File a lawsuit against an administrative decision
A lawsuit filed in administrative court against an unlawful administrative act after an appeal was unsuccessful.
How to proceed
- 1
Wait for the decision on the appeal
A lawsuit may be filed only after an appeal has been denied (unless there are exceptional circumstances).
- 2
File a lawsuit with the Administrative Court
In writing or via the electronic court and administrative mailbox (beA/EGVP); deadline: 1 month.
- 3
Oral hearing and judgment
If the case is lost, an appeal or review may be filed under certain conditions.
Required documents
- Notice of AppealMandatory
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 9 months
Official: max. approx. 12 months
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • The deadline for filing a lawsuit (1 month after service of the notice of objection) has passed
- • No application for legal aid was filed despite low income
Common reasons for rejection
- • One-month deadline for filing a lawsuit has been missed
- • Action dismissed as inadmissible (e.g., lack of preliminary proceedings)
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Persons whose objection to an administrative act has been rejected or for whom a preliminary proceeding is unnecessary.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 9 months
Success rate
approx. 35.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •The deadline for filing a lawsuit (1 month after service of the notice of objection) has passed
- •No application for legal aid was filed despite low income
Common reasons for rejection
- •One-month deadline for filing a lawsuit has been missed
- •Action dismissed as inadmissible (e.g., lack of preliminary proceedings)
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.