Still waiting for a decision?
Start with where your application is today. These are the ways you can get clarity, ask for a decision and take the matter further.
You have submitted an application and are waiting for a decision.
Is a deadline, your job or your ability to stay at stake? Share the exact dates and consequences with a lawyer promptly so they can assess urgent steps. Speak with a lawyer
Follow the branch that fits your situation. Open a service to see what it involves.
Understand the hold-up
Talk through your options
Bring your timeline and correspondence to a first conversation.
ErstberatungInitial legal consultationAsk for an update
Find out whether the application is being processed or something is missing.
Anwaltliche SachstandsanfrageLawyer’s request for an application updateLook at the case file
See the material the authority is using and discuss it with a lawyer.
AkteneinsichtAccess to your case fileChoose how to take it further
Send a formal request
A lawyer can ask the authority to issue a decision and, where useful, set a date for a response.
Anwaltliches AufforderungsschreibenFormal letter requesting actionAssess a court claim
A lawyer can assess court action directly, using your application date, correspondence and the reasons for the delay.
UntätigkeitsklageCourt action over an authority’s failure to decideWhat happens next?
Send what is needed
Check the request, gather the documents and keep a copy of your response.
DokumentenprüfungDocument reviewRead the decision
Check what has been decided and any dates or conditions. For a refusal, have the remedy and deadline checked promptly.
Prüfung eines AblehnungsbescheidsReview of a refusal decisionAssess court action
A lawyer checks the length and reasons for the delay, then explains the claim and costs.
UntätigkeitsklageCourt action over an authority’s failure to decideLegal sources
Section 75 VwGO generally allows a claim after three months where a decision is overdue without sufficient reason. Special circumstances can justify an earlier claim; sufficient reason for the delay can lead the court to pause proceedings. A lawyer can assess this directly. Interim relief has separate conditions under § 123 VwGO.
- § 14 VwVfG · Authorised representatives
- § 29 VwVfG · Access to administrative files
- § 75 VwGO · Failure to decide an application or objection
- § 123 VwGO · Interim court orders
Updated 25 September 2026
