Immediately after their entry into Germany and before the entry visa expires, the diplomatic mission must register the member of the diplomatic mission and their family members with the Federal Foreign Office, Division 703, and apply for a protocol card (Protokollausweis) for them.

Registration for career consular posts is effected via the relevant diplomatic mission.

Provisions on right of residence (section 1 (2) (2) of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), section 27 of the Residence Ordinance (Aufenthaltsverordnung))

Members of the home-based staff are exempt from the requirement to hold a residence permit for the duration of their official stay in Germany. They are exempt from the requirement to register with the police. The same applies to members of their families forming part of their households.

In combination with a valid national travel document, the protocol card proves that the bearer is legally resident in Germany and entitles them to enter all Schengen states and remain for up to 90 days in a 180‑day period.

Registration of German nationals at the residents registration office

German nationals must register with the relevant residents registration office within two weeks.