If an asylum seeker reports to the border authority, it forwards him to the nearest initial reception centre, which is the responsibility of the respective federal state. However, this does not apply if he meets the conditions for refusing entry, for example because he is entering from a safe third country. If a foreigner first applies for asylum in Germany, he will also first be referred to the nearest initial reception centre.

Asylum seekers then apply for asylum. A data comparison is carried out with the Central Register of Foreigners (AZR) and, in accordance with § 55 of the Asylum Procedure Act (AsylVfG), a residence permit is granted, which grants a temporary right to stay in the Federal Republic of Germany for the purpose of carrying out the asylum procedure. The residence permit does not lead to a claim to be allowed to stay in a specific federal state or place.

Subsequently, the legally required, non-public hearing of the asylum seeker (§ 25 AsylVfG) takes place by an employee of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). The asylum seeker must appear in person and explain his reasons for persecution. After that, a decision is made on the asylum application.

The decision on the application for asylum shall be taken in writing and shall state the reasons on which it is based. It is served on the asylum seeker with information on the right of appeal.