Asylum Process in Germany

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 starts 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 1-year renewable permit.

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 Ausländerbehörde, or a BAMF office. After identity and health screening you receive an Ankunftsnachweis (arrival certificate), your first official document.
2. State allocation and reception. You are assigned to a federal state and housed in an Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung. Adults may stay up to 24 months; families with children are often moved to municipal housing sooner.
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 Beschäftigungserlaubnis if you cooperate with identity checks.
• Support: Housing, food, and emergency medical care are provided under the 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, your priorities usually shift quickly from procedure to practical integration. In most cases, the first tasks are stable accommodation, local office coordination, and setting up reliable support for everyday issues.

If you are allocated to Dresden, see Asylum Process in Dresden for local housing, benefits, and support organisations.

Local guides

• Asylum Process in Dresden (Dresden)