What does Naturalization actually mean?
The Naturalization is a decisive step on the path to German citizenship. This process requires successful integration into German society and the fulfillment of certain legal criteria. As a German citizen, you are treated the same as all other Germans in the eyes of the law.
How long does Naturalization take on average after the application?
The processing times for the application to Naturalization vary greatly in Germany. A big difference can already be observed from city to city. The following chart shows in which German cities you have to wait the longest and the shortest.
New naturalization law
Since 27 June 2024, there has been a new naturalization law with major changes. The aim was to make the naturalization process in Germany more accessible and faster. However, as this has increased the number of applications because many more people can suddenly be naturalized, the authorities are sometimes heavily overloaded. In the end, this means that not much has changed in terms of how long the Naturalization process takes.
The most important change is probably that you only have to prove 5 years of permanent residence in Germany instead of 8. If, in addition to the requirements for Naturalization , you can also demonstrate a C1 language level and educational, vocational, professional or voluntary achievements, you can apply for Naturalization after 3 years.
In addition, under certain conditions you can keep your previous citizenship alongside your new German citizenship.
4 factors that extend the Naturalization
There are various factors that influence how long the Naturalization takes after the application and how the processing process works. We have summarized the most important ones for you below:
- Increase in naturalization applications: Due to the new Naturalization Act, the number of applications has risen sharply. Especially in the big cities, where at times 15,000-20,000 people are waiting for their decisions.
- Online applications: The introduction of online applications was intended to simplify and shorten the naturalization process. However, it has also led to many applications being submitted that do not meet the requirements.
- Lack of staff: As already mentioned, many naturalization authorities are struggling with too few staff. As a result, the few employees are often overwhelmed by the large number of applications. At the same time, there is often too little time to train new employees properly, which leads to them making more mistakes.
- Special cases: Individual factors such as the country of origin, your legal status and any previous convictions can complicate your Naturalization and influence how long your Naturalization will take in Germany.
4 tips for a faster Naturalization
Many factors are beyond your control. However, there are some things you can influence to help you reach your Naturalization faster.
- Check your documents!
If you forget to submit documents or submit them incorrectly, this often delays the naturalization process considerably. Use our checklist and make sure you observe all deadlines! - Communicate with the authorities!
Quick responses to queries from the authorities and regular follow-up questions on your part will keep you informed about the status of your application and can reveal possible delays at an early stage. - Take advantage of the opportunity to apply online!
With online applications, you can complete your naturalization application from the comfort of your sofa and submit the documents more quickly. - Get help from a lawyer!
Working with a lawyer who specializes in Immigration law can speed up the naturalization process considerably. Their experience and precise knowledge of the process prevent mistakes.
Get help now from the Naturalization
We have the solution so that you never again have to ask yourself how long Naturalization should take after your application: Migrando 's experienced lawyers will help you eliminate potential time wasters and take over the often tedious communication with the authorities for you. With our help, you can get your Naturalization faster!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the duration of the Naturalization
After you have submitted the application for your Naturalization to the authorities, in many cases it will still take 18-24 months nationwide before you receive notification of your Naturalization . In some cities, such as Leipzig, the waiting time can even be up to 50 months. Check with the authorities regularly to avoid it taking even longer.
How long the German Naturalization takes depends on various factors. One of the main reasons for the often very long waiting times is the sharp increase in the number of applications. There is also a severe shortage of staff at the authorities.
In order to speed up the processing of your naturalization procedure, you should check your application once again for correctness and completeness. It can also help to regularly ask the authorities about the status of your application and to use online applications. Last but not least, specialist lawyers can speed up the process Naturalization.
After payment, the Naturalization takes up to 18 months, as the fee is usually paid at the time of application. However, this can vary from city to city, as the time of payment is not the same everywhere.
