Naturalization times are also a disaster in Lübeck.

Isabelle Manoli
2 hours ago
4 min read

The decision to settle in a new country and acquire its citizenship is a profound step, often accompanied by great hopes and expectations. But what if this path becomes not only lengthy but unnecessarily arduous? What if the responsible authorities, who are supposed to ensure a smooth process, themselves become the biggest obstacle ? In cities like Lübeck, thousands of people are currently experiencing precisely this frustrating reality . Applications for naturalization are piling up, processing times are exploding, and the authorities seem helplessly at the mercy of the situation. But we, as a law firm specializing in visa law, want to show you today: You are not powerless in this situation. The excessively long waiting times are not only annoying but, in many cases, also illegal.

The misery in Lübeck: A reflection of nationwide problems

According to recent reports, those seeking naturalization in Lübeck are waiting up to three years for their applications to be processed. This is a remarkable figure, considering that, according to the head of the public order office, the maximum target processing time should actually be much shorter, and the law stipulates a processing time of three months (§ 75 VwGO). With 3,000 unprocessed applications and an annual processing capacity of only about 600 – even with full staffing – a profound problem is revealed. The causes are well-known: staff shortages and organizational deficiencies. However, this is not an isolated case limited to Lübeck. We are observing that many immigration offices across Germany are struggling with similar challenges. Throughout Germany, we see how a lack of resources and inefficient structures lead to the legally mandated deadlines for processing naturalization applications being missed. This is massively exceeded . This not only represents an immense burden for the applicants, but also raises serious questions about the rule of law and the administration's obligation to fulfill its duties.

When the authority fails: The "structural organizational failure"

The Higher Administrative Court of Schleswig has already certified the immigration office in Lübeck as suffering from a "structural organizational failure." This term is of considerable legal significance, as it describes a situation in which an authority, due to fundamental deficiencies in its organization , is no longer able to fulfill its legally mandated duties. When an authority admits to having "too few staff" to "manage the flood of applications," and this leads to waiting times of three years instead of the intended duration, then this is a clear indication of such a failure. The arguments of those politically responsible, who shift the blame back and forth, do not change the fact that the victims are the citizens whose legitimate applications for naturalization are delayed indefinitely.

Your right to a swift decision: The action for failure to act

German law protects you from such bureaucratic delays. According to Section 75 of the Administrative Court Procedure Act (VwGO), you have the option of filing an action for failure to act if an authority has not made a substantive decision on your application – in this case, the naturalization application – within a reasonable period. Such a period is generally three months . Therefore, if your application has been with the authority for more than three months and no decision has been made, you can file an action for failure to act.

The fact that 40 lawsuits for failure to act are already pending in Lübeck is a clear indication that more and more people are asserting their rights. It may sound cynical when the head of the public order office speaks of a "new business model" for lawyers. For us, it is fulfilling our duty to support citizens in asserting their rights against administrative misconduct. A lawsuit for failure to act compels the authority to process your application as a priority and reach a decision. This can significantly expedite the entire process. It is a powerful tool for increasing pressure on the administration and demanding the necessary resources for processing applications.

How we can support you

We understand that the idea of taking legal action against a government agency can be daunting . However, we are here to support you as experienced partners. Our team of specialized lawyers has in-depth knowledge of the legal framework surrounding naturalization and the pitfalls of administrative procedures. We will examine your individual case, provide comprehensive advice on your options, and expertly guide you through the entire process of an action for failure to act . We ensure that all formal requirements are met and that your case has the best possible chance of success. Our goal is to enforce your right to a swift and legally compliant processing of your naturalization application and not simply accept government inaction.

Conclusion on naturalization in Lübeck

The current situation at the naturalization offices, as exemplified in Lübeck, is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of the principles of a functioning administration . The right to a timely and objective decision on a naturalization application is a fundamental right that must not be disregarded due to staff shortages or organizational failures. If you are experiencing excessively long waiting times, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance. An action for failure to act is a legitimate and often successful means of expediting your process and effectively asserting your right to German citizenship. We are ready to support you along this path and ensure that your dream of naturalization does not fail due to bureaucratic hurdles.

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