KVR Munich plans ticket system for naturalizations

Long waiting times for naturalization in Munich

The 2024 reform of citizenship law has caused demand for naturalization to explode. In Bavaria alone, the numbers rose by over 50%. The situation is particularly dramatic at the Munich Citizenship and Naturalization Office (KVR Munich ): A caseworker there now handles an average of around 1,000 cases simultaneously – in February 2023, the number was "only" 637. The result is waiting times of up to 18 months , massive uncertainty for applicants, and growing frustration on both sides. New positions could provide relief, but municipalities are struggling with chronic staff shortages and tight budgets.

Ticket system for naturalization in Munich

Now, a ticket system at the KVR is set to bring about a decisive turning point. Applicants should be able to view the status of their naturalization online as early as this year. All steps—queries, responses, new messages—will be transparently documented. Instead of radio silence, this could bring more clarity and traceability to the process. Whether this system will be limited to a general status such as "received – in processing – completed" or actually provide deeper insights—for example, into intermediate steps at the authorities involved—remains to be seen.

Naturalizations at the KVR Munich remain difficult

But one thing is also clear: a ticket system alone won't solve the staff shortage. Nevertheless, it can provide a valuable impetus for improving service quality and restoring trust between applicants and the administration. If the project in Munich is successful, it could serve as a model for other immigration and naturalization authorities . While digitalization doesn't replace additional resources, it can pave the way for greater efficiency, transparency, and citizen-friendliness.

Action for failure to act possible despite ticket system in Munich

It's also important to note that the new ticket system does not change applicants' legal options. Even if processing steps are available online in the future, those affected can still file a claim for failure to act under Section 75 of the Administrative Court Procedure Code (VwGO) if their application remains undecided for more than three months . A digital ticket system creates transparency, but does not replace binding processing deadlines. For applicants, this means that anyone who sees no progress in the process for months despite a digital status display can take legal action against the delay – and thus force the administration to make a decision.