Processing times in 2026: Why your naturalization application will take longer and what you can do
Auf einen Blick
- ✓Die Bearbeitungszeit Einbürgerung beträgt aktuell in vielen Ballungsräumen zwischen 12 und 24 Monaten.
- ✓Hauptgründe sind der enorme Antragsansturm seit der StAG-Reform 2024 sowie Personalengpässe in der Ausländerbehörde.
- ✓Eine Untätigkeitsklage gemäß § 75 VwGO ist zulässig, wenn die Behörde ohne zureichenden Grund länger als 3 Monate untätig bleibt.
- ✓Vor gerichtlichen Schritten empfiehlt sich eine förmliche Sachstandsanfrage zur Klärung des aktuellen Bearbeitungsstands.
Information Status: Verified with StAG 2026 Reforms
Checked for compliance with the 2026 legal framework alterations.
In 2026, the naturalization processing time has become one of the biggest hurdles for immigrants on the way to getting a German passport. Since the historic citizenship reform came into force in the summer of 2024, registry offices and authorities across the country have recorded a record number of new arrivals. The responsible foreigners authority in many major German cities is overloaded with staff and technology due to this flood of applications, which leads to extreme delays.
Why is the naturalization processing time delayed?
There are several factors that increase the naturalization processing time. The shortening of the general residence period to 5 years and the general acceptance of dual citizenship have led to the number of applications suddenly multiplying. In addition, there are outdated, paper-based processing processes in administration and an acute shortage of skilled workers. In some municipalities, tens of thousands of unprocessed files are backed up.
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What can you do if the immigration authorities do not respond?
If your application has been unprocessed for several months, you don't have to just accept it. The first sensitive step is to submit a written status inquiry. In doing so, you are requesting the authority to inform you of the current status of the procedure and to give reasons for the delay. This often leads to the file being taken into hand again. If this remains unsuccessful, you have legal recourse.
The action for failure to act according to Section 75 VwGO as an effective instrument
If the authority does not decide on your naturalization application within a reasonable period of time without sufficient reason, you can file an action for failure to act. The legal basis for this is § 75 VwGO (Administrative Court Code). The law stipulates that the action is admissible if the authority has not made a decision on the application within 3 months. To write this letter professionally, you can use our free letter generator. Further details on the legal steps can be found in the guide Foreigners Authority does not respond.
Approximate processing times by city (2026 estimate)
Since there are no uniform federal statistics, the following values are an approximate estimate based on public reports and information from those affected:
• Berlin: 18 to 24 months (sometimes longer for new naturalization centers)
• Munich: 12 to 18 months (delays in security queries)
• Cologne: 18 to 24 months (significant staff shortages)
• Frankfurt am Main: 12 to 15 months (partially accelerated through online procedures)
• Hamburg: 15 to 20 months
• Stuttgart: 12 to 18 months
An action for failure to act according to § 75 VwGO should be well prepared. In order to maximize your chances of success, you should ensure in advance that all documents are complete. Official information on the general federal guidelines can also be found on the federal government portals or the BAMF guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can the immigration authorities take to process naturalization?
The law does not provide for a rigid maximum deadline, but Section 75 VwGO stipulates that an action for failure to act can usually be filed after a period of 3 months if there is no sufficient reason for the delay.
What does a status inquiry do in the naturalization process?
A status inquiry forces the immigration authorities to look at the current status of your file. At the same time, it serves as proof that you have tried to resolve the issue out of court before filing a lawsuit.
When does an action for failure to act make sense according to Section 75 VwGO?
It makes sense if the three-month deadline has expired, all of your documents are complete, you have already sent a status inquiry and the authority still does not make a decision without a good reason.
Can the immigration authorities reject my application due to an action for failure to act?
No. A lawsuit according to Section 75 VwGO is a legitimate legal right of the citizen. It only forces the authority to decide on your application (positive or negative), but does not lead to an arbitrary rejection.
Legal Notice
Disclaimer / Liability Protection: PassKlar is an automated, AI-driven educational platform providing generalized summaries of public legal frameworks (StAG). It does not provide legally binding legal advice under the German Rechtsdienstleistungsgesetz (RDG). For individual legal assessments, always consult a certified immigration attorney (Fachanwalt für Migrationsrecht) or your local Ausländerbehörde.
