For many expats who have built their lives in Germany, applying for German citizenship — Einbürgerung — is a major milestone. But the process is rarely quick. Across Germany, naturalization offices (Einbürgerungsbehörden) are dealing with a surge in applications following the 2024 reform of the Nationality Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz), which reduced the minimum residency requirement and opened the door to dual citizenship. Wait times of 12, 18, or even 24 months are not uncommon. If your application seems to be stuck, you are not powerless. Experts have outlined concrete steps you can take to move things forward.
Before taking action, it helps to understand why delays happen. The most common reasons include:
Knowing the likely source of your delay helps you target your follow-up more effectively.
Do not wait passively. Experts recommend reaching out to your Einbürgerungsbehörde in writing — by email or registered letter — to request a status update. Always keep copies of every communication. Ask specifically: Is my file complete? Is anything missing? Is there a current expected decision date?
Polite but persistent written follow-up creates a paper trail and signals that you are an engaged applicant.
Even if you submitted everything requested at the time of application, circumstances change. Has your passport been renewed since you applied? Has your address changed? Have you changed jobs or income status? Any of these can create gaps in your file. Review your submission checklist against your current situation and offer updated documents proactively, without waiting to be asked.
Experts interviewed for this topic consistently describe legal support as "indispensable" for complex or stalled cases. A lawyer specializing in German nationality law (Staatsangehörigkeitsrecht) can:
This last point is important: under German administrative law, if an authority fails to make a decision within a reasonable time, you have the right to file a lawsuit compelling them to act. This is a legitimate legal tool, not an aggressive move, and some applicants have found it accelerates decisions significantly.
In cases of exceptional delay, some applicants have had success contacting their local member of the Bundestag (MdB) or the relevant state parliament (Landtag). MPs can submit formal inquiries to ministries on a constituent's behalf. This does not guarantee a faster decision, but it does create official attention on your case. Look up your local MdB at bundestag.de.
You can formally request — in writing — that the authority set a binding deadline for a decision on your application. Combine this with a reference to your right to file an Untätigkeitsklage if that deadline is not met. This approach, recommended by immigration lawyers, often prompts authorities to prioritize files that might otherwise sit in a queue.
There is no single legal deadline set in national law, though individual states may have internal processing targets. In practice, most authorities aim for decisions within 12 months of a complete application. Waits beyond 18 months are increasingly common in high-demand cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. If you have waited more than 12 months with no decision and no explanation, experts suggest it is time to seek legal advice.
Yes, in most cases your existing Aufenthaltstitel remains valid during the application process. However, you should inform your Einbürgerungsbehörde of extended absences abroad, as certain residency requirements must be continuously met. Very long absences — typically over six months — can jeopardize your eligibility. Consult your authority or a lawyer before any lengthy trip.
Generally, applications are assessed under the law that was in force when they were submitted, unless the new law is more favorable to the applicant. If you applied before the March 2024 reform came into effect and believe the new rules benefit your case, speak to a lawyer about whether a new or amended application makes sense.
A stalled Einbürgerung application is frustrating, but you have more tools available than many applicants realize. Start by making documented contact with your authority, review your paperwork for gaps, and seek professional legal advice if your wait has exceeded 12 months. German administrative law gives you real rights — including the ability to compel a decision through the courts. Stay proactive, keep records of everything, and do not hesitate to ask for help.
Source: The Local Germany
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