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Summary: Being an asylum seeker means short deadlines, official letters and hard decisions. Fortunately free, independent counselling exists in Germany. Here we say where to go, how to find a lawyer and where to get psychological help. Note: BAMF’s free counselling on its own does not assess your individual case; you need an independent counsellor.
Independent asylum counselling (Asylverfahrensberatung)
- Caritas, Diakonie, AWO and Red Cross (DRK) centres: in most cities they give free counselling to asylum seekers.
- State refugee councils (Flüchtlingsrat) and PRO ASYL: information and lists of counsellors and lawyers.
- Student law clinics (Refugee Law Clinics): free counselling in some university cities.
- BAMF: find local counselling centres through BAMF-Navi and the department phone lines; but individual case assessment is not their job.
How to find a lawyer?
- Look for a lawyer specialising in residence and asylum law (Fachanwalt für Migrationsrecht).
- For an appeal, if it has a chance of success and you have a low income, you may receive legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe); this is not guaranteed. Make the costs clear in advance.
- Beware of fraudsters: nobody can “guarantee asylum”, and you must never pay for a “bribe” to an official or a “homemade document”. Use only a registered lawyer with a contract and receipt.
Interpreter
An interpreter is free at the BAMF interview. If there is a problem with the interpreter or the translation, say so at that moment. For meetings with a lawyer, use an official interpreter or an accompanying counsellor.
Psychological and therapeutic help
- Psychosocial centres for refugees and torture survivors (Psychosoziale Zentren) in several cities.
- The emergency number 112 and a crisis helpline for crisis situations; 116117 for non-emergency services at night and on weekends.
- If you have psychological trauma or have been tortured, a certificate from a doctor / psychotherapist can be important in the case; coordinate with your counsellor.
What should you bring?
- All letters and case documents and your Ankunftsnachweis or Aufenthaltsgestattung.
- Important dates and places on one sheet.
- Documents and photos that show your story.
A reminder
Report any change of address, open your letters and take deadlines seriously. Steps: asylum procedure and interview preparation. For life documents: document checklist.
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.
