Federal Archives Act
The task of the Federal Archives is to permanently conserve, utilise and exploit federal archival material for academic purposes. It ensures access to federal archive material while safeguarding private and public interests.
A page of the Stasi Records Act which forms the legal basis for the work of the Federal Commissioner., Source: BStU / Böttcher
Legal Basis
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Stasi Records Act and Costs Ordinance of the Stasi Records Archive
The Stasi Records Act (StuG), together with the Federal Archives Act, forms the legal basis for access to the Stasi records. A Costs Ordinance regulates whether and to what extent fees and expenses are to be paid for viewing files.
Read more about the Cost Ordinance.
Download the Stasi Records Act (PDF, 189 KB, Accessible file).
Use Regulations
The Use Regulations govern the use of the archival material in the Federal Archives. Anyone can request to use archival material held by the Federal Archives in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the Federal Archives Act and these regulations.
Decree on the Establishment of the SAPMO
Since 4 May 2022,the amending decree of the Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media has regulated the work of the “Foundation Archives of the Parties and Mass Organisations of the GDR” in the Federal Archives.
Read the decree (in German only)
Act on Establishing the Equalisation of Burdens Archive
The Act on the Establishment of the Equalisation of Burdens Archive regulates the central archiving of documents from the area of the Law on the Consequences of War at the Federal Archives.
To the Act (in German only)
Agreement on the Takeover of the Central Office’s Records
The Central Office of the State Judicial Authorities for the Investigation of National Socialist Crimes was established in Ludwigsburg as a joint institution of the former federal states by administrative agreement between the Ministers and Senators of Justice on 6 November 1958.
To the Agreement (in German only)
Federal Archives Reading Room Regulations
The following regulations for using the material of the Federal Archives exist to ensure the security and orderly use of federal archive material in the reading rooms.
Regulations for Using the Library of the “Foundation Archives of the Parties and Mass Organisations of the GDR”
Use of the library of the “Foundation Archives of the Parties and Mass Organisations of the GDR” in the Federal Archives is governed by user regulations. These were adopted by the Foundation's Board of Trustees on 24 January 1994 on the basis of the Decree on the Establishment of the “Foundation Archives of the Parties and Mass Organisations of the GDR” of 6 April 1992 (GMBl. p. 310).
Download the Regulations (PDF, 63 KB, File does not meet accessibility standards) (in German only)
Note on the Freedom of Information Act (IFG)
With the entry into force of the Freedom of Information Act (IFG) on 1 January 2006, every person has a right of access to official information in accordance with the IFG.
To the Act (in German only)
Notes on the Subsequent Use of Federal Archives Records Placed Online
Since the Federal Archives must protect private and public interests, it often cannot make archival records publicly accessible on the Internet. The interests of authors and holders of neighbouring rights must also be taken into account.
To the Notes (in German only)
General Terms and Conditions of the Federal Archives
The General Terms and Conditions apply to contracts for the provision of services and the purchase or manufacture of goods.