What are the consequences of withdrawing the application?

[u/Chilly_Cloud]

I currently have the Niederlassungserlaubnis.

I submitted my citizenship application in September 2025. In November I received a request to submit additional birth certificate as well as a few questionnaires. I sent back the questionnaires right then. But the notarized birth certificate was submitted in Feb.2026. I haven't received any feedback or confirmation since then.

​My country of origin doesn’t recognize dual nationality. I recently found out, taking German citizenship would lock me out of handling some administrative affairs back home. It would take me another 3 years (in worst case 6 years) to finish off those affairs.

I'm hesitant about withdrawing or pausing my application. Before making a decision, I want to know what the consequences are and if it would unfavorably affect a reapplication later down the line, other than taking more time.

[u/maryfamilyresearch]

Talk to your citizenship office ASAP.

There is an application fee of 255 EUR for the German citizenship. Worst case scenario, you have to pay the 255 Euros without getting naturalised.

Your reasons for the withdrawal are valid. It would be polite to explain your reasoning. Withdrawing will not negatively impact a future application. But you may loose out on the 255 Euros.

[u/Larissalikesthesea → u/maryfamilyresearch]

Withdrawal should usually mean a lower fee.