Asylum in Germany
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, BAMF
People who fear persecution or serious harm can apply for asylum in Germany, and the BAMF examines four forms of protection: entitlement to asylum, refugee protection, subsidiary protection, and a national ban on deportation. Since 12 June 2026, new applications follow the reformed Common European Asylum System (GEAS/CEAS), with mandatory screening, regular, accelerated and border procedures, and a separate responsibility determination procedure that replaces the Dublin procedure. Germany implemented the reform through the GEAS-Anpassungsgesetz, published 28 April 2026.
Life in Germany
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
81
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 19%
Basic allowance EUR 12,348; 42% from EUR 69,879 and 45% above EUR 277,825 (single); solidarity surcharge of 5.5% of the tax for high earners and optional church tax.
Living
1
Happiness
#16 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in Germany or at a German border, airport or seaport who seek protection from persecution or serious harm.
Eligibility
Refugee protection
For people with a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. Since June 2026 the definition comes directly from the EU Qualification Regulation.
Entitlement to asylum (Basic Law Art. 16a)
For people persecuted by the state for political reasons. It is generally excluded if you entered via a safe third country.
Subsidiary protection
For people who do not meet the refugee definition but face serious harm such as the death penalty, torture, or a serious threat from armed conflict.
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- 7 more requirements
- 6 documents
- 1 fee
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
- BAMF press release - What will change with the GEAS reform (12 June 2026)
- BAMF - Forms of protection
- BAMF - The German Asylum Procedure: Overview and Procedural Steps (PDF)
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit - Residence status and labour market access for refugees
- Deutscher Bundestag - Suspension of family reunification to subsidiary protection holders
