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Summary: Under European law, one country is usually responsible for examining an asylum application, often the first country of entry. If that country is not Germany, Germany may not examine your application and may transfer you to the responsible country. The previous system was “Dublin III”; with the GEAS reform from 12 June 2026 it has been replaced by a new law (the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation), with a similar basis but with changes.
How is this examination carried out?
- At registration, your fingerprints are compared with other countries in the Eurodac database. If you have previously been registered or applied in a country, or hold another country’s visa, that country is considered responsible.
- In the “responsibility determination procedure” (Zuständigkeitsbestimmungsverfahren) you are asked about your route and family.
- If another country is responsible and accepts, a “transfer” decision is issued against you.
Deadlines and new changes
- The usual transfer deadline is 6 months; if you are accused of absconding, resist the transfer or make yourself unfit for transfer, it can be extended up to 3 years.
- The definition of family has been widened: a family formed during the flight also counts.
- After a transfer decision, financial support is considered only in the responsible country; critics say this conflicts with European law.
- The right to appeal in transfer cases has been limited to specific issues.
What should we do?
- Give complete and correct information: your route, the countries you passed through, any earlier registration or fingerprints. Concealment destroys credibility and may trigger the accelerated procedure.
- Get advice from the very beginning: deadlines are short: free counselling.
- If you have close family in Germany (spouse, child, parent of a child) be sure to say so and provide proof; this can transfer responsibility to Germany.
- Declare vulnerability: illness, pregnancy, psychological trauma, sexual violence; some cases prevent transfer.
- Answer letters and be present: if you miss appointments or disappear, you may be considered “absconding” and the deadlines become longer.
- Appeal and Eilantrag: if a transfer decision is made, the appeal deadline is very short; get a lawyer’s help immediately.
A specific problem for Iranians
Some Iranians reach Europe through other countries (for example Turkey, Greece or Bulgaria). The situation in each country and the reception conditions there differ, and courts have sometimes halted transfers. This depends entirely on individual circumstances and the current situation in that country; talk to a counsellor. The general stages of the case: asylum procedure.
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.
