What is the BAMF in Germany? A Comprehensive Guide*
BAMF stands for Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees). It is one of the most important government institutions in Germany dealing with migration, asylum and integration. Since its establishment, the BAMF has taken on a growing number of tasks, especially as migration flows and their complexity have increased. In this article, we provide a detailed and up-to-date overview (as of 2025) of the BAMF: its responsibilities, internal structure, programmes and services, and its key role in the integration process in German society.
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is a federal authority under the German Federal Ministry of the Interior (Bundesministerium des Innern). It is responsible for developing and implementing policies related to migration, asylum and integration, as well as for managing the situation of refugees and asylum seekers in Germany. It was created under asylum legislation in the early 2000s and gained particular prominence during and after the refugee influx of 2015–2016.
First step: Filing an asylum application at an initial reception centre (Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung).
Interview and assessment: BAMF caseworkers verify the asylum seeker’s identity and reasons for seeking protection and then decide whether to grant asylum, refugee status, subsidiary protection or to reject the application.
Appeals: In case of rejection, applicants may file a legal appeal before the administrative courts.
Drafting concepts and guidelines for the management of labour migration and other forms of legal migration in cooperation with federal and state authorities.
Assessing the requirements for entry and residence of students, skilled workers and other categories.
Funding and organising integration courses, which combine German language instruction with orientation on German society, laws and culture.
Supporting projects that promote the social and economic participation of refugees and migrants.
Offering reliable information for people interested in migrating to Germany, including visa rules and legal procedures.
Supporting NGOs and civil society organisations in integration-related projects.
Cooperating with EU institutions and international organisations such as UNHCR.
Exchanging data and statistics on international migration flows and working on joint policy approaches with other countries.
The BAMF headquarters is located in Nuremberg (Bavaria).
Numerous branch offices and outposts exist across all German federal states.
The BAMF also operates or coordinates initial reception centres, arrival centres and migration counselling centres.
Asylum and protection department: Conducts interviews, evaluates asylum claims and issues decisions.
Integration department: Responsible for integration courses and cooperation with language schools and education providers.
Legal migration department: Deals with programmes for skilled workers (Fachkräfte) and legal migration frameworks.
Research and statistics department: Collects and analyses data on migration, asylum and integration and publishes regular reports.
Duration and content: Typically 600–900 hours of German language training plus about 100 hours of orientation course covering politics, history, rights and obligations.
Target groups: Newly arrived migrants, recognised refugees and, in some cases, EU citizens with integration needs.
Funding: The state (via BAMF) covers all or part of the costs, depending on the participant’s financial situation.
Designed for people who cannot read or write in any language or who have very limited literacy skills.
Aim to build a solid foundation in reading and writing to make further German learning possible.
Specialised vocational language courses for migrants who are looking for work or want to improve their career prospects.
Focus on job-specific vocabulary, workplace communication and preparation for vocational training or employment.
Since around 2023, increasing shift towards online applications and secure digital communication channels.
Introduction of systems that allow better tracking of case files and status updates without constant in-person visits.
Stronger emphasis on programmes for non-EU skilled workers in shortage occupations such as healthcare, IT and skilled trades.
Simplification of procedures for recognising foreign qualifications and closer cooperation with immigration authorities and employment agencies.
Joint working groups between BAMF, federal states (Länder) and municipalities to improve the implementation of integration policies on the ground.
More coordinated distribution of asylum seekers and refugees among federal states and regions.
Ongoing crises and conflicts (e.g. in parts of the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe) continue to put pressure on asylum and reception systems.
Enhanced cooperation within the EU on registration, border management and responsibility-sharing.
Beyond administrative procedures, the BAMF also plays an advisory role:
Guidance on learning German and enrolling in suitable courses.
Information on education, vocational training and qualification recognition.
Basic legal information on residence, work and social benefits.
Orientation within the broader support system (Jobcenter, social services, NGOs).
Long processing times:
Asylum decisions and recognition of qualifications can still take a long time.
→ Solutions: more staff, better digital tools, streamlined procedures.
Language and literacy barriers:
Some refugees have limited formal education and struggle with forms and written communication.
→ Use of professional interpreters and expanded literacy programmes.
Labour market integration:
Even with language courses, entering the labour market may be difficult.
→ Stronger partnerships with employers, chambers of commerce and training providers.
Cultural diversity and sensitivities:
Different cultural backgrounds require tailored approaches and awareness.
→ Intercultural training for staff and cooperation with migrant organisations.
Official website: www.bamf.de (German, English and some content in additional languages).
Hotlines: For general questions on asylum, migration and integration.
Local offices and reception centres: Addresses and contact details are listed on the website.
The BAMF is a central pillar of Germany’s migration, asylum and integration system. In 2025 and beyond, the authority continues to modernise its legal and digital framework in order to handle procedures more efficiently – from asylum applications to integration into the labour market. At the same time, it helps Germany uphold its humanitarian responsibilities while addressing demographic and labour market needs through managed migration.
Ultimately, the success of a balanced and effective migration policy depends on cooperation between many actors at federal, state, local and international level – with the BAMF playing a key coordinating and implementing role.
* Our editorial team strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete data cannot be entirely ruled out. The information in this article should therefore be regarded as an initial guide. For binding and current information, always refer to the competent authorities.
