Asylum in Germany: From Registration to BAMF Decision

If you are fleeing persecution, war, or serious harm, you can apply for international protection in Germany. You must already be inside the country; applications cannot be submitted from abroad. Report to authorities as soon as possible after arrival. Early registration opens your case and access to basic support.

What protection you can receive

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) decides which status fits your situation. The main outcomes are:

Refugee status / political asylum - persecution because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group. Usually a 3-year renewable permit.

Subsidiary protection - serious harm if returned (for example war, torture, death penalty) but not full refugee grounds. Usually a 3-year renewable permit under German law (Section 26(1) AufenthG).

National deportation ban (Abschiebeverbot) - severe medical or local risks make return impossible. Often issued for one year, temporary.

BAMF may also reject an application or find another country responsible under EU rules (Dublin procedure). If you are unsure which label applies to you, focus on documenting facts and dates. The legal classification is decided later.

The process from arrival to decision

Every asylum case follows the same national steps:

1. Register immediately. Go to police, the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), or a BAMF office. After identity and health screening you receive an arrival certificate (Ankunftsnachweis), your first official document.
2. State allocation and reception. You are assigned to a federal state and housed in an initial reception centre (Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung). Adults may stay up to 18 months in general (24 months in certain Dublin or secondary-migration cases). Families with minor children are typically limited to about 6 months before moving to municipal housing.
3. BAMF interview (Anhörung). With an interpreter, you explain why you left and why you cannot return safely. This hearing is decisive. Reasons or evidence added much later are often not considered.
4. Written decision. If approved, you receive a residence permit and can pursue work and housing according to your status. If rejected, strict appeal deadlines apply.

While your case is pending

• Work: No employment in the first 3 months. After that you may apply for a work permit (Beschäftigungserlaubnis) if you cooperate with identity checks.
• Support: Housing, food, and emergency medical care are provided under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz).
• Cooperation: Keep every appointment, respond to letters, and report address changes. Delays can affect benefits and outcomes.

After the decision

Once your status is granted, focus on housing, registering with local offices, and finding advice for everyday problems such as benefits, school places, and work permissions. Local organisations and the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) are usually the first places to ask.

Local guides

• Asylum in Dresden: Housing, Benefits, and Local Support (Dresden)