GERMAN CITIZENSHIP (Einbürgerung) APPLICATION
How Long Does a Citizenship Application Take? Process, Deadline, File Tracking, and Expediting
The most frequently asked question regarding a German citizenship application (Einbürgerung) is: “How long does it take?” There is no single answer; the timeframe varies significantly depending on the type of application (e.g., general route, through spouse, discretionary), the completeness of the file, identity/nationality verification, security checks, and, most importantly, the workload of the processing authority .
Nevertheless, a practical framework can be outlined: The federal information portal states that the processing time for applications varies depending on the case and can take 18 months or longer ( Einbürgerung ). Many large cities also indicate similar timeframes: Munich City Council explicitly states that citizenship processing currently takes up to 18 months and that applications can only be finalized with complete documentation ; it also notes that the high number of applications and security checks (in Munich, for example) can take 4–6 months, extending the process. ( Municipal Council of Munich ) In Berlin, the authorities expect long processing times due to the high backlog of files inherited as of January 1, 2024 , and specifically request that applicants avoid making inquiries about the status of their applications . ( service.berlin.de )
1) Four Main Stages That Determine the Timeframe
To correctly understand the citizenship period, the total period needs to be divided into four parts:
- Appointment waiting time (time to schedule an appointment / submit an application)
- The application is considered "complete" (completion of missing documents – Nachforderung)
- Administrative review process (identity/nationality verification, income, language, testing, records)
- Security inquiries and inter-institutional correspondence (Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, etc.)
Some municipalities clearly demonstrate this distinction: for example, in Neuss, it has been announced that the waiting time for an appointment can be approximately 12 months ; and the processing time after application can extend up to 16 months . ( serviceportal-neuss.de ) This example is not a "general rule"; but it clearly illustrates how the "appointment + processing" combination increases the total time.
2) Legal Basis of the Application: Both "Right" Applications and "Discretionary" Applications Affect the Time Limit
The type of application affects both the burden of proof and the administration's approach:
- General citizenship based on rights (Regel-/Anspruchseinbürgerung) is mostly carried out within the framework of Article 10 of the StaG (Stag). This article regulates the basic conditions such as clarity of identity, residence, livelihood, language, knowledge of social order, and declaration of loyalty. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
- Topics such as "facilitated path via peer" are also included separately in the StAG system (e.g., StAG §9). (gesetze-im-internet.de)
The fact that the application is of a "right" nature theoretically narrows the scope of arbitrary discretion of the administration; however, in practice, since most factors that prolong the process documentation and verification , the quality of the file remains decisive.
3) Average Durations: What to Expect?
3.1. "Processing" time (after submitting the application)
- Federal information portal: 18 months or longer . (Einbürgerung)
- Munich: “Currently” processing takes up to 18 months; missing documents prolong the process; security checks 4–6 months . (Municipalities of Munich)
3.2. "Deadline" period (time to submit the application to the system)
- In the case of Neuss, the waiting time for an appointment is stated as approximately 12 months . ( serviceportal-neuss.de )
- Although processes are digitized in Berlin, "long processing times" are highlighted due to the high volume of file turnover. (service.berlin.de)
Conclusion: In many cities, the realistic total time, including "finalization + processing," within the 1.5–3 year range . It's possible to go below this range; however, this generally requires establishing the case "completely and without any disputes" from the outset.
4) Top 10 Reasons That Prolong the Process the Most
- Incomplete/conflicting identity and nationality documents
- Apostille/translation issues with foreign documents
- Failure to clearly establish income and livelihood files (especially for variable income, self-employment, combined household income)
- Inconsistencies in tax/social security/employment contract records
- The language certificate is unsuitable or its validity period/institution is not accepted
- Delay or invalidity of the social order test certificate (BAMF test processes and result dates are regularly updated) (bamf.de)
- Discussions on extended stays abroad and continuity of residence (the Munich example explains that stays up to 6 months are generally not a problem, while longer stays require specific permits/conditions) (Municipalities of Munich).
- Security checks take a long time (example in Munich: 4–6 months) (Munich Municipality)
- Increased traffic of "status inquiries" to the authorities and jamming of communication channels (Berlin specifically warns against "status inquiries") (service.berlin.de)
- Weakness in proving actual cohabitation in marriage/family union cases (additional documents are often requested in applications with a spouse/child)
5) Appointment Scheduling Strategy: “Initiating the Application” is Sometimes the Hardest Part
The deadline is a separate issue causing delays in citizenship applications. In some places, completely online applications are possible; in others, online pre-application plus physical verification; and in some, no processing is done without an appointment.
For example, Neuss explicitly states that an appointment is mandatory and the waiting time can be around 12 months. (serviceportal-neuss.de)
Practical methods that make finding appointments easier
- Check the online portal/application page regularly (some systems instantly re-open cancelled appointments)
- If an "online application" option is available, submit the file digitally; some cities specifically encourage online applications with complete documentation. (Munich Municipality)
- If you are sending an appointment email, please include a one-page "file summary": ID, length of residence, employment/income, language/test results, children, contact information.
- In large cities, use "quick check" vehicles if they are available; this is clearly explained in the Munich example (Munich Municipality)
6) File Tracking: There's a fine line between "Silently Waiting" and "Managing the Process"
Some authorities (such as Berlin) state that due to high volume, status inquiries are hindering the process and ask applicants to refrain from making such requests (service.berlin.de). Munich similarly notes that due to high volume, status inquiries may not be answered during the process (Municipal Administration of Munich)
This doesn't mean do nothing; the correct approach is this:
6.1. The gold standard in file management
- Application day: delivery receipt / online shipping confirmation .
- Documents: Simply saying "Sent" is not enough; record the date and which attachments were sent
- When additional documents are requested (Nachforderung):
- Don't miss the deadline.
- Send the attachments as a "single package" (sending them in parts increases the likelihood of errors).
- Significant changes (address, employment, marital status, children): Notify the authority in one go, accompanied by documentation
6.2. When is a reasonable “reminder” given?
- If there is no action or communication for a long time after the application is completed, polite and brief question such as "Is my file complete? Are there any additional documents?" is reasonable in most cases.
- However, in places like Berlin where authorities have issued clear warnings, it may be more appropriate to limit communication only to necessary changes or requested additional documents . ( service.berlin.de )
7) 12 Legitimate Ways to Speed Up the File Process (Legally and in Practice)
- Submit your application according to the "complete documentation" standard. Munich explicitly states that incomplete documentation prolongs the process. (Municipal Administration of Munich)
- Establish strong identity and nationality verification, especially regarding birth records, civil registry records, and passport validity.
- Make your income file easily understandable at a glance. (payslips, employment contracts, tax documents; the BWA/GuV logic for self-employed individuals) Munich's document list exemplifies this approach. (Municipalities of Munich)
- Complete your language certificate and test certificate in advance. BAMF test information and updates are publicly available. (bamf.de)
- For household (spouse/children) applications, file them together.
- Prepare the necessary permits/proof of ownership for your stay abroad (entries, exits, authorizations). Munich provides practical explanations regarding the 6-month threshold and exceptions. (Municipal Administration of Munich)
- Ensure your registered address (Anmeldung) is consistent with your actual address. Inconsistencies will lead to further investigation.
- Manage the risk of a criminal record early. There are municipal statements on how certain conviction thresholds are assessed; Munich explains example thresholds (tagessatz / short-term imprisonment) in its Q&A section. (Municipality of Munich)
- Please fill out the application form without any contradictions. Provide explanations instead of leaving blanks.
- Present documents in a single, legible format. Documents with poor scan quality will be requested again.
- Avoid unnecessary correspondence, but don't delay critical changes. Berlin's warning reminds us of this balance. (service.berlin.de)
- If there is an excessive delay, initiate legal proceedings at the right time. (See section below)
8) Legal Tool for Those Who Say "It's Taking Too Long": Untätigkeitsklage (Lawsuit Against Administrative Inaction)
If your application takes a long time to be processed, the primary tool in German administrative law the Untätigkeitsklage. This aims to compel the courts to take action against the administration's "unjustifiable" delay in processing the application.
Rule 8.1: 3-month threshold (but not absolute)
According to §75 of the VwGO, if the administration fails to decide on the application within a reasonable time, a lawsuit may be filed; as a general rule, a lawsuit cannot be filed before 3 months have passed since the application (except in exceptional circumstances). ( buzer.de )
8.2. How do courts view “prolonged delay”?
While some authorities cite workload as a justification, the judiciary does not always accept this justification without limit. For example, in the OVG NRW decision dated September 25, 2025, it is emphasized that in the specific case, the citizenship process exceeded 18 months and the administration did not provide any specific reasons to justify the further extension. (nrwe.justiz.nrw.de)
8.3. Advantage/risk balance
- The advantage: The file is no longer left "on the shelf"; the administrative process is often either accelerated or a court schedule is created.
- Risk: The administration may try to justify the delay in the case by citing reasons such as "missing documents" or "pending security clearance." Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the file is truly "complete" and "decidable" before the trial begins.
8.4. The best course of action to take before filing a lawsuit
- Gather all application submission/online confirmation, supporting documents, and proof of delivery into a single file.
- Prepare a summary that demonstrates the case is "decidable": length of residence, status, language/test, income, criminal record.
- A brief reminder letter (Is my file complete, is it in the decision-making phase?) in response to the administration's silence is a good "final step" in most cases. (In places like Berlin, this step should be taken carefully; because the authorities may want to reduce requests for status updates.) (service.berlin.de)
Furthermore, the NRW Justice portal ( justiz.nrw.de ) generally explains that when the conditions of §75 are met, litigation can be initiated without the precondition of an appeal.
9) Wages and Cost Planning
Citizenship fees are generally applied as €255 for adults and €51 for minors naturalized with their parents; the federal portal also provides examples of these fees (Einbürgerung). Municipalities also repeat the same figures on their own pages (Neuss example). (serviceportal-neuss.de)
Note: Some cities may require upfront payment of the fee for online applications (pre-application payment methods are listed on the Berlin service page). (service.berlin.de)
10) Frequently Asked Questions
"Is 18 months definite?"
No. 18 months is a “typical” framework. The federal portal emphasizes that there is no upper or lower limit, stating “18 months and longer.” (Einbürgerung) Munich similarly indicates seasonal intensity by stating “currently” up to 18 months. (Munich Municipality)
"Why does it take so long?"
The main reasons are: file complexity, high application volumes, and security checks. Munich also notes that security checks can take 4–6 months in this example (Munich Municipality). Berlin also warns of long processing times due to file turnover (service.berlin.de)
"I can't find an appointment, when does the period start?"
Legally, the administration's obligation to act begins when the application is formally received and becomes available for review. Therefore, a delay in the deadline effectively increases the total time; the Neuss example clearly demonstrates this. (serviceportal-neuss.de)
"When will the case be considered?"
As a general rule, the §75 procedure is not invoked before three months have passed since the application; however, in practice, courts' assessment of "reasonable time" in citizenship cases is shaped by the content of the case. Nevertheless, there are court decisions criticizing delays exceeding 18 months without justification. (buzer.de)
Conclusion: The key to shortening the process is "setting the file up right from the start."
The processing time for a citizenship application is often determined more the quality of the file . If you structure your application from day one to the standard of "complete documentation + consistent records + clear income statement + appropriate language/test documents," you reduce the risk of delays in security and institutional correspondence. Munich's warning, "We cannot complete the process without complete documentation," summarizes this fact. (Municipality of Munich)
Nevertheless, if the process exceeds a reasonable time and the file remains dormant for a long period, the remedy under §75 of the VwGO is legally available; the important thing is to use this remedy “at the right time and when the file is ready.” (buzer.de)
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