NATO Status of Forces Agreement: Identification and Verification

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) establishes the legal framework governing the operational and living arrangements of armed forces from a NATO member state deployed within another member state.

When assigned to a NATO member state, UK Ministry of Defence personnel are entitled to specific rights and privileges and are subject to corresponding obligations under the NATO SOFA, a treaty to which all member states are a party.

In accordance with Article 5.4.7 of EC C(2022) 7591 (Practical Handbook for Border Guards), the European Commission legally recognizes documents issued pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article III of the NATO SOFA.

Germany

The issuance of a NATO SOFA Identification Card to a member of the force, the civilian component, or their dependents is authorized under Article III of the NATO SOFA and Article 5 of the Supplementary Agreement to the NATO SOFA Germany. This card is accompanied by a NATO SOFA Status Certificate, often referred to as a “Status Stamp,” placed within the bearer’s passport.

An illustrative example of a NATO SOFA Identification Card is presented below.

The holder of these documents:

• is a member of the Force, the Civilian Component, or a dependent of the NATO Sending State (GBR) as defined by Article I of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement
• is entitled to the privileges afforded by Article III of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement regarding passport and visa regulations, immigration inspection upon entering or leaving a NATO member state, and the registration and control of aliens
• is not subject to the stay duration restrictions imposed on other third-country nationals within the European Union, by virtue of residing in the NATO member state under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement

Both the aforementioned identification card and the NATO SOFA certificate held in the passport are approved by the appropriate federal department in Berlin.

While the use of the card outside of Germany lacks formal endorsement from other nations, it serves as useful evidence to support entry into and exit from the European Union.

UK Defence personnel serving in a receiving state under the NATO SOFA should consult their supporting National Support Element (NSE) for further guidance.

Lost and found identification cards

If an identification card is lost, please contact the issuing authority.

If an identification card is found, please surrender it at the nearest police station or email CSOCIGDN-GEO-Residency@mod.gov.uk.

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