Residence for Victims of Honour-Based Violence under § 25(4b) AufenthG

First: What does “honour-based violence” mean legally?
Honour-related violence can include:

• Threats to kill or harm due to “unacceptable behaviour” (such as refusing a forced marriage, romantic relationships, clothing or lifestyle choices)

• Beatings, house arrest, surveillance, threats of expulsion from the family, or taking children away

• Forced marriage or threats against girls and women for allegedly “damaging the family’s reputation”

A person is considered a victim if they face a real risk to their life or freedom because of a personal decision or way of life.

What does § 25 para. 4b provide?
This provision may allow a temporary humanitarian residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) if these conditions are met:

• The person is in Germany without lawful residence (e.g., after a visa expires or after asylum has been refused)

• The person is a confirmed victim of honour-based violence or is clearly at risk

• Remaining in Germany is necessary for urgent humanitarian reasons due to a real danger if returned to the country of origin or to the family/community environment

• There is a positive assessment by the competent authority (often the Foreigners’ Authority in cooperation with women’s protection/support organisations; sometimes supported by police or court documentation)

Procedure: How can a victim obtain this residence permit?

• Contact a women’s shelter or specialised support organisations
  (e.g., SOLWODI, Terre des Femmes, or domestic-violence support centres)

• Document the violence or threats in legally usable ways

  • Police reports or hospital/medical confirmations

  • Psychological or social-work reports

  • Threat messages, recordings, or other evidence

• Apply to the Ausländerbehörde for residence under § 25 para. 4b with all supporting documents

• Individual case assessment

  • Verification of actual separation from the source of threat

  • Examination of possible alternatives in the country of origin (is protection available? is relocation feasible?)

What does the victim receive once the permit is granted?

• A temporary residence permit (often one year), usually renewable

• Permission to work and access education/training

• Access to integration and language courses

• A possible path to permanent residence (§ 26) depending on requirements

• Health insurance and social support under applicable conditions

Special situations

• Unaccompanied minors: protected by the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt), with psychological/social needs considered

• Mothers with threatened children: enhanced protection; may extend to the child

• Domestic-violence victims facing clan/community threats: may fall under this provision if the risk is clearly linked to “honour” norms or family traditions

Difference from § 25 para. 4a (victims of human trafficking)

Practical challenges

• Difficulty of proof: many victims lack written evidence or do not report early out of fear

• Differences between German federal states in practical implementation

• High psychological stress when victims are questioned about family or details of violence

Conclusion
§ 25 para. 4b AufenthG can offer victims of honour-based violence a crucial humanitarian protection route in Germany. However, obtaining this status often requires courage, legal and social support, and strong documentation—which specialised organisations can help provide on the path to a safe and independent life.

ـ The site’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be uncertain. Please treat this as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.