Complete documents from the start
The most important factor: submit all your documents completely and correctly. Every follow-up query from the authority costs 4–12 weeks. Civitas checks your documents for completeness and common errors before submission.
Apply as early as possible
Submit your application as soon as you meet the requirements — not later. The processing time starts running from the date your complete application is received. If you wait, you lose time. Also note: with processing times of 18+ months, you should plan early.
Action for failure to act (Untätigkeitsklage) after 3 months
If the authority has not responded after 3 months without a substantive reason, an action for failure to act (Untätigkeitsklage) can be filed with the administrative court (§ 75 VwGO). In practice, the threat of legal action or the actual lawsuit often leads to swift processing. Since this is work that must be done by a lawyer, civitas refers you to a partner law firm for this.
Frequently asked questions
Does visiting the authority in person help?
Sometimes — but only if you have specific questions or want to hand in missing documents. Showing up unannounced without an appointment usually achieves nothing and does not prolong the process.
Are there fast-track fees?
No — German law does not provide for any expedited-processing fee. The statutory fee of 255 € is the same for everyone.
When does an action for failure to act (Untätigkeitsklage) make sense?
From 3 months without any response from the authority. In Berlin and Frankfurt, where waiting times are particularly long, it is needed more often. Since conducting a lawsuit is work that must be done by a lawyer, civitas refers you to a partner law firm for this.