Application Type Adult Passport
Application Date 30 Dec 2025
Received Passport 01 Apr 2026
Total Processing Time 92 days
Tracking Not available
Courier Option Yes – worked well
📅 Key Updates
05 Jan 2026 Application sent for processing
16 Feb 2026 Processed in Pretoria
16 Feb 2026 Application en route to Germany

Share Your Experience & Help Others

Every application tells a story — the waiting, the surprises, the small victories when things finally move forward. If you’ve gone through the child passport process, your experience could make the road a little smoother for someone else.

We’ve created simple, easy-to-complete forms where you can share your timeline and what the process was really like for you. It doesn’t take long, but it can make a real difference to another South African family trying to find their footing far from home.