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Files in the Berlin Archive

Files in the Berlin Archive, Source: BStU

Access to Stasi Records

The Stasi Records Archive provides the records of the State Security Service of the former GDR. The legal basis is the Stasi Records Act, which regulates, among other things, application requirements and access options.

Access to Stasi Records

  • Application form for private individuals.
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    Access for Private Individuals

    Every individual has the right to view the records that the Ministry for State Security collected about him or her. Since 1992 more than 2 million people gained access to their files.

  • Index files in the Stasi Records Archive.
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    Access for Public and Private Agencies

    Public and private agencies may receive information from the Stasi Records Office (Federal Archives) about whether evidence exists to suggest that individuals in prominent social and political positions collaborated in the past with the Ministry for State Security.

  • Access to the records in the reading room.
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    Access Rights for Research and Media

    The Federal Archives - Stasi Records Archive - in accordance with his legal mandate - supports research and media (press, radio and film). It also supports civic education agencies in their political and historical reappraisal of the activities of the State Security Service, the power mechanisms in both the former GDR and Soviet zone of occupation and National Socialist past. 

    • Consultation by phone

    You can reach our citizens' advice service on (+49) 30 18665-7000.

    Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.