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Obtain German Citizenship
All legal information on German citizenship and citizenship law.
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that the biggest problems in naturalization procedures are usually the long processing time, poor communication from the authorities, the unavailability of appointments and excessive formal requirements.
that in the naturalization process it is particularly important to communicate proactively , to regularly inquire about the status (follow-up) and to submit updated documents (especially proof of income) without being requested to do so by the authorities.
that a lawyer can be very helpful in the naturalization process to speed up the processing and remove blockages, as authorities know that they cannot “talk their way out” with general/pre-prepared advice to lawyers.
that our law firm specializes in naturalizations and citizenship procedures and can help to carry out naturalization procedures as quickly and efficiently as possible for a fixed fee.
1. Most common problems with naturalization
2. These points are particularly important for naturalization.
3. Should I hire a lawyer for the naturalization process?
4. VISAGUARD services related to naturalization
5. Why VISAGUARD for naturalization?
6. FAQs and online resources on naturalization
1. Most common problems with naturalization
From a lawyer's perspective, the following problems occur particularly frequently during naturalization:
Endless document loop: Authorities request documents and, after submission, take so long to process them that the documents expire (e.g., pay slips, employer certificates, proof of rent payments). Then new documents are requested again. This "document loop" can theoretically continue indefinitely.
Changes in circumstances during the naturalization process: Due to the length of the naturalization process, the life circumstances of many applicants change (e.g., job loss or divorce). This then also affects the naturalization process (usually negatively).
Generally excessive processing times: Processing times at many naturalization offices are immense and sometimes last several years. Some offices don't even try to conceal the fact that the processing time exceeds 12 months and even announce this on their website.
Authorities do not respond: Naturalization authorities often communicate very poorly or do not respond at all.
Authorities unreachable: Many naturalization authorities deliberately make communication channels complicated (e.g., no public email address and only a “hidden” contact form) to avoid mass inquiries due to the many unprocessed applications.
Excessive formal requirements: Some authorities demand significantly more documents than are actually necessary. This is particularly true when verifying the livelihood of self-employed individuals.
A preliminary interview is required: Some naturalization authorities require a "preliminary interview" before issuing the naturalization application form. However, appointments for these (legally completely unnecessary) interviews are difficult to obtain.
Only in the case of naturalization by descent from abroad: the availability of documents is often problematic in the case of naturalization from abroad (“Citizenship by Descent”), as the entire chain of descent must be proven.
Only in the case of naturalizations based on descent from abroad: communication with the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) is very difficult and the processing time at the Federal Office of Administration is several years.
2. These points are particularly important for naturalization.
In naturalization law, by far the most frequent problem is a very long waiting time and difficult communication with the authorities . This often leads to numerous subsequent problems (especially changes in the applicants' circumstances during the process). The authorities simply do not prioritize processing naturalization applications. This is partly due to political reasons, but also because the authorities are overburdened. In some cases, the case workers in the authorities are poorly trained or simply incompetent. Nevertheless, the State Office for Immigration (LEA) in Berlin impressively demonstrates that even immense floods of naturalization applications can be managed if consistent digitalization and a focus on specific tasks are pursued.
To overcome the problem of long processing times, applicants must maintain very strict and consistent communication . They must actively inquire: What documents might be missing? What information needs to be provided? What problems are currently occurring in the application process? Only in this way can it be prevented that the authority simply "let the application sit" or even outright ignores it. Additionally, documents should always be proactively kept up to date: For example, if you inquire at the beginning of the month about the progress of the application, it is advisable to also send updated payslips and proof of rent payments. The authority will request these documents at some point anyway.
If the authorities (sometimes even announcing this in advance) allocate several years for processing naturalization applications, this can usually only be countered with the help of a lawyer. Legally, naturalization applications must be processed within three months. Otherwise, an action for failure to act can be filed (§ 75 VwGO). While it is conceded that processing applications precisely within three months is probably not administratively feasible, it can certainly be demanded that the application be processed proactively and continuously, and that the applicant be regularly informed about its status. In this regard, the naturalization authority bears the corresponding burden of proof and presentation (also according to case law).
Specialist Articles on the Topic
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5. Why VISAGUARD for naturalization?
The advantage of engaging our law firm in the naturalization process is obvious: As a law firm, we have privileged access to communication with the naturalization authorities (communication via EGVP/beA) . While applicants without legal representation can only communicate via the contact form or, in the case of smaller authorities, by email, the authorities are obligated to respond to correspondence from law firms. The assertive approach of lawyers also plays a significant role: The authorities know that they cannot simply cite "overload" or "lack of capacity" without a more detailed explanation of the obstacles. This creates pressure on the authorities to process applications, which can significantly accelerate the process (or even initiate it in the first place).
As a law firm specializing in migration and naturalization/citizenship law, VISAGUARD is also directly focused on "stalled" cases . We have untangled hundreds of naturalization cases and removed processing obstacles. We know the levers for accelerating the process and how to communicate effectively with the authorities. We are familiar with the case law regarding bureaucratic overload and know how to utilize the relevant court rulings accordingly.
Furthermore, we have a strong service-oriented mindset and transparent fixed-price models. With us, you don't have to pay by the hour without knowing what was actually done during those expensive hours. We charge a fixed price of EUR 750 (+19% VAT) for an out-of-court letter from our lawyers (including a consultation via video call and review of the case file) if the application has already been submitted. Often, this single letter is enough to overcome processing delays with the authorities (provided you still meet the requirements for naturalization). Contact us to see for yourself our effectiveness, our commitment to service, and our professional excellence!
VISAGUARD blog posts on naturalization
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Status of naturalizations at the State Office for Immigration 2026
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State Office for Immigration defends administrative practice in naturalizations
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Even in Dresden, there are absurd waiting times for naturalization.
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Naturalization fraught with obstacles: Paralyzing bureaucracy in Bremen's immigration office
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Naturalization in record time: Heilbronn shows how it's done right.
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The waiting list for naturalization in Darmstadt includes more than 2,100 people.
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allaboutberlin.com publishes tool on waiting times for naturalization in Berlin
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Allaboutberlin.com: Naturalization in Berlin takes approximately 7-9 months.
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Record number of lawsuits for failure to act regarding naturalization in Berlin
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Naturalization in Berlin 2025: Current status of naturalization in Berlin
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Lawyer: Chances of success for naturalization in Berlin 2025
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Statistics published: Record high in naturalizations in Germany
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Immigration authorities are preparing to naturalize Ukrainians.
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CDU wants to suspend naturalizations - Is that even possible?
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Munich's District Administration Office (KVR München) plans ticketing system for naturalizations
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LEA will be responsible for naturalizations from 2024 onwards.
FAQ on naturalization
In your experience, what mistakes do naturalization applicants make months before submitting their application, even though they are not yet thinking about naturalization at that time?
Significant changes in one's life history that negatively impact naturalization (e.g., job loss or separation from a spouse) are generally problematic. Applying too late for a naturalization test appointment or language course can also significantly delay the process.
What differences do you observe in the naturalization practices of various naturalization authorities, even though the same legal requirements apply nationwide?
Differences exist particularly regarding processing time, formal requirements, and the procedure itself. Larger authorities allow applications to be submitted easily online, while smaller authorities often have unclear procedures or even require a preliminary interview.
How can you tell, even during the initial review of a case, that a naturalization process is likely to be more complicated than the client expects?
In my experience as a lawyer, the absolute crux of a successful naturalization process is the applicant's ability to make a living. Those with ample funds and a good job will likely be able to obtain citizenship quickly. Those without a job will face considerable difficulties.
What are the requirements for naturalization in Germany?
To become a German citizen, applicants generally need to have lived legally in Germany for at least five years. Further requirements include permanent residency (or another residence permit that entitles the holder to naturalization), sufficient German language skills (B1 level), passing the naturalization test, having sufficient means of subsistence without relying on social welfare, and no serious criminal record. You can find more information in our guide to the requirements for naturalization .
How long does the naturalization process take?
The processing time for naturalization in Germany varies depending on the federal state and the responsible authority. It generally takes between 6 and 24 months for the naturalization certificate to be issued. After 3 months, you can file an action for failure to act regarding your naturalization .
How much does naturalization cost?
The naturalization fee is generally €255 per person. In cases of particular hardship, a reduction or payment in installments can be requested.
Where can I submit my application for naturalization?
The application for naturalization must be submitted to the responsible naturalization authority. This is often located at the city hall or district office. In some federal states, the citizens' registration office or the immigration office is also responsible. In Berlin, the State Office for Immigration (LEA) has been responsible for naturalizations since January 1, 2024 .
Court rulings on naturalization
The relevant date for calculating the time limit under Section 75 of the Administrative Court Procedure Act (VwGO) is the date of the application (VG Weimar, decision of June 11, 2024, file number 1 K 135/24 We).
The defendant's workload, which has existed since 2020/2021 due to the significantly increased number of applications for naturalization, does not constitute a sufficient reason within the meaning of Section 75 of the Administrative Court Procedure Act (VG Weimar, decision of June 11, 2024, file number 1 K 135/24 We).
According to the interpretation of Section 75 Sentence 2 of the Administrative Court Procedure Act (VwGO), the application should be ready for a decision within the three months specified therein (including requesting documents, holding a hearing and involving authorities) (Saxony Higher Administrative Court, decision of February 14, 2023 – 3 E 2/23 –, juris, para. 12).
If an authority justifies an excessively long processing time with excessive workload, this is only permissible as justification if it is a temporary situation. Usual absences due to illness must be compensated for by appropriate organizational measures (Federal Constitutional Court, decision of January 16, 2017 – 1 BvR 2406/16 –, juris para. 9 with further references; Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg, decision of July 27, 2017).
A persistent overload of the authority or a continuously increasing workload to which no action is taken, although this would have been possible, does not constitute sufficient grounds (Saxony Higher Administrative Court, decision of February 14, 2023 – 3 E 2/23 –, juris para. 9; Higher Administrative Court of Saarland, decision of November 2, 2023 – 2 E 123/23 –, juris para. 16).
Even a persistent shortage of personnel cannot legitimize excessively long proceedings (VGH Mannheim, decision of 31.07.2024, 11 S 1117/24).
The authority bears the burden of proof for the factual circumstances that are intended to constitute a sufficient reason within the meaning of Section 75 of the Administrative Court Procedure Act (Saxony Higher Administrative Court, decision of February 14, 2023 – 3 E 2/23 –, juris para. 9 with further references).
A declaration of consent regarding an excessively long processing time restarts the 3-month period for the action for failure to act (VG Gießen, decision of 18.04.2024, 4 K 2799/23GI).
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4. VISAGUARD services related to naturalization
As a law firm specializing in immigration law, we offer the following services related to naturalization:
Lawyer's letter : Proactive out-of-court communication with the naturalization authorities to ensure that your application is processed with the appropriate and administratively feasible speed.
Legal representation: Filing an action for failure to act if your application is not processed at all by the naturalization authorities (including the Federal Office of Administration) without the authorities communicating the reason for the impediment.
Out-of-court communication: Proactive communication with the authorities via legal channels to compel the authority to respond and thus bring the proceedings out of the “black box” state.
Exploring alternatives: Strategic considerations regarding the procedure in naturalization law if circumstances relevant to your naturalization change during the process.
Requirements and document review: Evaluation of the naturalization requirements and review of your documents to ensure that you meet all material and formal requirements for naturalization.
Legal action to secure an appointment: To enable the application process by legally securing appointments if the authority believes that a "preliminary interview" is required for naturalization.
Document procurement: Communication with archive and registration authorities in Germany if you are applying for naturalization from abroad (especially from the USA) based on descent from German ancestors.
Communication and representation vis-à-vis the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in cases of naturalization abroad based on descent.