Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6Plus)

Apply for naturalization for persons stateless since birth

Description

Naturalization gives you German citizenship. This makes you an equal citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany with all rights and obligations.

With German citizenship you can, among other things

Exercise your right to vote in the municipalities, in the federal states, in the German Bundestag and in the European Parliament.
Enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union (EU), i.e.
- move freely within the EU,
- be employed or self-employed in the EU and
- travel to many countries outside the EU without a visa.

If you have been stateless since birth in Germany, you are entitled to naturalization under certain conditions. Stateless persons are those whom no state considers to be its nationals.

Naturalization becomes effective when the naturalization certificate is issued.

The competent authority is the citizenship authority in your place of residence

Prerequisites

You must apply for naturalization before the age of 21.
You must
- be at least 16 years old or
- be legally represented.
You have been stateless since birth.
You were born in Germany.
You have been living legally and habitually in Germany for at least 5 years.
You have not been sentenced to a custodial or juvenile sentence of more than 5 years. If you are currently under investigation on suspicion of a criminal offence, the citizenship authority will suspend the naturalization procedure until the proceedings have been concluded.

Required documents

Application for naturalization
Valid travel document for stateless persons
valid residence permit
Documents on civil status, for example
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- Divorce decree or death certificate, if applicable, with translation, legalization or apostille
  - of the previous spouse or the previous registered partner or
  - of the previous registered civil partner
for persons under the age of 16: Proof of legal representation
in the case of joint parental custody of the parents: only a declaration of consent from the other custodial parent

Fees (costs)

Notes:

The competent authority may grant a fee reduction or exemption for reasons of fairness or public interest.
Additional costs may be incurred for the procurement of documents, translations and certifications.
Additional transfer fees may be incurred for transfers from a foreign account.