Even in Dresden, there are absurd waiting times for naturalization.

Naturalization applications in Germany have seen a significant increase in recent years – and Dresden is among the cities where this trend is particularly noticeable. Anyone currently wishing to apply for German citizenship in Dresden should realistically expect long waiting times of around two to three years . The city now even publishes transparent updates on the processing status of applications: Currently, there are still naturalization applications from April 2023 that are still pending.

These delays have structural causes. According to the Dresden City Council, approximately 3,900 applications are stuck in a backlog without any responsible casework – a striking, but frustrating finding for those affected. The citizenship authority is publicly requesting that applicants refrain from submitting status inquiries, as these will not be answered and would further burden the processing.

Would legal assistance or an action for failure to act be of any use?

Many affected individuals are wondering whether legal representation or an action for failure to act can expedite the processing of their cases. Dresden is unusually open in its communication on this matter, stating that neither legal representation nor an action for failure to act will lead to any acceleration. From a legal perspective, this is quite questionable, as the authority cannot decide the outcome of an action for failure to act. The authority itself admits that, due to the "flood of applications," it is unable to process cases in a timely manner. Nevertheless, this does not preclude liability .

Legal support can still be beneficial, as it frequently happens in Dresden that applicants are initially referred to a " preliminary consultation " and thus unlawfully prevented from submitting their application. With legal counsel, the application can be submitted effectively, thereby securing a place in the waiting list.

Why moving can speed up the process

A noteworthy point from legal practice: Anyone who needs significantly faster naturalization should consider whether relocating to the surrounding districts might be advantageous. There, capacities are sometimes better, and processing times are noticeably shorter than in the state capital. This can be a realistic and legally permissible shortcut, especially for applicants who already meet all the requirements and simply need to wait for a decision.

Conclusion on naturalization in Dresden

Naturalization in Dresden is currently associated with long waiting times, which is a tremendous burden for many of those affected. While transparent communication from the city is helpful, it doesn't explain the structural bottlenecks that lead to years of delays. Legal support can prevent errors and ensure a smooth application process – and can also lead to faster processing. Those who want to reach their goal more quickly should also consider whether moving to a neighboring district might be a viable option. VISAGUARD monitors developments and will support you in finding the optimal path to German citizenship.