Applying for information from the Central Register of Foreigners

You can apply to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in writing or online.

Written application:

• Go to the BVA website and fill out the application form for data subject information electronically.
• Print out the completed form and sign it.
• Send the completed and signed form together with the notarized signature and any other required documents by post to the BVA.
• The BVA will check your application.
• Once your application has been checked, the BVA will send you the information on the stored data by post.

Online application:

• Go to the website of the federal portal and complete the application form for data subject information electronically.
• Note: You will need your identity card or electronic residence permit with PIN number for the online function.
• Attach the other required documents as a scan.
• Send your application.
• The BVA will check your application.
• Once your application has been checked, the BVA will send you the information on the stored data by post.

You can apply for information about the person concerned:

• Foreign nationals who have provided the following basic personal data:
  • Surname,
  • maiden name,
  • first names,
  • Spelling of names according to German law,
  • Date of birth,
  • place and district of birth,
  • gender,
  • nationalities
• and who have proven their identity.

Further requirements:

• When applying online, if you have registered via the federal user account using the online ID card or electronic residence permit, you must provide your basic personal details and prove your identity if the application is submitted by an authorized person.

When submitting a written application, you as the person concerned must submit the following if you

• are in Germany:
  • a notarized signature on the request for information
• abroad:
  • a notarization of the signature on the request for information by the diplomatic mission or consular post abroad or an authority in the country of origin that is authorized to certify the signature, or
  • a separate letter from a notary public certifying the signature with a German translation by a sworn interpreter

Application by an authorized person

• In the case of an application by an authorized person, a power of attorney with your certified signature as the person concerned must be enclosed.
• Certification is not necessary if the authorized person is admitted to practice law at a domestic court.

You must submit your application:

• Proof of your identity:
  • an official certification of your signature (translated into German) on the application form or
  • an electronic authentication with eID for the online application
• if the application is submitted by an authorized person:
  • a power of attorney with a notarized signature from you as the person concerned

Please note:

• Certification is not required if the authorized person is a lawyer admitted to practice before a German court.
• If the application is made by a lawyer who is registered with a German court, a client authorization is required.
• An official certification can be issued by an authority. This can be, for example, the city, district or municipal administration.

There are no costs.

There is no deadline.

The processing of your application usually takes 1 month, in exceptional cases up to 3 months.

• Article 15(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• § Section 34 Act on the Central Register of Foreigners (AZRG)
• § Section 15 Ordinance on the Implementation of the Act on the Central Register of Foreigners (AZRG-DV)

There is no legal remedy.

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

07.02.2023