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Summary: Iranians in Germany apply for asylum for various reasons: political activity and protest, social media, religion and conversion, gender and sexual orientation, and ethnic affiliation. This article is based on human-rights reports such as PRO ASYL (February 2026) and official sources and gives a general picture; it does not predict the outcome of any case.
The situation in Iran (in brief)
According to these reports, in 2025 more than 22,000 people were arrested for freedom of expression and more than 2,000 executions were recorded. The nationwide protests from Dey 1404 (December 2025) were accompanied by internet shutdowns and mass arrests. Women facing compulsory hijab, and ethnic minorities (Kurds, Baluch, Arabs) and religious minorities (Baha’is, Christian converts) are under pressure. Exact figures cannot be verified because of the internet shutdown.
Common reasons and useful documents
| Reason | Documents and notes |
|---|---|
| Taking part in a protest | Photos/videos, messages, witnesses, summonses, record of arrest |
| Online activity | Posts and accounts (even with few views), threats, warnings |
| Religion and conversion | Baptism certificates, church membership, testimony from the religious community, the path of belief |
| Gender and hijab | Fines, summonses, medical reports, evidence of violence |
| Sexual orientation | An honest and precise account, a specialist counsellor |
| Ethnic/religious affiliation | Membership documents, arrests of family members |
Common problems in the BAMF examination
- It is said that BAMF sometimes distinguishes between an “organiser” and a “simple participant” and regards the latter as less at risk; PRO ASYL criticises this.
- Legal departure from Imam Khomeini Airport is sometimes interpreted as a sign of no persecution; critics say this logic is wrong.
- “Detail-free” accounts may be considered implausible; so prepare for the interview with details: interview preparation.
- The PRO ASYL report states that in 2025 the BAMF recognition rate for Iranians was about 27%, and a significant share of the decisions that were challenged (about 42% in the first half of 2025) were overturned in court. These figures do not mean the outcome of your case.
Life and identity documents
Bring your birth certificate, national ID card, passport (even if expired), education documents and work records. Present only genuine documents; a fabricated document is very dangerous. Arrange an official translation if BAMF asks for it. List: document checklist.
An important note
- Tell the truth about all claims; a lie in one part makes the rest of the case unreliable too.
- Prepare sensitive issues (violence, sexual orientation, conversion) with a counsellor.
- If your case is complicated because of your first entry into Germany or through another country, read the Dublin guide.
Note: this article is general guidance and not legal advice. Asylum law changes and every case has its own features; for your own situation, talk to an independent counsellor or a lawyer. Last reviewed: October 2026.
