Becoming Familiar with the Documents of the Proceedings
The Administrative Procedure Code allows you to comment on the documents of the proceedings before a decision on your application is taken1. This does not apply to applications that have been fully granted, cases where a decision to close or to postpone the proceedings ended the proceedings, or applications where the party to the proceedings renounced their right to comment on the documents.
You will be notified in writing about the possibility to become familiar with the documents. In the notice, you will find a date and time on which you can come to a Ministry of the Interior office to do so or a time limit within which you can do so.
Is becoming familiar with the documents of the proceedings obligatory?
No. Becoming familiar with the documents of the proceedings is a possibility, not an obligation. It is only up to you if you want to exercise this right. However, the use of this right is recommended, as it is the last possibility to submit the requested documents or comments on the documents in the proceedings before the decision is issued.
How can I make an appointment to become familiar with the documents?
If you are not prompted to come to a Ministry of the Interior office on a particular date and time, you can make an appointment by calling an appointment line.
I want to become familiar with the documents but I cannot come to the office within the given time limit.
In such case, you can apply for an extension of the time limit.
What is the process of familiarisation with the documents of the proceedings?
During the familiarisation, you will be presented with the documents at the office. You will have the opportunity to study the documents and, if necessary, make a photocopy of them. After familiarisation, you will be asked if you wish to set a time limit for any documents you may wish to submit or for comments before the decision is issued. It is therefore not necessary to submit any documents or statements on the spot. If you do not understand the documents, you can, for example, ask for assistance from non-profit organisations.