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From routine citizenship and documentation questions to all manner of emergencies, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates are pleased to provide information and assistance for U.S. citizens in Germany!
To get started, please use the link below to the “navigator” for your nearest Embassy or Consulate. The navigator will ask a series of simple questions to direct you to online information on the most common topics, OR provide instructions on how to contact us by email for less common questions:
International Parental Child Abduction
International parental child abduction is the removal or retention of a child outside their country of habitual residence in breach of another parent or guardian’s custody rights.
One of the highest priorities of the Department of State and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is to provide assistance to U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad. The Department of State is committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas. We stand ready to assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with international, domestic, and foreign law.
When an U.S. citizen dies abroad, the Bureau of Consular Affairs assists the family and friends. The Bureau of Consular Affairs attempts to locate and inform the next-of-kin of the U.S. citizen’s death. The Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information on how to make arrangements for local burial or return of the remains to the United States. The disposition of remains is subject to U.S. and local (foreign) law, U.S. and foreign customs requirements, and the foreign country facilities, which are often vastly different from those in the United States.
When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs.
Emergency Financial Assistance
U.S. consular officers, in certain situations, can assist U.S. citizens abroad who are temporarily destitute because of unforeseen circumstances. U.S. citizens in Germany who find themselves in these circumstances should contact the nearest embassy or consulate, or the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 (or from overseas at +1 202-501-4444).
Helping a U.S. citizen or being scammed?
if you have never met the person you are trying to help it is likely you have been targeted by a scammer. We know this is difficult to believe but it is incredibly common. We receive emails and calls every day from well-meaning individuals who are unaware that they have been targeted by fraudsters. Not everyone is kind and genuine.
If you reside in Germany and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in Frankfurt.
Service members, Veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits services on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website at www.va.gov. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) can also be of assistance if Veterans and beneficiaries have questions about benefits and services.
If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are a U.S. government employee working overseas, you cannot claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. For additional information, visit the IRS website.
U.S. embassies and consulates overseas assist the Selective Service System with its registration program abroad.
Now all U.S. citizens can receive their blank ballots electronically. Depending on the state in which you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, go to www.FVAP.gov to complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), print and sign the form then return it to your local election office in the United States. We recommend overseas U.S. citizens get in the habit of completing FPCAs each January. You should include your email address on the form so it’s easier for your election officials to reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, be sure to include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you’ll receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices.
Economic Impact Payment (coronavirus stimulus check)
The IRS is committed to helping you get your Economic Impact Payment as soon as possible. Please visit IRS website for more information and to find out how to receive your payment abroad.
The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
Legal assistance Medical Assistance Judicial Assistance Other English-speaking ServicesAll travelers should familiarize themselves with conditions at their destination that could affect their health (high altitude or pollution, types of medical facilities, required immunizations, availability of required pharmaceuticals, etc.).
For the most up-to-date and complete information please see the State Department’s judicial assistance web page.
Other English-speaking Services
This list will show other English-speaking services available in your region.
An American’s first impression of Germany may be one of, “well, the street signs are in a different language, and the downtowns look like something out of the Epcot Center Global Village, but this is pretty much like home.” In a lot of ways it is, but if you are aware of certain customs you will not only avoid embarrassment, but you will also make a positive impression on your new neighbors and acquaintances.
The U.S. Mission in Germany is pleased and honored to be able to serve our military colleagues and their families. We work very closely with personnel offices on base to provide you the services and information you need. We’ve developed this website exclusively for you to make it even easier for you to obtain necessary travel documentation and other services.
Germany is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention . Children from Germany must meet the requirements of the convention in order to be eligible for intercountry adoption. Generally, Germany is not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption.
A child born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or parents may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if the parent(s) meets the requirements for transmitting U.S. citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. U.S. citizens eligible to transmit citizenship are required to file for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages in foreign countries. Depending on the law of the foreign country, local civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. Marriages performed overseas are considered valid in the country where they take place if they are entered into in accordance with local law. Recognition of the validity of marriages performed abroad depends on the laws of the place in which the marriage is to be recognized.
Speech by Ambassador Amy Gutmann at the 2023 RIAS Berlin Commission Award Ceremony
Keynote by Ambassador Amy Gutmann at Founding ceremony of Scholars at Risk (SAR) Network Berlin-Brandenburg
Please call: (030)8305-0
Outside of Office Hours, contact: (030)8305-0
Outside of Germany: 01149(30)8305-0
Emergency Contact – All Locations Enroll in STEP International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance
