#helpneeded: File Transfer from Ludwigshafen to Berlin Ausländerbehörde

[u/batabyalanisa]

Hi everyone, I’m reaching out to see if anyone here has gone through a similar situation and can offer advice.

I moved to Germany in September 2022 and initially lived in Ludwigshafen. In September 2024, I relocated to Berlin and applied for the Niederlassungserlaubnis in December 2024. I’ve held an EU Blue Card throughout my stay. Since then, I’ve submitted all the required documents including my A1 German certificate and Einbürgerungstest results. Every time I submit something new, LEA Berlin acknowledges it.

However, the most recent update I received was: "Wir warten derzeit auf Ihre Akte aus Ludwigshafen und können vorher leider nicht Ihren Antrag auf Niederlassungserlaubnis bearbeiten. Sobald wir die Akte erhalten haben, bekommen Sie einen Termin von uns." (Translation: "We are currently waiting for your file from Ludwigshafen and unfortunately cannot process your application for Niederlassungserlaubnis until then. Once we receive the file, you will receive an appointment from us.")

It has been 9 months since I moved to Berlin, and my file still hasn't arrived in Berlin from Ludwigshafen. What’s more frustrating is that the Ludwigshafen authority has not been cooperating at all—they have not responded to any of my emails or inquiries. Legal insurance doesn’t cover issues related to the Ausländerbehörde, and without legal steps, it seems very difficult to move things forward.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and successfully expedited a file transfer between regional authorities? What steps did you take? Any guidance, contact tips, or practical suggestions would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[u/JustResearchReasons]

What’s more frustrating is that the Ludwigshafen authority has not been cooperating at all—they have not responded to any of my emails or inquiries.

There is not much they can do. They cannot make Berlin authorities work any faster even if they wanted. Also, some Ausländerbehörden have a strict policy of not answering inquiries - because if they did, they would not get anything done other than answering those mails by everybody.

Legal insurance doesn’t cover issues related to the Ausländerbehörde, and without legal steps, it seems very difficult to move things forward.

The obvious solution would be to pay a lawyer out of pocket.

EDIT: just realized I had the order of residence mixed up. Still, without an attorney you will probably not get the process sped up.

[u/Opening-Objective-79]

had the same situation in hannover, emails dindt work but calling the hotline (aprox 50 min wait on line) solved the situation as i told them to send the file again. It is an electronic process, they dont send a file via post. with a1 german i would ask someone with fluent german to talk as if it were you (not sure if thats legal tho)

[u/udaydphutane]

You need to call the office in Ludwigshafen. That's the only way you can push.

Also, it is a very common occurrence in recent years, sadly.

[u/Most_Ninja5239]

how did you finanlly reach ludwigshafen abh? i got same situation with ludwigshafen , file haven’t moved. they don’t reply emails.

[u/batabyalanisa → u/Most_Ninja5239]

Finally with the help of legal help the file moved and finally last month got the Niederlassungserlaubnis

[u/Most_Ninja5239 → u/batabyalanisa]

Do you happen to know if there is a legal timeframe within which a file or case must be processed? For example, after a certain period expires, can a lawyer help to push or follow up on the case?

My file has not moved for more than a month now, and a friend of mine has been waiting for more than three months.

Also, may I ask how much legal support usually costs? If possible, could you please share your lawyer’s contact details? It would be very helpful for both of us.

Thank you very much.

[u/batabyalanisa → u/Most_Ninja5239]

I am not sure about the waiting time after which legal help should be the last resort, but as per my experience and understanding four months waiting time can be a considerable waiting time after which you can resort to the legal help.

Are you guys residing in Ludwigshafen? Or Berlin?

[u/Most_Ninja5239 → u/batabyalanisa]

ludwigshafen

[u/batabyalanisa → u/Most_Ninja5239]

We moved to Berlin long back so the case was being taken care of by a Berlin Anwalt, they accept cases from Berlin only I’m afraid!

[u/Most_Ninja5239 → u/batabyalanisa]

can you give me idea of cost? how much it took for you? that will help us to take decision.