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German citizen’s offices processing times

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The processing times for residence deregistration depend on many factors

We receive many inquiries about how long it takes the local citizen’s offices to process deregistration applications by Mail, and there is no universal answer here.

The processing time for deregistration of residence depends on many factors. At SympatMe we try to make the process as fast as possible.

The length of time it takes to process deregistration queries depends on many factors. These include:

  • Sick leave of staff
  • Holidays / Vacation time
  • Coronavirus / Lockdown in Germany

Based on our years of experience, we can say that the average processing time after receiving the letter is 1-3 weeks. This waiting period is shortened or extended for the reasons above. We have already received answers within a few days. 

We usually inquire after some time has passed. However, it isn’t possible to call the offices in some cases, as they do not answer the phone. Some citizens’ offices also don’t offer walk-in appointments anymore. 

Processing times by city

If your city is not listed, the normal processing time is up to 4 weeks.

CITY
STATUS
PROCESSING TIME
Berlin – Mitte
SLOW
up to 12 weeks
Dusseldorf
SLOW
up to 10 weeks
Hamburg
SLOW
up to 8 weeks
Leipzig
SLOW
up to 10 weeks
Munich
SLOW
up to 11 weeks
Nuremberg
SLOW
up to 12 weeks
Updated 14.07.2023
Residence deregistration processing times of Bürgerämter in Munich and in other cities in Germany

My citizen’s office is not listed

We have compiled the following experience: the smaller the city, the faster the processing time. The postal system can only cause delays. On average, you should receive your confirmation within 1-8 weeks.

How long does it take before I receive an answer?

Please consider that there are also mailing times in addition to the processing times. We usually send all Mail within 48 hours. Yet we can not influence the German postal system. 

Please remember that we do our best to provide credible and up-to-date information, but we are not an official advisor (in terms of the Legal Services Act, RDG) on taxes or legal matters. 

Our service does not replace an individual consultancy with a legal service. We provide you with digital tools and automated workflows to empower you on your deregistration of residence journey.

Please keep in mind that we do our best to provide credible and up-to-date information, but we are not an official advisor (in the sense of the Legal Services Act, RDG) for taxes, legal matters, and the like. Our service does not replace an individual consultation with legal assistance, and we provide digital tools and automated workflows to assist with the residence deregistration and related necessary steps.

The only option is to book an appointment online in advance in some cases. It can take between two and ten weeks to be seen.

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Oliver Frankfurth

Oliver Frankfurth

Oliver is the co-founder of SympatMe, which started in 2014. His goal is to revolutionalize the administration of expat bureaucracy in Germany.