Upon naturalization, you will acquire German citizenship. This makes you a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany with equal rights and obligations.

With German citizenship, you can, among other things,

• exercise your right to vote in local elections, state elections, elections to the German Bundestag, and elections to the European Parliament.
• enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union (EU), meaning
  • move freely within the EU,
  • work as an employee or self-employed person within the EU, and
  • travel to many countries outside the EU without a visa.

If you have been stateless in Germany since birth, you are eligible for naturalization under certain conditions. Stateless persons are those whom no country recognizes as its nationals.

Naturalization becomes effective upon receipt of the naturalization certificate.

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

• You must apply for naturalization before turning 21.
• You must
  • be at least 16 years old or
  • have a legal representative.
• 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 prison term or juvenile sentence of more than 5 years. If you are currently under investigation on suspicion of a criminal offense, the citizenship authority will suspend the naturalization process until the proceedings are concluded.

• Appeal
• Lawsuit before the competent administrative court

You must submit the application by your 21st birthday.

• Application for Naturalization
• Valid travel document for stateless persons
• Valid residence permit
• Civil status documents, for example:
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • If applicable, divorce decree or death certificate, with translation, legalization, or apostille if required
    • of the previous spouse or
    • the previous registered partner
• For persons under 16 years of age: proof of legal representation
• In cases of joint parental custody: only a declaration of consent from the other parent with custody

Notes:

• The competent authority may grant a reduction or waiver of fees on grounds of equity or public interest.
• Additional costs may apply for obtaining documents, translations, and certifications.
• Additional transfer fees may apply for transfers from a foreign account.

• Administrative fee: 25.00 EUR – 255.00 EUR
  Applies in the event of a denial notice for adults
• Administrative fee: 255.00 EUR
  Applies to naturalization per person; also applies to minors who are naturalized on their own
• Administrative fee: 51.00 EUR
  Applies to a minor child who is naturalized with both parents or one parent
• Administrative fee: 25.00 EUR – 51.00 EUR
  Applies in the event of a denial notice for a minor child to be naturalized