Applying for asylum

• If an asylum seeker reports to the border authority, it forwards him or her to the nearest initial reception centre. However, this does not apply if he meets the conditions for refusing entry, for example because he is entering from a safe third country. If a foreigner first applies for asylum in Germany, he will also first be referred to the nearest initial reception centre. The establishment and maintenance of initial reception facilities is the responsibility of the respective federal state.
• The initial reception centre checks whether an asylum procedure is carried out in the federal state or whether a referral to another federal state is necessary for reasons of responsibility or capacity.
• Asylum seekers then apply for asylum. The application is usually made in person. Only in exceptional cases can it be made in writing.
• Data is compared with the Central Register of Foreigners (AZR).
• According to the Asylum Procedure Act, a residence permit is granted, which grants a temporary right to stay in the Federal Republic of Germany for the purpose of carrying out the asylum procedure. The residence permit does not lead to a claim to be allowed to stay in a specific federal state or place.
• Subsequently, the legally required, non-public interview of the asylum seeker takes place by an employee of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). The asylum seeker must appear in person and explain his reasons for persecution.
• After that, a decision is made on the asylum application. The decision on the application for asylum shall be taken in writing and shall state the reasons on which it is based. It is served on the asylum seeker with information on the right of appeal.

Please submit your application to one of the branch offices of the "Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)", which are located in the immediate vicinity of your initial reception centre.

All documents proving your identity and your way of life.

There are no fees.

• Art 16a Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany (GG)
• Asylum Act (AsylG)
• Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (AufenthG)
• Act on the Central Register of Foreigners (AZRG)
• § 5 Residence Act (AufenthG)

Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
 

• Asylum and refugee protection

• Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
• Central Register of Foreigners of the Federal Office of Administration