Backlog of naturalization applications in Magdeburg: Inaction lawsuit and naturalization in Saxony-Anhalt

The situation in Magdeburg illustrates how much the processing of naturalization applications can vary from city to city. According to the Magdeburg city administration, as of September 30, 2025, 2,130 applications from the years 2021 to 2025 remained completely unprocessed , while 244 applications were being processed, but progress was minimal. This came to light during a court case before the Higher Administrative Court (OVG) in Magdeburg: An application submitted as early as January 6, 2025, had not even been started . The Higher Administrative Court explicitly clarified in its ruling that this delay was not the applicant's fault. The authority itself bears the responsibility for the massive backlog, and the long waiting time alone is already causing irritation in court.

These figures reflect a structural problem: A significant proportion of applicants in Magdeburg have to wait months, sometimes years, for their applications to be processed. For those affected, this means not only uncertainty but also noticeable restrictions in their daily lives, for example, when taking up employment or reuniting with their families . At the same time, the situation raises questions about efficiency and resource management within the city administration. The backlog of unprocessed applications demonstrates that Magdeburg urgently needs to take action if it wants to achieve its goal of timely naturalization.

Processing times: Shorter than previously assumed

The debate surrounding reasonable processing times is playing a central role in Magdeburg. The administrative court had previously argued that processing times of up to 18 months could be considered reasonable in individual cases. The Higher Administrative Court of Magdeburg clearly contradicts this assumption . According to the authority, processing an application typically takes at least three months, depending on the complexity of the individual case, the cooperation of the applicant, and the involvement of the relevant authorities. This makes it clear that the previously long waiting times cannot simply be accepted as unavoidable.

The court also emphasizes that the authority is obligated to process applications in chronological order to ensure equal treatment . This procedure is intended to prevent individual applicants from being unduly disadvantaged. Specifically, for applicants, this means that those who have been waiting for naturalization for months or years can rely on legally sound processing and can resort to legal action for failure to act in order to compel the administration to process their application.

New opportunities through the Higher Administrative Court ruling

The ruling by the Higher Administrative Court of Magdeburg opens up concrete avenues of action for applicants. Actions for failure to act are expressly recognized as a means of recourse when authorities leave applications unprocessed for extended periods. At the same time, the court clarifies that while an "unlimited" increase in staff is not required, sufficient personnel resources are necessary to protect the interests of applicants. The decision demonstrates that the administration cannot simply blame processing backlogs on organizational bottlenecks, but must ensure timely processing.

For Magdeburg, this means that applicants who have been waiting for naturalization for years can now take action based on the ruling. They can initiate legal proceedings to expedite their applications. At the same time, the ruling sends an important signal to the authorities: the processing of naturalization applications must be transparent, comprehensible, and in accordance with the interests of the applicants.

Conclusion: Opportunities for applicants in Magdeburg

The situation in Magdeburg clearly demonstrates that over 2,000 unprocessed naturalization applications and months-long waiting times are not an isolated incident, but rather a structural problem within the administration . The Higher Administrative Court's ruling, however, emphasizes that the current lengthy processing times are not unavoidable. Processing times must be significantly shorter, and applicants have the right to insist on prompt processing. For everyone in Magdeburg seeking German citizenship, this decision offers a new perspective: they can assert their rights and hope that the administration will make its procedures more efficient and fairer in the future.

Source: OVG Magdeburg, Decision of 7 November 2025 – 3 O 129/25, BeckRS 2025, 32283.