Access to the GDR State Security Service records is regulated by the Stasi Records Act (StUG).

Every individual has the right to request to view their own personal file: Requests to view one’s file can be submitted to the Federal Archives/Stasi Records Archive in Berlin or to the regional offices. If, for reasons of health or otherwise, the applicant is unable to come to one of our reading rooms to view the files, we can also have copies sent to them.

The files of missing or deceased persons are generally not accessible. Limited access to records on missing or deceased persons may however be granted to near relatives (spouses, children, grandchildren and siblings). Where no near relatives are left alive, third-degree relatives (grandparents, great grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews) can also submit a request for access to the files.

The Federal Archives/Stasi Records Archive supports scholarship, civic education agencies, the press, radio and film (media) in their political and historical reappraisal of the past. Within the scope of an admissible application, access to records of the State Security Service can be granted on topics related to the activities of the State Security Service and its power mechanisms in both the former GDR and Soviet zone of occupation. The Stasi Records Archive also holds records dealing with topics of National Socialism.

In response to petitions from public and private agencies, the Federal Archives/Stasi Records Archive will disclose whether any evidence exists to suggest that certain individuals in prominent social and political positions collaborated with the MfS. This applies to members of government, members of parliaments, state secretaries, judges, sports officials as well as certain groups of public service employees.

The Federal Archives/Stasi Records Archive also processes petitions concerning pensions, unresolved property issues and the awarding of medals. And it provides information related to cases of criminal prosecution, danger prevention as well as rehabilitation and compensation.