Consulate-General of the Federal Republic of Germany

Was there today. Service was smooth. Just wish if they can attend to our calls. I know sometimes it is busy and it is not possible all the time. Hence giving 4 stars.

If I could give zero stars, I would. I have just finished a detailed complaint to be given further to Berlin. My purse was stolen while in Australia, including my permanent residency digital identity card for Germany. I rang the immigration office of Cologne to ask if I could receive a letter or documentation stating this from them, so that I could re-enter the country again without problem in January on arrival at Frankfurt airport. Cologne immigration office told me that anything regarding stolen identity cards and documentation in a foreign country must be reported to and resolved at the local Consulate/embassy. I rang the consulate in Sydney and spoke to a very sarcastic young man, extremely impolite tone of voice, that simply stated that I have to apply for permanent residency again in Cologne. They gave no thought as to how I could re-enter the country again at all. What they seem to have NOT understood, is that I needed a letter or some documentation from them stating my card was stolen, so that I didn't have problems with customs on my arrival in Germany. They simply said they don't issue permanent residency. I rang Cologne again, who said they can't do anything, only the embassy in Australia can. They did not understand or take the time to understand the request at all. NO SERVICE whatsoever. I wonder why these people are employed in this country if they don't understand or practice local courtesy or manners. This case has been registered with local authorities in Australia, as well as Berlin. Extremely impolite attitudes towards others and locals while here in a foreign country representing their own country.

Such a pleasure to deal with them. I booked my appointment accidentally on Wednesday instead of Thursday and when I told the guy that I came from Melbourne he was such a nice welcoming. The lady in the counter know her job and what to ask. Very professional, efficient and friendly. Thank you and so excited to visit Germany.

Very impolite people, useless and unmotivated. Worse embassy I have ever been to.

Communication is non existent, no answering of phone calls or multiple emails even weeks later. Due to no reply, I have lost multiple thousands of dollars due to missed flights and my family is now being held hostage with no visas and no passports and I am forced to return home to Europe without my family. This is unacceptable and non-compliant with EU Directive 2004/38/EC, The Visa Code & Handbook and the European Commission’s Communication of 30 March 2020 regarding minimum service during COVID-19.