New biometric residence permits for germany

New biometric residence permits for non European Union citizens are being introduced in Germany from today.

The electronic chip cards are replacing the existing paper residence permits that are regarded as open to being faked. It is part of a general move to combat identity fraud and to comply with European Union rules.

Non-EU citizens living in Germany will only have to apply for a new card once their existing paper permit runs out. By 2021, all residence permits should be replaced by the electronic cards.

The new credit card sized permits will contain a biometric photo and two fingerprints. Cardholders will also be given an individual PIN code.

Source: ExpatForum.com