Can I leave and enter Germany if I forget to bring my residence card?

According to the German immigration law, foreigners legally residing in Germany need to bring their residence cards (Aufenthaltskarte) or residence certificates (Aufenthaltbescheinigung) and passports when they leave Germany.

If you forget to bring your residence card, you need to contact the local immigration bureau or police station for help and guidance. You also need to provide other valid documents, such as passport, residence certificate or other relevant documents, to prove your legal status and residence permit in Germany.

If you can't provide valid documents to prove your identity and residence permit, you may be refused entry or fined. Therefore, it is recommended that you check whether your residence card is with you before you leave Germany, and prepare other relevant documents for emergencies.