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Naturalization Booking an appointment - What you need to know

Booking a naturalization appointment is a crucial step on the path to German citizenship. This Blog explains how you can speed up the process by booking an appointment efficiently. Understand the requirements, collect the necessary documents and navigate through the online appointment booking process. We provide detailed instructions to help you minimize wait time and avoid application errors. Get ready to make your naturalization appointment on target and stress-free with our guide.

Fabian Graske

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What you need to know about the path to German citizenship

Naturalization is a big step for people who were not born in Germany but want to become part of this country. There are certain rules and requirements that you need to know and fulfill in order to take this important step.

Naturalization simply explained

Naturalization means that you are officially granted German citizenship. To do this, you must be able to speak German, have a certain knowledge of Germany and show that you will abide by the laws and way of life in Germany.

Requirements for Naturalization - Who can become a German citizen?

In order to obtain German citizenship, you must fulfill certain conditions in accordance with § 10 StAG. Normally, you have to have lived in Germany for at least eight years. But with the new Naturalization Act, which will apply from 27 June 2024, you can apply for Naturalization after just five years of legal residence in Germany.

It is also important that you can support yourself, i.e. earn enough money to live without state assistance. Everyone who submits an application is carefully checked. This ensures that all conditions are met.

How to book a naturalization appointment

Booking a naturalization appointment is the first step towards German citizenship. The process can take a little time, but with the right preparation it can go smoothly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to proceed from compiling the documents to making an appointment with the authorities.

Documents required for the application

Before you can book an appointment for your Naturalization , you must compile all the necessary documents. These documents are important so that your application can be processed. Here is a checklist of the documents you should prepare:

Completed application form for Naturalization
Valid passport or identity document
Proof of your residence in Germany (e.g. registration certificate)
Proof of your language skills (B1 certificate)
Proof of your livelihood (e.g. payslips, employment contract)
Naturalization test certificate (if already available)
Signed declaration of loyalty with commitment to the free democratic basic order
If applicable, birth certificates of your children (in the case of co-naturalization)
Marriage certificate (if the spouse is German, for example).

Check each document carefully to ensure that it is up-to-date and correct. Incomplete or incorrect documents can lead to delays.

Instructions for online appointment booking

You can also book a naturalization appointment with the German authorities online. Follow these steps to make your appointment:

Visit the website of the naturalization authority responsible for you.
Search for the area for making appointments online.
Select the date that suits you best.
Fill out the online form with your personal information.
If possible, upload the required documents.
Confirm your appointment request.
You will receive a confirmation e-mail with all the details of your appointment.

Please note that not all authorities can offer an online service. In this case, you should make an appointment by telephone or in person.

Support with the naturalization process?

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Waiting times and processing times

Once you have submitted your naturalization application, there is a waiting period. This can vary depending on the city and the current workload of the authorities. It is important to be patient during this time and to respect the authorities' processes. Here you can find out more about what you can expect and how you might be able to speed up the process.

Average waiting times for naturalization appointments

The waiting times for naturalization appointments can vary from city to city and depend very much on the processing of the application. According to the Federal Office of Administration , the entire process of Naturalization in Germany takes an average of 12 months.

The situation regarding waiting times has changed significantly over the past year. This is due to various factors:

2015 refugee crisis: Since 2023, many refugees who came to Germany as part of the 2015 refugee crisis have been entitled to apply for Naturalization after 8 years. The number of applications has risen accordingly.
Staffing situation in the offices: The staffing situation in the offices is complicated and comes on top of the many applications. There are too few employees for the high number of naturalization applications. This slows down the process and extends the waiting time.
New Naturalization Act: The new Naturalization Act facilitates Naturalization and makes it possible earlier. However, this means that even more people will have the opportunity to become naturalized in the future. This will result in even longer waiting times.
Refugees Ukraine war: long waiting times will continue in the future. Due to the war in Ukraine, many refugees have come to Germany and this will continue to cause long waiting times for the appointment for the Naturalization and the appointment to apply for the Naturalization .

In our opinion, Naturalization will not be possible in less than 4 years without legal assistance (e.g. from Migrando).

The sooner the application is submitted and with legal assistance, the sooner German citizenship will be granted.

Tips for speeding up the process

Although you have no control over many aspects of the processing time, there are a few tips you can use to make the naturalization process more efficient:

Completeness: Make sure that your application form is completed in full and that all requested documents are enclosed.
Up-to-date: Keep all your documents up to date and be prepared to obtain new evidence quickly if necessary.
Communication: Maintain communication with the authorities and respond quickly to requests.
Integration: Remain active in integration courses or activities during the waiting period and continue to collect evidence of your integration in Germany.
Advice: Applying with professional legal help saves you time and stress. Years of experience working with immigration authorities have shown that applying for Naturalization is quicker with legal assistance than without it. The application is then fully substantiated and errors are avoided.

By observing these points, you can help to ensure that your application is processed as smoothly as possible.

Common problems and how to avoid them

In this section, we discuss typical challenges that can arise during the naturalization process and offer strategies on how to work around them effectively.

Dealing with actions for failure to act

If the authority exceeds the prescribed processing time of 12 weeks, those affected can submit a Lawsuit for failure of act appeal. Here are the steps you can take:

Checking the deadlines: Make sure that the statutory processing time has actually been exceeded.
Formal request: Send a written request to the competent authority to inquire about the status of your application.
Obtain legal advice: If there is no response or further delay, you should seek legal assistance to enforce your claims. You can then submit an Lawsuit for failure of act against the Foreigners' office to the administrative court.

Missing or incorrect documents

The completeness and correctness of the documents submitted is crucial for the success of the naturalization application. The following tips can help:

Create a checklist: Make a list of all the documents you need and tick off what you already have.
Check documents: Have your documents checked by an expert before you submit them.
Save copies: Keep copies of all documents submitted so that you can react quickly in the event of loss or errors.

Lack of legal knowledge

A solid understanding of naturalization law is essential in order to successfully master the process. Migrando can provide support here:

Take advantage of advice: Use the advisory services at Migrando to clarify individual questions and problems.
Support from Migrando with the naturalization process: You can commission Migrando to go through the naturalization process with you. The legal experts will prepare the fully substantiated application and submit it to Foreigners' office . You save a lot of time and stress at the same time.

Mistakes by the authorities

Administrative errors can be manifold and range from incorrect document processing to legal errors. Here's how to deal with them:

Identify the error: Document the error and collect evidence to prove it.
Communicate with the authority: Contact them to discuss the error and request a correction.
Objection and complaint: If necessary, lodge a formal objection or lodge a complaint with higher instances. This can be done with the administrative courts.

Costs of a naturalization procedure

The process of obtaining German citizenship can involve various fees, ranging from administrative costs to expenses for legal support.

In this section, we will give you an overview of the typical costs you may incur and show you how these can be financed.

Fee structure for the naturalization application

The cost of Naturalization can vary depending on the country and specific situation. Here are some typical fees you might expect:

Application fee: This is the basic fee charged by the authorities for processing your naturalization application.
Test fees: Costs for mandatory language and citizenship tests.
Documentation fees: Fees for obtaining necessary documents such as birth certificates or marriage certificates from abroad.
Translation fees: Costs for the official translation of documents that are not in the official language of the country of naturalization.

Save costs with legal help

Investing in legal advice can cost more initially, but can help save money in the long term:

Efficiency: Professional help ensures that your application is complete and correct from the start, avoiding rework and additional fees.
Avoiding errors: Lawyers know the most common sources of error and can help to avoid them.
No double fees: If all documents are submitted correctly and in full, there is no need to reapply, which can avoid additional costs.

Financing options

For those who have difficulty paying the fees, there are various support options:

Payment in installments: Some countries offer the option of paying the fees in installments.
Fee exemption: Under certain circumstances, such as low income or recipients of social welfare, a fee exemption can be applied for.
Legal aid: In some cases, free or subsidized legal services may be available, especially if the Naturalization is for humanitarian reasons.

Do you still have questions?

Are you unsure about the naturalization process? Take our free test! Our legal experts will answer any questions you may have and will be happy to advise you on Naturalization!

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the Naturalization appointment

How long does it take to process Naturalization?

The processing time for naturalization applications can vary and depends on the city and the current workload of the authorities. According to the Federal Office for Administration, the entire process of Naturalization takes an average of 12 months. However, due to the high number of applications, the processing time is often longer. In principle, Foreigners' office has 12 weeks to process the application in accordance with legal requirements. If this does not happen, you as the applicant can submit an Lawsuit for failure of act to the administrative court.

When will the new Naturalization Act come into force in 2024?

The new Naturalization Act comes into force on 27 June 2024. This law reduces the length of residence required to apply for Naturalization from eight to five years.

Is it possible to speed up Naturalization ?

Yes, there are ways to speed up the naturalization process:

Make sure that your application form is completed in full and that all necessary documents are attached.
Keep all your documents up to date.
Maintain communication with the authorities and respond quickly to requests.
Legal support can help to make the process more efficient by avoiding mistakes that could lead to delays.

Why does Naturalization take so long?

The naturalization process can take a long time due to various factors, including the high number of applications, the complexity of the documents to be checked, and the necessary legal and administrative checks. Delays can also occur due to missing or incorrect documents.

Who decides on the Naturalization?

The decision on Naturalization is made by the relevant naturalization authorities. These authorities check that all legal requirements are met and that the documents submitted are complete.