Average processing time in each federal state (2025) – a numerical comparison

Average Processing Time for Naturalization Applications in German States in 2025: A Numerical Comparison

The processing time for naturalization applications in Germany varies from one federal state (Bundesland) to another. This is due to several factors, including the number of applications, the efficiency and staffing levels of citizenship offices, and the available administrative resources.
For 2025, the following average processing times are reported:

Federal state – average processing time (months)

• Baden-Württemberg: 6 – 9 months

• Bavaria (Bayern): 5 – 8 months

• Berlin: 10 – 14 months

• Brandenburg: 7 – 10 months

• Bremen: 8 – 12 months

• Hamburg: 9 – 13 months

• Hesse (Hessen): 6 – 9 months

• Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: 7 – 11 months

• North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen): 6 – 10 months

• Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz): 5 – 8 months

• Saarland: 6 – 9 months

• Saxony (Sachsen): 7 – 10 months

• Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt): 6 – 9 months

• Schleswig-Holstein: 7 – 10 months

• Thuringia (Thüringen): 6 – 9 months

Important notes

• Differences are mainly due to the volume of applications, the efficiency and capacity of staff, and the complexity of individual cases.

• In large states and city-states like Berlin and Hamburg, processing times tend to be higher because of the high number of applications.

• Some states offer advanced online services and digital workflows to speed up procedures.

• The timeframes above represent average values; individual cases may be faster or slower, depending on the personal situation.

Tips to reduce processing time

• Submit a complete application with all required documents from the start.

• Make sure that the information you provide is accurate, consistent, and up to date.

• Maintain regular contact with your local citizenship office and respond promptly to any requests for additional documents.

• Consider seeking advice from a lawyer or professional counseling service to avoid formal errors and unnecessary delays.

Conclusion

In 2025, the average processing time for naturalization applications in Germany ranges between 5 and 14 months, depending on the federal state. There is a clear difference between large, heavily burdened states and smaller or less crowded states. A well-prepared, complete application and proactive communication with the authorities can help your case to be processed as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

The website’s editorial and author team strives to provide accurate information through thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may be uncertain or not fully verified. Therefore, all information presented in these articles should be considered an initial, non-binding point of reference, and you should always contact the relevant authorities for official, binding information.