Humanitarian Protection (Section 25)

Humanitarian protection in Germany is a broad category. Your path depends on whether you are already in Germany or applying from abroad. Most people obtain protection by applying for asylum once they arrive in the country.

Route 1: Applying within Germany (Asylum Path)

This process applies if you are seeking protection under Section 25 (1-3) of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (Residence Act).

1. Register your Request: As soon as you arrive, inform a border authority, police station, or an initial reception center (Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung) that you are seeking asylum.
2. File the Formal Application: You will be directed to a branch of the BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge — Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) to submit your formal application.
3. The Interview: This is the most critical step. You will have a personal interview with a BAMF officer to explain your reasons for seeking protection. You have the right to an interpreter.
4. Receive the Decision: The BAMF will send you a written decision (Bescheid). If positive, it will state which type of protection you have been granted (e.g., Refugee Status, Subsidiary Protection, or a Prohibition of Deportation).
5. Visit the Foreigners Authority: Once you have a positive decision, book an appointment at your local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners Authority) to apply for your physical residence permit, known as the elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel (eAT).
6. Identity Clarification: You must provide a valid passport. If it is impossible to get one from your embassy, you must provide documented proof of your efforts to obtain one to avoid being issued a "tolerated" status (Duldung) for unclarified identity.

Route 2: Admission from Abroad (Resettlement/Humanitarian)

This applies to Section 22 (urgent individual cases) or Section 23 (government admission programs).

1. Secure a Letter of Acceptance: You generally cannot "apply" for this directly like a standard visa. You must be selected for a program or identified as an urgent case. The German government will issue an Aufnahmezusage (Letter of Acceptance).
2. Consular Processing: Visit the German Embassy or Consulate in your current country. They will verify your identity and conduct security vetting.
3. Visa Issuance: If approved, you will receive a visa to enter Germany.
4. Local Registration: After arriving in Germany, register your address at the Bürgeramt (Citizens' Office) and then visit the Ausländerbehörde to convert your entry visa into a long-term residence permit.

Route 3: For "Tolerated" Persons (Integration Path)

If you have lived in Germany with a Duldung (temporary suspension of deportation), you may apply for a residence permit under Section 25a (for youth) or Section 25b (for adults).

1. Check Residency Requirements: Ensure you have lived in Germany for at least 3 years (for youth under 27) or 6 years (for adults, or 4 years if living with minor children).
2. Gather Proof of Integration: Collect school reports, employment contracts, and German language certificates (usually level A2).
3. Submit Application: Apply directly at your local Ausländerbehörde.

The asylum application itself is free. Fees generally only apply once you are granted protection and apply for the physical permit card.

Total Estimate: €0 to €160 depending on your specific protection status and whether you require a travel document. Does not include: Costs for professional translations of birth/marriage certificates by a sworn translator, passport photos, or travel costs to the Ausländerbehörde.

• Asylum Decision (BAMF): On average, 8.7 months. Fast-track cases for certain nationalities may take approximately 4.3 months.
• Physical Permit Issuance (eAT): Once your protection is granted, it takes 4 to 12 weeks to receive your card from the Ausländerbehörde. Note that major cities like Berlin and Munich currently have significant backlogs.
• Consular Processing (§ 22): This can take several months to over a year due to intensive security vetting.
• Document Validity:
  • Refugee Status (§ 25.1/2): Usually valid for 3 years.
  • Subsidiary Protection/Deportation Prohibition: Usually valid for 1 year, renewable.
  • Ukraine Temporary Protection (§ 24): Currently valid until March 4, 2027.
• Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency): You can apply after 3 to 5 years depending on your German language level and protection type.