Federal Ministry of the Interior recognizes Luxembourgish foreign passport 2026 model

The Federal Ministry of the Interior has recognized the foreign passport (Fremdenpass) in the 2026 model of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as a passport substitute document. The corresponding general decree of August 19, 2026, was published in the Federal Gazette (BAnz AT 15.09.2026 B1) on September 15, 2026, and is therefore effective. It affects all holders of this document upon entry and residence in Germany.

Legal Basis for Recognition

The recognition is based on Section 3 Paragraph 1 in conjunction with Section 71 Paragraph 6 of the Residence Act in the version of the announcement of February 25, 2008 (BGBl. I p. 162), last amended by Article 13 of the Act of July 22, 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I No. 222). Procedurally, the decree is based on Section 41 Paragraph 3 Sentence 2 and Section 41 Paragraph 4 of the Administrative Procedure Act in the version of January 23, 2003 (BGBl. I p. 102), last amended by Article 11 of the Act of July 22, 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I No. 224).

The consultation with the Federal Foreign Office required under Section 71 Paragraph 6 of the Residence Act has been established.

Effect and Scope

The general decree explicitly recognizes the Luxembourgish foreign passport in the 2026 model. Conflicting previous decisions are revoked. The decision is subject to revocation.

The decree becomes effective on the day of notification through publication in the Federal Gazette. The day of notification within the meaning of Section 41 Paragraph 4 Sentence 4 of the Administrative Procedure Act is the day following the announcement.

Signature and Official Identification

The general decree was signed in Berlin on August 19, 2026, and bears the reference number MI2.20105/45#100. It was signed by N. Hübner on behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The official publication is provided with a qualified electronic seal.

For the affected holders of the Luxembourgish foreign passport, the recognition means that the document is recognized as a passport substitute document upon entry and during residence in Germany. This unifies and strengthens the legal position of the holders compared to previous regulations.

Source: Federal Gazette, BAnz AT 15.09.2026 B1, Official Part, p. 1 (official reference: BAnz AT 15.09.2026 B1).