How does the asylum procedure work in Germany?
How can I participate? What restrictions apply to me?

Step 1: Arrival
Report as soon as possible after your entry into the country to an authority, such as the Federal Police or the immigration authorities. Afterwards you will be lead to a reception center. In the next three months you will be assigned to another community from here where you will live during the process.

Step 2: Application
In the reception center is a contact of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). With it, you can make a formal application for asylum. You will receive a temporary residence permit. Please wear this with you at all times.

Step 3: Hearing and decision
You are interviewed by the BAMF about your origin and your escape. During the conversation, an interpreter will be present. This interview is decisive for your asylum application. A few weeks later your will recive a letter with the result of your asylum procedure and whether it is granted or rejected.

Step 4a: Recognition
If you are recognized as entitled to asylum, you will receive a temporary residence permission for three years. After three years, it is checked whether the purpose of your escape still exists. If this is the case, you will receive a permanent residence permit.

Step 4b: Rejection
If your request was not granted, it is checked whether it would be too dangerous for you to return to your home country immediately. If it is save for you to leave you will receive a rejection notice and must leave the country within one month.

Step 5: Action
You have the right to take legal action against your rejection letter within two weeks before an administrative court. If your application is rejected as "manifestly unfounded", you have only one week to either leave the country or take legal charges. You have the opportunity to appeal against this decision as well.