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Summary: From 12 June 2026 the reform of the European asylum system (GEAS) applies in Germany. The main steps are the same: expressing the request for protection, registration, the formal application at BAMF, the interview, the decision. But deadlines have become shorter and some people enter an accelerated or border procedure. This guide explains the steps in order and simply. For a broader overview see the asylum guide for Iranians.
The main steps
1. Expressing the request for protection (Asylgesuch)
It is enough to tell a border officer, the police, the residence office or a reception centre that you want to apply for asylum. No particular phrase is needed; say “Asyl” or “Schutz”. You will then be sent to a reception centre (Ankunftszentrum / Erstaufnahme).
2. Initial check (screening)
Under the new reform, everyone who enters across an EU external border without permission must go through an “initial check”: identification, a health and security check, fingerprints and a photo (in the Eurodac database) and an initial assessment of vulnerability (for example illness, mental trauma, a child, a victim of violence). At the border this check takes up to 7 days and inside the country up to 3 days. At this stage report any physical or mental problem and any special circumstance (for example sexual violence, sexual orientation, conversion).
3. Registration and the Ankunftsnachweis document
Your identity and biometric data are recorded and you receive the “Ankunftsnachweis” document, which identifies you as an asylum seeker (for the police, your accommodation and the benefits office). Note the registration date, because the start of deadlines and the work permit are counted from it.
4. Examination of responsibility (Dublin / ZBV)
It is determined which European country is responsible for examining your case. If another country (for example the country of entry) is responsible, you may receive a “transfer”. Details and options: Dublin guide.
5. The formal application at BAMF
You usually have to file the formal application in person at a BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) branch within 21 days after registration. If this deadline passes without a justified reason, the application may be treated as “withdrawn”. Filing the formal application creates the “Aufenthaltsgestattung” (permission to stay during the procedure). Details of your rights: rights and benefits of asylum seekers.
6. The interview (Anhörung)
This is the most important stage: you are asked about your life, your route, your reasons for leaving your country and the risk on return. An interpreter is present and, under the new reform, the interview is audio-recorded. We cover this stage in detail in the interview preparation guide.
7. The BAMF decision
BAMF decides in writing. The possible outcomes are: asylum / refugee protection (Flüchtlingsschutz), subsidiary protection (subsidiärer Schutz), a national ban on deportation, or refusal. Details: after the BAMF decision.
Different procedures after GEAS
| Procedure | Main feature |
|---|---|
| Regular procedure | Decision usually about 6 months after the application |
| Accelerated procedure | Decision within 3 months at most; the appeal deadline can be 7 days |
| Border procedure | Up to 12 weeks in a border centre, with movement restrictions |
The accelerated or border procedure is used in cases such as concealing identity, a security risk, a repeat application, or countries with a low recognition rate in Europe (below 20%). In these procedures deadlines are very short; get advice on the very first day.
Applications before 12 June 2026
Most cases before this date continue under the previous rules, but some rules (such as the Dublin transfer deadlines) may be disputed. If in doubt, ask an adviser.
Important tips
- Tell the truth and present genuine documents; lies or forged documents can destroy your credibility and badly weaken the application.
- Report any change of address immediately; letters are sent to the last known address and deadlines count from the time of service.
- Open all letters, read the dates and keep copies.
- Get free advice: free counselling and legal aid.
Related: first 30 days in Germany and document checklist.
Note: this article is general guidance and not legal advice. Asylum law in Germany changed with the EU reform (GEAS) from 12 June 2026 and procedures may differ between cities. For your own case, be sure to seek help from an independent asylum counsellor or a lawyer. Last reviewed: October 2026.
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