Applying for German Citizenship: A First-Hand Experience

One of our South Africans in Germany Facebook group members, Marc, recently shared his journey of applying for German citizenship. His experience provides valuable insights into the process, from making the initial decision to gathering the necessary documents. Below, you’ll find a timeline of key steps he took, which may help others navigate their own applications more smoothly.

19.01.2024	Make decision to start the process after the announcement of the pending new law
19.01.2024	Send request for quotations for Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) Application to three companies
20.01.2024	Send request for quotations
21.01.2024	Request for an appointment for Einbürgerungprügung to various locations in Metmann- Kreis county area.
24.01.2024	Selection of company (DocAssist) to assist with UBC and submission of documents (Abridged Birth Certificate, Copy of ID, DHA Birth Certificate Application Form). Cost R4,470 (EUR242.90) including Apostille and delivery to Germany paid via PayPal.
24.01.2024	Request for information received from VHS Monheim for registration (Name, Birthdate, Birth City, Address, Copy of both sides of Ausweis). Information provided and confirmation of reservation of place for 11.06.2024 (received on the same day).
24.01.2024	Request for appointment for Telc B1 Prüfung to VHS Düsseldorf.
26.01.2024	Registration form request received, completed and submitted to VHS Monheim. Registration cost of EUR25 to be charged.
31.01.2024	Follow-up email sent for Telc B1 to VHS Düsseldorf.
01.02.2024	Confirmation of registration for Telc B1 received for 4/5 July 2024. EUR170 to be deducted from my bank account.
05.02.2024	Confirmation of UBC application submission received.
07.03.2024	Copy of UBC before Apostle received for checking and confirmation that it was ok sent.
08.03.2024	Confirmation that UBC will be submitted to DIRCO on 12.03.2024 received.
15.05.2024	Request for quote for Retention Letter from DocAssist.
16.05.2024	Copy of UBC with Apostille received for checking and confirmation sent back.
21.05.2024	After various emails (Should it be delivered with the UBC, is Apostile required, etc.) with DocAssist on the retention letter, the quote received along with the request for documents (Home Affairs application forms: DHA 529 & BI1664, Letter explaining why I want to keep South African citizenship, copy of passport, copy of ID). Quote including Apostille (not required but at that stage was unsure) excluding delivery (delivery already paid part of UBC) was R3,840 (EUR213.10).
22.05.2024	Quote accepted for retention letter and documents submitted to DocAssist.
24.05.2024	Payment for retention letter via PayPal made.
03.06.2024	Copy of retention letter received for checking before apostille and confirmation sent that it was ok.
07.06.2024	Confirmation received that retention letter sent to DIRCO for Apostle
11.06.2024	Einbürgerungprüfung
04 & 05.07.2024	B1 Telc Prüfung
12.07.2024	Einbürgerungprüfung Certificate received.
26.07.2024	Copy of retention letter with apostille received for checking and request for delivery details to be provided. Confirmation and details provided and tracking details for delivery provided.
29.07.2024	Original UBC and retention letter both with apostille received via DHL.
29.07.2024	Request for translation services sent to various companies for quotations.
30.07.2024	Selection of translation company at cost of EUR59.50 and providing an electronic copy of UBC with apostille for translation (originals along with copies to be presented in person at a later stage).
05.08.2024	Copies for the translation were provided and the original UBC with apostille was presented. I did not have to leave the original behind.
09.08.2024	Collection of translated UBC with apostille.
17.08.2024	Telc B1 Prüfung certificate received.
02.09.2024	Appointment from Langenfeld Bürgerbüro for submission of the application made. The appointment was offered the following week however due to personal vacation was not available for the next two weeks following which the responsible person was out of office for two weeks therefore appointment was set for one month later 07.10.2024 (could mean approval would be + 3 weeks earlier if I was able to take initial offered appointment).
07.10.2024	Confirmation of employment, last 3 months payslips, Original Apostle UBC and translation, Original Apostle Unabridged Marriage certificate and translation (note this translation was dated 2017 from the original move to Germany and was accepted), original Einbürgerungsprüfung and Telc B1 certificate). Application fee of EUR191 (a portion of the EUR255) paid directly after appointment by Überweisung and proof of payment emailed to the lady from Bürgerbüro.
10.10.2024	Confirmation from Mettmann-Kreis Äusländerbehörde of receipt of application received by post
10.01.2025	Request for current Proof of Income received by post from Mettmann-Kreis. The letter received states after documents received via email are reviewed, in person appointment will be made to review the originals.
10.01.2025	Proof of income (October – January payslips and Bank statement extracts showing receipt of income for the same months) submitted via email to Mettmann Aüslanderbehörde. Was never asked to provide originals.
11.02.2025	Receipt of letter to confirm approval and to make an appointment for collection of Einbürgerungsurkunde.
11.02.2025	Payment of the balance of the citizenship fee to Äusländerbehörde EUR64
To be updated	Einbürgerungsurkunde ceremony (Had to read a declaration of sort and sign documents) and receipt of confirmation of German citizenship (Einbürgerungsurkunde) including Registration at local Bürgerbüro.
To be updated	Application for Ausweis. Application fee of EURXX.
To be updated	Receipt of Ausweis.
To be updated	Application for Reisepass. Application fee of EURXX.
To be updated	Receipt of Reisepass.