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

With German citizenship, you can, among other things

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

If you have been stateless in Germany since birth, you are entitled to naturalization under certain conditions. Stateless persons are persons who are not considered nationals by any state.

Naturalization becomes effective upon delivery of the naturalization certificate.

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

• You must apply for naturalization before reaching 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 imprisonment or juvenile detention for more than 5 years. If you are currently under investigation for a suspected criminal offense, the citizenship authority will suspend the naturalization process until the proceedings have been concluded.

• Appeal
• Action 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
• Documents relating to civil status, for example:
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • If applicable, divorce decree or death certificate, with translation, legalization, or apostille if necessary
    • of the previous spouse or
    • the previous registered civil partner
• For persons under 16 years of age: proof of legal representation
• in the case of joint parental custody: only a declaration of consent from the other parent with custody

Notes:

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

• Administrative fee: EUR 25.00 - EUR 255.
  00 Applies to rejection notices for adults
• Administrative fee: EUR 255.
  00 Applies to naturalization per person, also applies to minors who are naturalized alone
• Administrative fee: EUR 51.
  00 Applies to a minor child who is naturalized with both parents or one parent
• Administrative fee: EUR 25.00 - EUR 51.
  00 Applies to rejection notices for a minor child to be naturalized