Applying for naturalisation for stateless persons since birth
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzWith naturalization you will receive German citizenship. This makes you an equal citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany with all rights and obligations.
Among other things, you can:
- exercise your 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 right.
To do this, you must
- have been born in the Federal Republic of Germany as a stateless person,
- have been legally and permanently resident in Germany for at least 5 years and
- have submitted the application before the age of 21.
The claim is excluded if you have been finally sentenced to a prison sentence or youth sentence of more than 5 years.
If you are investigated on suspicion of a criminal offence, the naturalisation procedure will remain suspended until the proceedings have been concluded.
Naturalization takes effect upon delivery of the naturalization certificate. The competent authority is the nationality authority of your place of residence.