Some more tips from Marc

• UBC – You do not need all your parents’ birth details. Your full name, ID, and birthplace along with their birth names is sufficient – Since both my parents have passed I do not have/know their ID numbers or places of birth. At first, when looking at the birth certificate application form, it stressed me that this information was needed.
• If you have not yet left South Africa and just starting your journey. Use the time and apply for the documents needed from DHA such as UBC, UMC, Divorce decrees, etc. You will be able to save the money rather than using an external company. The process itself is easy, it just takes time. I did this for my UMC before leaving as it was needed for a family reunification visa and therefore had it for the citizenship application without extra effort. Had I thought about it I would have had the time to do the same for the UBC at same time. It takes time (4 weeks) for them to be issued and they also need to be Apostiled which alone takes 12 weeks. In case you are leaving before receiving from Home Affairs or DIRCO, find out if a family member can collect on your behalf with a Power of Attorney. I did not need to do this so am uncertain.
• In case you are already in Germany but haven’t reached the time period for citizenship yet, start the process yourself via the embassy in Germany or even via DHA and DIRCO during holidays in South Africa. Again, consider if a family member can collect on your behalf. This saves you the cost of the agency.
• Don’t forget to apply for the retention letter. This delayed my process because I applied for it late. And remember, it does not need to be Apostiled or translated. The German government does not require this document. The document does not expire, so apply for it as soon as possible yourself in case you still have time before meeting the minimum years. It can also be done at the embassy or while on holiday in South Africa.
• If you already meet the requirements for the number of years, I suggest using a company to assist with obtaining documents. They are faster and it’s less stressful even if it does come at a cost. Make sure to know all the documents needed for all persons in the family so you can try to negotiate for a discount and also only pay one delivery fee. Also do it at the same time, not different times to avoid delays.
• For me, based on my research at the time DocAssist was most affordable and my experience with them was great. But do your homework, it’s not cheap. However, make sure to use an accredited company, you’re giving away some sensitive information. 

Other Requirements

• Make sure to check the website of your local Aüdlanderbehörde to find out what documents they require. Don’t rely on what others say alone, each office is different. If possible, have a call/meeting with them to discuss if they offer this. Rather have too many documents than too little.
• Don’t wait till you meet the minimum time period or have all documents before registering and writing your Einbürgerungsprüfung. It’s not difficult and does not expire therefore get it out of the way since waiting times for both appointments for the test and results take time. Use the BAMF Website or download an app for studying.

Language Test

• Start your B1 (Or C1 if you want to do it in 3 years) preparation as soon as possible. You don’t have to kill yourself this way. Starting earlier with one or two hours of private lessons per week and using it when you can in grocery stores, restaurants, etc. makes all of the difference and saves you from having to last minute crash course with endless hours of classes and homework every week.
• I used Linguistika for private classes and highly recommend them. They also offer Group / Private Combo lessons which is good to help with talking with other people. It depends on your own preferences and time schedule. For me, private classes were better as it was more flexible to my busy work schedule.
• I was told Telc is easier and for me it would be the better option. The exam and its format were straightforward. Discuss this with your teacher since it may depend on where your strengths or weaknesses are.
• Find out from schools / Telc institutions/ Goethe. , about available dates and waiting times. Once you have an idea, discuss with your teacher which date would be achievable for you and register as soon as possible. Waiting times for appointments and results are long.

• Search for translation companies in your area to avoid sending very precious documents via post or courier and having the risk of them getting lost. Find a translator in the Translators and Interpreters – Database of translators and interpreters (Total inventory 25251 Persons).

• Make use of the South African in Germany website. There are tips and stories from other people. German Citizenship Information – South Africans in Germany