Applying for naturalisation for stateless persons since birth

You were born in Germany to stateless parents? Then you are entitled to naturalisation under certain conditions.

Upon naturalisation, you will receive German citizenship. This will make you an equal citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany with all rights and obligations.

Among other things, you can

• exercise their right to vote in the federal states and to the German Bundestag,
• enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union as a citizen of the Union, and
• can also travel outside of Europe without a visa to many countries.

If you have been stateless in Germany since birth, you are entitled to acquire German citizenship through naturalisation under certain conditions.

Stateless persons are persons whom no state considers to be nationals on the basis of its law.

To do this, you must:

• have been born as a stateless person in the Federal Republic of Germany,
• have been legally and permanently resident in Germany for at least 5 years and
• submitted the application before reaching the age of 21.

The claim is excluded if you have been legally sentenced to imprisonment or juvenile sentence of more than 5 years.

If you are investigated on suspicion of a criminal offence, the naturalisation procedure remains suspended until the conclusion of the proceedings.

Naturalisation becomes effective upon delivery of the certificate of naturalisation. The competent authority is the nationality authority of your place of residence.

• valid travel document for stateless persons
• valid residence permit
• Birth certificate
• for persons under 16 years of age:
  • Proof of legal representation
  • in the case of joint parental care of the parents, only the consent of the other parent with custody

• Forms available: Yes
• Written form required: Yes
• Informal application possible: No
• Personal appearance required: Yes

• You must apply for naturalisation before your 21st birthday.
• You must
  • at least 16 years old or
  • be legally represented.
• You have been stateless since birth.
• You were born in Germany.
• You have been legally and permanently resident in Germany for at least 5 years.
• They have not been sentenced to imprisonment or juvenile sentences of more than 5 years.
• You will not be investigated on suspicion of a criminal offence.
  • If it does, the naturalisation procedure remains suspended until the criminal proceedings have been concluded.

• Action before the competent administrative court

You can submit your application for naturalisation in writing to the competent authority:

• Complete the application completely and submit it by post with the required documents.
• The competent authority will examine your application and decide whether you meet the requirements for naturalisation.
• If you meet the requirements, you will receive a certificate of naturalisation. With this certificate you acquire German citizenship.

You must submit the application by your 21st birthday.

Administrative fine 255,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance)