In the first half of 2025, the number of asylum applications in Germany fell significantly. This was reported by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Most refugees in Europe are no longer coming to Germany.
Almost 45 percent fewer than in 2024
In the first half of 2025, 61,336 people sought protection in Germany for the first time. 11,482 people submitted follow-up applications. This was 49.5 percent fewer initial applications than in the first six months of 2024. According to the BAMF, there were 132,201 asylum applications at that time, 121,416 of which were initial applications.
Afghans top the list
15,127 Syrians applied for asylum in the first half of the year – fewer than in previous years. With 15,181 applications, more people from Afghanistan sought protection in Germany for the first time during this period. Experts attribute the decline in Syrians to the fall of ruler Bashar al-Assad and the subsequent change in the situation in the country. 2,194 Iraqis filed 2,194 initial applications, and 1,211 people from Iran.
Most seek asylum in Spain
Across Europe, around 388,000 asylum applications were filed in the first half of the year – fewer than in previous years. Spain, with around 76,000 applications, and France, with just over 75,000, recorded more asylum seekers than Germany. Hungary received the fewest applications in Europe, with 47.
Experts attribute the Europe-wide decline to border controls and the restrictive policies of Balkan states.
For details, see BAMF | Asylum figures for June 2025
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