Long-awaited reform of immigration procedures
The German federal government has taken an important step toward simplifying life for foreigners. A bill to further develop the digitalization of the Migration Office (MDWG) has been submitted to the Bundestag. The document (Drucksache 21/4080) was submitted to parliament on February 11, 2026, and aims to resolve long-standing bureaucratic problems faced by millions of people when renewing their residence permits.
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What exactly is changing for applicants?
1. Reuse of biometric data (main news)
Currently, each time an electronic residence permit is renewed, it is necessary to appear in person at the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde) to re-submit fingerprints and take a photo. This is time-consuming and expensive.
What is proposed: Store biometric data (photo, fingerprints, signature) and reuse them for seven years for adults and five years for children. This means that when applying for an extension or a new residence permit, an in-person visit to submit biometrics will no longer be required.
Result: According to estimates from the bill, this will reduce the annual workload for citizens by approximately 1.25 million hours and save €17.7 million in costs for new photos and fingerprints.
2. Centralized storage of identity data
Currently, different agencies are forced to re-check and confirm a foreigner’s identity each time, requesting data through different channels.
Proposed: All information related to identity verification (e.g., passport verification results) will be stored centrally in the Central Register of Foreigners (AZR). Any authorized agency will be able to quickly access it.
Result: Repeated checks are eliminated, and procedures become faster for both officials and applicants.
3. Automatic data exchange with courts
Notifications regarding criminal cases involving foreigners are still often sent by mail. This is slow and prone to errors, especially if the person has moved and changed the responsible agency.
Proposed: Implement automated, paperless data exchange between courts, the prosecutor’s office, and immigration services. Information on the start and end of procedures will be directly entered into the AZR, from where it can be retrieved by the appropriate agency.
Result: Migration services will receive information more quickly and reliably.
4. Transparency of Social Benefits
The bill expands data exchange between the Federal Office for Migration (BAMF), migration services, and agencies paying social benefits (e.g., under the AsylbLG).
What is proposed: Agencies will be able to see whether their notifications have resulted in a reduction or denial of benefits. This will also help prevent situations where one person receives the same benefits from different agencies (double payments).
Result: A fairer and more accountable social support system.
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When can we expect changes?
The bill is currently under consideration in the German Bundestag. After approval, time will be needed for technical refinement and system implementation. However, the very fact that this bill has been introduced demonstrates the authorities’ clear commitment to reducing bureaucratic burdens.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re planning a move to Germany, applying for a residence permit, or already living in the country, these changes are definitely good news. They mean:
Fewer in-person visits to government offices.
Time and money savings on photos and prints.
Faster renewal procedures (although experts are cautious in their assessments, the reform’s logic is aimed at speeding things up).
Reduced stress from dealing with bureaucratic bureaucracy.
Need advice on obtaining or renewing a residence permit in Germany? Visa Digital Nomad experts will help you properly prepare your documents and navigate any legislative changes. Contact us to discuss your situation!
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