Frequently asked questions

Based on 23 reports on Aktenzeit, half of all citizenship applications across Germany are still open after 1682 days (about 55 months). Offices differ a lot, so check the page for yours. Offices that publish a processing time mostly state 12 to 24 months; München says 18 months or longer, Dresden up to 36 months (2026).

Based on 7 reports on Aktenzeit, half of all permanent residence applications across Germany are decided within 115 days (about 4 months). Offices differ a lot, so check the page for yours.

There are not enough reports across Germany yet for a reliable figure. It depends heavily on the office; your office's page shows reported waits and official figures.

There are not enough reports across Germany yet for a reliable figure. It depends heavily on the office; your office's page shows reported waits and official figures.

Many offices have large backlogs. München reported more than 40,000 open citizenship applications in May 2026 (Mediendienst Integration). Applications rose sharply after the 2024 reform, and according to the office the security checks alone take four to six months in München.

Long waits are common, and on their own they are not a reason to act. If the delay has no sufficient reason, § 75 VwGO allows an action for failure to act (Untätigkeitsklage). An immigration lawyer can tell you whether that applies to you.

Most offices have no online status check. Ask with your case number (Aktenzeichen) through the contact form or email address on your office's page. Asking often rarely speeds things up.

The one for your place of residence: the city if it is independent of a district, otherwise the district (Landkreis). About 130 larger towns run their own Ausländerbehörde even though they belong to a district. If you live abroad, applications for Feststellung, declarations under § 5 StAG and redress naturalisation go to the Bundesverwaltungsamt in Köln.

The Ausländerbehörde decides on residence permits, the Einbürgerungsbehörde on citizenship. Often they are the same office, but not always: in Baden-Württemberg, for example, the district often handles citizenship even where the town runs its own Ausländerbehörde. The contact card on each office page shows both.

The reference number the office uses for your case. Quote it whenever you get in touch. For the Bundesverwaltungsamt, Aktenzeit counts the wait from the day you received the Aktenzeichen.

As a rule: five years of legal residence in Germany, German at level B1, a passed citizenship test or a German school qualification, supporting yourself without Bürgergeld (with exceptions), commitment to the free democratic basic order and no relevant convictions. The Bundestag abolished naturalisation after three years in October 2025. General information, not legal advice; § 10 StAG is what counts.

Since 27 June 2024 German law generally allows multiple citizenship. Whether you keep your current one depends on the law of your other country.

Currently 255 euros per adult and 51 euros for a minor child naturalised together with a parent (§ 38 StAG, October 2026). Several federal states want the fee raised.

If you applied for the extension before your permit expired, it counts as continuing until the office decides (§ 81(4) AufenthG). The office usually issues a Fiktionsbescheinigung as proof. If you applied late, this does not apply automatically.

From the dates applicants report: application, appointments and decision. The median shows after how many days half of the applications are decided. Open applications count until their last confirmation, so long waits are not lost.

No. Aktenzeit is independent and not part of any authority. Reports are not verified; official figures are marked as such and link to their source.

Yes. You need no account, your email address is optional and never published. Publicly, only the application type, month and waiting time appear.