Building Permit Processing Time: How Long Does Approval Take?

Introduction

You have submitted the building permit application (Bauantrag) – but how long do you have to wait for the approval? The processing time varies by federal state, procedure, and project type. Here you will learn what timelines to expect and how you can speed up the process.

Processing Times at a Glance

By Type of Procedure

Procedure	Typical Duration
Simplified approval procedure	4–8 weeks
Standard approval procedure	8–16 weeks
Building permit with environmental review	12–24 weeks
Preliminary building inquiry	2–6 weeks

By Federal State

Federal State	Average Duration
Bavaria	6–10 weeks
Berlin	8–16 weeks
Hamburg	8–12 weeks
NRW	6–12 weeks
Saxony	6–10 weeks
Baden-Wuerttemberg	6–12 weeks

Note: These timelines apply to complete applications without supplementary requests. Incomplete applications take significantly longer.

What Affects the Processing Time?

Factors That Speed Things Up

Factor	Effect
Complete documents	No supplementary requests = faster
Simplified procedure	Fewer review points
Pre-obtained neighbor consent	No consultation process needed
Existing local development plan	Clear guidelines
Digital building application	Faster processing

Factors That Cause Delays

Factor	Typical Delay
Missing documents	+2–6 weeks
Neighbor objection	+4–12 weeks
No local development plan (Section 34 BauGB)	+2–4 weeks
Heritage authority consultation	+4–8 weeks
Environmental review	+8–16 weeks
Overloaded authority	+2–8 weeks

How Long Is a Building Permit Valid?

Federal State	Validity Period	Extension
Berlin	3 years	Possible, 1 year
Bavaria	4 years	Possible
NRW	3 years	Possible, 1 year
Hamburg	3 years	Possible
Saxony	3 years	Possible

Important: You must begin construction within the validity period. You do not necessarily have to complete it, but construction must show recognizable progress.

Applying for an Extension

Before the validity period expires
At the building regulatory authority (informal application)
Cost: 50–200 EUR
Requirement: No change in the legal situation

When Am I Allowed to Start Building?

After Receiving the Approval Notice

You may build as soon as you have received the approval notice (Genehmigungsbescheid). However:

Notify the authority of construction start: Report to the building regulatory authority before the first ground is broken
Observe the objection period: Neighbors have 1 month to file an objection. You may still build, but at your own risk.
Fulfill conditions: Check the approval notice for conditions that must be met before construction begins.

In Case of Deemed Approval (Genehmigungsfiktion)

In some federal states, the application is deemed approved if the authority does not respond within a statutory deadline. Requirements:

Simplified procedure
Complete documents
Deadline expired (depending on the state: 1–3 months)

Tips to Speed Up the Process

Before Submitting the Application

Submit a preliminary building inquiry: Clarifies fundamental questions in advance
Involve neighbors: Obtain consent in advance (avoids the consultation process)
Review the local development plan: Does the project comply with the B-Plan? Deviations = delays

When Submitting the Application

Complete documents: Every supplementary request costs 2–6 weeks
Digital building application: Submit online where possible
Choose an experienced architect: One who knows the local authority and its requirements

After Submitting the Application

Follow up: After 6 weeks, politely inquire about the status
Respond quickly to supplementary requests: Every day counts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start building before the permit is issued?

No. Building without a permit constitutes unauthorized construction (Schwarzbau) and can result in a demolition order. Exception: In extreme cases, a provisional building permit (partial permit) can be applied for.

My application has been pending for 4 months – what can I do?

Inquire in writing about the processing status. Set a reasonable deadline (2 weeks). If the authority remains inactive, you can file an action for failure to act (Untaetigkeitsklage) at the administrative court.

Does a renovation take as long as a new build?

Often shorter. Renovations and changes of use are frequently processed under the simplified procedure. However, complex renovations (listed building protection, structural issues) can take longer.

Does the digital building application really shorten the processing time?

Yes, generally. Internal processing becomes more efficient. In Berlin, the digital building application has noticeably shortened processing times.

Summary

Simplified procedure: 4–8 weeks
Standard procedure: 8–16 weeks
Biggest time waster: Incomplete documents
Validity period: 3–4 years (extendable)
Tip: Submit complete documents + digital + experienced architect
Build only after approval – do not risk unauthorized construction