Asylum in Germany: the BAMF procedure

Anyone on German territory or at the border who seeks protection from persecution or serious harm can claim asylum. You must report to the authorities without delay, are registered and taken to an initial reception facility, and then lodge the formal application at a BAMF branch office. Embassies abroad do not accept asylum applications.

Since 12 June 2026 everyone who entered the EU irregularly goes through a screening of identity, biometrics, health, security and special needs, usually within a few days and carried out by the federal states and the Federal Police. The BAMF then checks which EU state is responsible (the former Dublin procedure, now called the responsibility determination procedure); in principle this is the state of first entry, and transfers are possible for longer than before.

If Germany is responsible, the BAMF holds a personal interview, which is now audio-recorded, and decides on refugee status, subsidiary protection or a national deportation ban. Free legal information on the procedure is provided by the BAMF.

The regular procedure is to be completed within six months. The accelerated procedure, at most three months, applies for instance to nationals of countries with an EU-wide recognition rate of 20 % or less, to people who deceived the authorities about their identity or pose a security risk. The border procedure, at most twelve weeks, can apply to people who apply at an external border (including airports) without meeting entry conditions; a rejection is followed by a return border procedure of up to twelve weeks.

Applicants receive a proof of arrival and later a permission to remain (Aufenthaltsgestattung), accommodation in a reception facility and benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. Under the EU reception rules access to the labour market must be granted no later than six months after the application, subject to German law and exceptions such as nationals of safe countries of origin. Children have access to school.

A negative decision can be challenged before the competent Administrative Court. The time limit is short, as little as one week in accelerated cases, and is stated in the decision's instructions on legal remedies; in some procedures an appeal does not automatically stop removal.

The BAMF publishes the brochure "The German asylum procedure" and a poster on the procedure from 12 June 2026 in several languages. UNHCR's help page for Germany lists counselling services, and welfare organisations offer free advice in reception facilities.