Asylum Process in Europe

ASYLUM PROCESS IN EUROPE — OVERVIEW

FRANCE

1. Register at SPADA (platform d'accueil) → get appointment at GUDA
2. File application at OFPRA within 21 days
3. Interview at OFPRA (interpreter provided)
4. Decision: ~6 months (accelerated: 15 days)
5. Appeal: CNDA (Cour Nationale du Droit d'Asile) — 1 month to appeal

• During process: housing (CADA), allowance (ADA: €6.80/day single), healthcare
• Work authorization: after 6 months if no OFPRA decision

GERMANY

1. Register at reception center (Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung)
2. File application at BAMF
3. Interview at BAMF (interpreter provided)
4. Decision: target 6 months (often longer)
5. Appeal: Verwaltungsgericht — 2 weeks to appeal

• During process: housing, pocket money (~€182/month), basic healthcare
• Work authorization: after 6 months (9 months for safe-country nationals)

SWEDEN

1. Register at Migrationsverket
2. Interview (may be months later)
3. Decision: target 6 months (often 12-18 months)
4. Appeal: Migrationsdomstolen — 3 weeks to appeal

• During process: housing (ABO), allowance (61 SEK/day single), limited healthcare
• Work authorization: if case expected to take >12 months (AT-UND exemption)

NETHERLANDS

1. Register at Ter Apel (central reception)
2. 6-day procedure: rest + preparation + interview
3. Extended procedure if complex (6+ months)
4. Appeal: Rechtbank — 1-4 weeks to appeal

• During process: housing (AZC), allowance (€14/week pocket money), healthcare
• Work authorization: after 6 months, max 24 weeks/year

IMPORTANT — DUBLIN REGULATION

• First EU country of entry is responsible for asylum claim
• If fingerprinted in another EU country, may be transferred back
• Challenge Dublin: if family in another EU country, or inhumane conditions in first country
• 6-month transfer deadline — if not transferred, responsibility shifts

TIPS

• Keep ALL documents: flight tickets, evidence of persecution, medical reports
• Record everything: dates, names of officials, what happened
• Get legal aid immediately: France (associations), Germany (Asylverfahrensberatung), Sweden (offentligt biträde)
• Do NOT give false information — inconsistencies lead to refusal