German Citizenship Processing Time 2026: How Long Does Einbürgerung Take and What If the Authority Does Not Respond?

Quick answer: How long does German citizenship processing take in 2026?

According to the federal information on German naturalization, applicants should expect a processing time of 18 months or longer. However, there is no binding nationwide processing deadline that applies to every Einbürgerung application.

The actual waiting time can vary considerably depending on the responsible authority.

In some areas, it can be significantly longer.

A concrete example is the district of Karlsruhe. As of June 30, 2026, the Landratsamt Karlsruhe stated that the estimated waiting time was approximately 21 to 23 months before an application was taken into active processing. At that time, the authority was processing applications received in August and September 2024.

For this reason, another person's Einbürgerung experience in a different city is not a reliable way to predict how long your own case will take.

Einbürgerung waiting time at a glance

Why does Einbürgerung take so long?

Several factors can affect the processing time of a German citizenship application:

• workload of the responsible Einbürgerungsbehörde;
• number of applications received;
• completeness of the submitted documents;
• need for additional documents or evidence;
• information and checks required from other authorities;
• complexity of the individual case.

For this reason, it is not reliable to assume:

Even within the same federal state, processing times can vary considerably between cities and districts.

Einbürgerung waiting time: current Karlsruhe example in 2026

The Karlsruhe district is a useful example of how much time can pass between submitting an application and the start of its actual processing.

The Landratsamt Karlsruhe states that the number of Einbürgerung applications increased significantly following the reform of German nationality law.

Status as of June 30, 2026:

• estimated waiting time before an application is taken into processing: approximately 21 to 23 months;
• at that time, applications received in August/September 2024 were being processed;
• the authority states that this information is updated quarterly.

An important distinction must be made:

What happens after you submit an Einbürgerungsantrag?

In simplified form, the German naturalization process may look like this:

The exact steps and their order may vary depending on the authority and the individual case.

What does an Eingangsbestätigung mean?

An Eingangsbestätigung primarily confirms that the authority has received your Einbürgerungsantrag. It does not automatically mean that the substantive review of your application has already started.

This distinction is important.

At heavily overloaded authorities, an application may remain in a waiting queue for a considerable period before active processing begins.

In simple terms:

Make sure you keep:

• your Eingangsbestätigung;
• your Aktenzeichen or reference number;
• the date on which you submitted your application;
• all further correspondence with the authority.

This information may be important if you later want to ask about the status of your case.

The Einbürgerungsbehörde has not responded for months — is that normal?

A long period without new information does not automatically mean that your application has been lost or forgotten.

There may be several reasons:

• your application is still waiting to enter active processing;
• your documents are currently being reviewed;
• the authority is waiting for information from another public body;
• additional documents may be required;
• other necessary checks are still ongoing.

However, if you have received no information for a long period, it is understandable to ask what the actual status of your application is.

One possible next step is a Sachstandsanfrage.

Sachstandsanfrage for Einbürgerung: How can I ask about my application status?

A Sachstandsanfrage is a request asking the responsible authority to provide information about the current status of your Einbürgerung procedure.

It is not a new citizenship application and, by itself, it is not legal action against the authority.

Before sending a request, check the website of your Einbürgerungsbehörde. Heavily overloaded authorities sometimes publish current processing times and specifically ask applicants not to send repeated status inquiries.

What should you include in a Sachstandsanfrage?

It is useful to include:

• first and last name;
• date of birth;
• Aktenzeichen, if available;
• date of submission of the Einbürgerungsantrag;
• date of the Eingangsbestätigung;
• current contact details.

Sachstandsanfrage Einbürgerung: German template

Tip: Keep a copy of the Sachstandsanfrage together with the rest of your Einbürgerung documents.

Loyalitätserklärung in the Einbürgerung process: What does it mean?

The Loyalitätserklärung is a declaration relevant to the naturalization process in which the applicant commits to Germany's free democratic constitutional order — the freiheitliche demokratische Grundordnung.

Applicants aged 16 or older must make the relevant declarations as part of the naturalization procedure.

During the Einbürgerung process, the competent authority may also discuss Germany's democratic constitutional order and fundamental values with the applicant. Topics can include:

• elections and electoral principles;
• fundamental rights and human rights;
• democracy and the form of government;
• state authority and separation of powers.

How long does it take after the Loyalitätserklärung?

There is no nationwide fixed period between completing the Loyalitätserklärung and receiving the Einbürgerungsurkunde.

The Loyalitätserklärung is an important part of the process, but it does not mean:

Depending on the individual case, additional procedural steps or checks may still be necessary.

For this reason, a comment in a Facebook group or online forum such as:

is not a reliable prediction for another applicant.

Can a lawyer speed up the Einbürgerung process?

Hiring a lawyer does not automatically result in faster naturalization.

A lawyer cannot simply move a client's application to the front of the Einbürgerungsbehörde's queue.

However, a lawyer can assist in other ways, for example by:

• assessing the legal situation;
• reviewing how the procedure has progressed so far;
• communicating with the authority on behalf of the client;
• assessing whether the delay in the individual case may be legally relevant;
• considering available legal remedies;
• assisting with an Untätigkeitsklage where appropriate.

The more useful question is therefore not:

but:

Untätigkeitsklage for Einbürgerung: What is it?

An Untätigkeitsklage is a remedy under German administrative procedural law for situations in which an authority fails to decide on an application within a reasonable period without sufficient reason.

The legal basis is Section 75 of the Verwaltungsgerichtsordnung (VwGO).

In the context of German naturalization, this means in simplified terms:

Untätigkeitsklage after 3 months: What does Section 75 VwGO actually say?

This issue is frequently misunderstood online.

Under Section 75 VwGO, such an action generally cannot be brought before three months have passed since the relevant application was submitted, unless special circumstances of the individual case justify a shorter period.

But this does not mean:

Another essential part of the legal rule is:

If there is a sufficient reason why a decision has not yet been made, the court may set an additional period for the authority and suspend the proceedings until that period has expired.

The three-month period is therefore not a general processing deadline for German citizenship applications.

Instead, it is primarily an important procedural threshold in the context of Section 75 VwGO.

Does an Untätigkeitsklage guarantee faster Einbürgerung?

No. An Untätigkeitsklage guarantees neither immediate naturalization nor a positive decision on the application.

The relevant requirements for German citizenship must still be satisfied.

Several factors may also be relevant:

• How long has the application been with the authority?
• What has happened in the procedure during that period?
• Have all required documents been submitted?
• Has the authority requested additional information?
• Are necessary checks still ongoing?
• What reasons has the authority given for the delay?

An Untätigkeitsklage should therefore not be seen as a simple “fast-forward button” for Einbürgerung.

Do I need a lawyer for an Untätigkeitsklage?

Whether legal assistance is necessary or advisable depends on the circumstances of the individual case.

A legal assessment may require looking at the entire history of the procedure, not just the date on which the Einbürgerungsantrag was submitted.

Important documents and information may include:

• a copy of the Einbürgerungsantrag;
• the Eingangsbestätigung;
• the Aktenzeichen;
• letters from the authority;
• requests for additional documents;
• your replies to those requests;
• previous Sachstandsanfragen;
• information about how the procedure has progressed so far.

Moving during the Einbürgerung process: What happens to your application?

Moving home during an ongoing Einbürgerung procedure can be important because responsibility for the application lies with the competent Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde.

If you move during the procedure:

• to another city;
• to another Landkreis;
• or to another Bundesland,

the authority responsible for your application may also change.

If you change your place of residence, find out in good time which authority will be responsible for your procedure and make sure that the relevant authorities have your current contact information.

Transferring an ongoing case to another authority may require additional administrative steps.

Einbürgerungsbehörde does not respond: What should you do? 7 steps

If you have already submitted your Einbürgerungsantrag but have received no new information for a long time, proceed systematically.

1. Check the website of your Einbürgerungsbehörde

Look for current information about:

• Bearbeitungszeit;
• Wartezeit;
• Sachstandsanfragen;
• contact options.

2. Check your own documents

Make sure you have kept:

• a copy of the Einbürgerungsantrag;
• the Eingangsbestätigung;
• the Aktenzeichen;
• letters from the authority.

3. Check whether additional documents have been requested

Failing to respond to a request for additional documents can delay the procedure.

4. Keep your contact information up to date

This is particularly important after moving or changing your contact details.

5. Send a Sachstandsanfrage if appropriate

Keep it short and polite and provide enough information for the authority to clearly identify your case.

6. Review the authority's response

The important question is not only whether the procedure is delayed, but also why no decision has yet been made.

7. Consider legal advice in cases of very long or legally unclear delays

Whether an Untätigkeitsklage is appropriate should be assessed on the basis of the individual case — not simply on Facebook comments or the number of months that have passed.

Frequently asked questions about Einbürgerung waiting times

How long does Einbürgerung take in Germany in 2026?

According to federal information on naturalization, applicants should expect a processing time of 18 months or longer. The actual duration depends on the responsible Einbürgerungsbehörde and the circumstances of the individual case.

Is a 2-year waiting time for Einbürgerung possible?

Yes. Waiting times can be very long at individual authorities. For example, as of June 30, 2026, the Karlsruhe district stated an estimated waiting time of approximately 21 to 23 months just until an application enters active processing.

Does an Eingangsbestätigung mean my Einbürgerungsantrag is already being processed?

Not necessarily. An Eingangsbestätigung primarily confirms that the application has been received. At heavily overloaded authorities, the application may then wait for a considerable period before active processing begins.

When can I send a Sachstandsanfrage about my Einbürgerung?

There is no single deadline that applies to every Einbürgerungsbehörde. First check the processing times and instructions on status inquiries published by your responsible authority.

How long does it take after the Loyalitätserklärung?

There is no standard period that applies throughout Germany. Completing the Loyalitätserklärung does not mean that the Einbürgerungsurkunde will automatically be issued within the next few days or weeks.

Can a lawyer speed up my German citizenship application?

Hiring a lawyer does not guarantee faster processing. A lawyer can, however, assess the legal situation and determine which legal steps may be appropriate in the individual case.

Is an Untätigkeitsklage possible after 3 months?

Section 75 VwGO generally provides that such an action cannot be brought before three months have passed, unless special circumstances justify a shorter period. However, the expiry of three months neither creates an automatic right to German citizenship nor means that every further delay is unlawful. Whether there is a sufficient reason for the delay is also important.

Does an Untätigkeitsklage guarantee German citizenship?

No. An Untätigkeitsklage does not by itself guarantee a positive decision granting German citizenship.

While waiting for Einbürgerung: Prepare for the Einbürgerungstest

You cannot simply shorten a long processing period at the Einbürgerungsbehörde yourself. But you can actively control your preparation for the Einbürgerungstest.

If you still need to take the Einbürgerungstest, DMS lets you:

• practise Einbürgerungstest questions;
• test your knowledge;
• review difficult topics;
• prepare step by step for the test situation.

The most important points at a glance

This article provides general information and does not replace individual legal advice. The course of an Einbürgerung procedure may vary depending on the competent authority and the circumstances of the individual case.