The NRW Petitions Committee clarifies that naturalization applications can be submitted in writing or by email.

The career move to Germany has been completed, the employment contract signed, and the new life as a highly qualified specialist , successful young professional, or international expat is running smoothly. The HR department also breathes a sigh of relief, as international recruiting has paid off. However, when it comes to the final step of social and legal integration – naturalization – after several years of successful work, many of those affected and their families suddenly face an invisible wall of bureaucratic hurdles . Months-long waiting times for even a simple consultation appointment block the global mobility process and place a considerable burden on corporate immigration. A recent clarification by the Petitions Committee of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament now brings groundbreaking relief for all those wishing to apply for German citizenship .

Why do illegitimate preparatory appointments delay the naturalization process?

In recent years, an unlawful routine has crept into the practice of many naturalization authorities. Instead of accepting applications directly, numerous municipalities require a mandatory preliminary interview or preparatory appointment. Only during this personal meeting are applicants even given the official application form. Since the authorities' appointment slots are chronically overloaded, academic professionals , international students, and wealthy foreigners often have to wait many months, sometimes even over a year, for this initial meeting . For HR departments that want to retain foreign talent long-term, and for expats who need planning security for their family reunification , this represents an untenable situation. This artificial barrier massively delays the entire naturalization process, even though the legal requirements for citizenship have long been met.

What does the NRW Petitions Committee say about written applications?

Highly educated individuals have increasingly taken action against this unlawful practice by the authorities . With success: The Petitions Committee of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament, in its report of March 27, 2025, unequivocally clarified that this administrative hurdle lacks any legal basis. To examine the legal validity of this practice, the Parliamentary Expert Service was even consulted. The unequivocal result of the expert opinion states that an informal, written application is entirely sufficient and must be processed by the authorities. A personal appearance may not be required simply for submitting the application . The naturalization authorities are now required to adapt their administrative practices to these legal requirements so that applications can also be submitted easily by mail or email.

On what legal basis is the right to submit a written application founded?

As a law firm specializing in visa law and corporate immigration, we consistently emphasize in our daily consultations that administrative procedural law sets clear guidelines. According to the general principle of Section 10 of the Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG), administrative procedures are bound by the principle of written form, unless otherwise stipulated by law. The Nationality Act (StAG) does not require in any section that an application for naturalization under Section 10 StAG must be submitted in person or obtained through a preliminary interview. An application is a declaration of intent requiring receipt. As soon as it reaches the authority – whether by mail or qualified email – the procedure is officially initiated. From this point on, the authority is legally obligated to review the application.

Conclusion

The clarification issued by the North Rhine-Westphalia Petitions Committee is a milestone for a modern and fair welcoming culture in Germany. It removes the right of naturalization authorities to delay applicants with artificial deadlines. For highly qualified immigrants, expats, and companies, this means: Exercise your right to a straightforward, written application. As a law firm, we are happy to support you and your HR departments in preparing the application documents in a legally sound manner, submitting them by mail or email, and consistently pursuing the process with the authorities.