In a notice published on 26 January, the Federal Ministry of the Interior confirmed that Russian Federation passports issued in the “Model 2001” format are no longer accepted for visas, residence permits or border control as of 1 January 2026. Only holders whose German residence permits were physically placed in such passports before that date may continue to use them until the permit expires; subsequent renewals will require a new, recognised passport.
The little-publicised change has far-reaching consequences for German companies that employ or assign Russian nationals. Visa invitations, Blue-Card filings and short-term business-travel invitations will all be rejected if the traveller presents a Model 2001 booklet. Vialto Partners estimates that up to 30 % of Russian assignees currently in Germany still hold the old format and will need to renew their passports in the first half of 2026 to avoid status gaps.
![Germany withdraws recognition of ‘Model 2001’ Russian passports, warns employers to check documents]()
VisaHQ can streamline the process for both businesses and travellers. Our platform tracks Germany’s evolving entry requirements in real time and coordinates passport renewals, visa invitations and business-travel documentation on behalf of employers and assignees. Russian nationals and their HR sponsors can start a personalised checklist at https://www.visahq.com/germany/ to make sure a compliant passport and the right permit are in hand well before the 2026 cut-off.
HR and mobility teams are urged to audit personnel files immediately, budget extra lead-time and prepare for possible appointment bottlenecks at Russian consulates. Carriers may also deny boarding if the passport type is no longer machine-readable at German e-gates, increasing the risk of last-minute trip disruption.
The Interior Ministry gave no political explanation, but immigration counsel note that other EU states stopped accepting the same booklet in 2025 due to forgery concerns. Germany’s alignment now closes a remaining loophole in Schengen documentation rules.
The little-publicised change has far-reaching consequences for German companies that employ or assign Russian nationals. Visa invitations, Blue-Card filings and short-term business-travel invitations will all be rejected if the traveller presents a Model 2001 booklet. Vialto Partners estimates that up to 30 % of Russian assignees currently in Germany still hold the old format and will need to renew their passports in the first half of 2026 to avoid status gaps.
VisaHQ can streamline the process for both businesses and travellers. Our platform tracks Germany’s evolving entry requirements in real time and coordinates passport renewals, visa invitations and business-travel documentation on behalf of employers and assignees. Russian nationals and their HR sponsors can start a personalised checklist at https://www.visahq.com/germany/ to make sure a compliant passport and the right permit are in hand well before the 2026 cut-off.
HR and mobility teams are urged to audit personnel files immediately, budget extra lead-time and prepare for possible appointment bottlenecks at Russian consulates. Carriers may also deny boarding if the passport type is no longer machine-readable at German e-gates, increasing the risk of last-minute trip disruption.
The Interior Ministry gave no political explanation, but immigration counsel note that other EU states stopped accepting the same booklet in 2025 due to forgery concerns. Germany’s alignment now closes a remaining loophole in Schengen documentation rules.
