Access to files can usually be requested from the authority holding the file. The application can be made informally and without notice. The party involved must generally go to the relevant authority to inspect the files.
The authority may stipulate that access to the files is only granted if a representative of the authority is supervising. There is no right to inspect files without the presence of a supervisor.
In individual cases, the authority may also, at its due discretion, authorise access to the files at another location, e.g. if a party involved lives at a greater distance from the headquarters of the authority holding the files. In this case, the authority can send the files to another authority at the request of the party involved and the files can be inspected there. Otherwise, files can also be inspected at a diplomatic or consular mission of the Federal Republic of Germany abroad.
If the party involved in an administrative procedure has engaged and authorised a lawyer with regard to this procedure, the inspection of files shall also take place at the authority with regard to this lawyer. However, the authority may, at its due discretion and by way of exception, determine that a lawyer is also permitted to take the files to his or her office or that the authority sends the files there. However, there is no entitlement to the files being handed over.
Overall, the authority can determine the type and manner of access to the files at its own discretion. In particular, the authority can also determine the time of access to the files. However, it must grant access to the files under reasonable conditions.
Access to the file includes not only documents, but also all other documents such as plans, photographs, maps or other data carriers relating to a specific procedure.
Access to files does not only mean mere inspection. On the contrary, particularly in the case of extensive files relating to a procedure, file inspection can often only be meaningful if the party involved is given the opportunity to make copies or photocopies of the file contents.
In proceedings with uniform submissions or in proceedings in which more than 50 persons with the same interests are involved, only the person representing them has a right to inspect the files if representation takes place in these cases.