Asylum law 2026: Faster asylum procedures, less legal protection?
A law passed in December 2025 could have a significant impact on asylum procedures starting in 2026. This is because, starting in February 2026, the federal government will be able to more easily classify certain third countries as "safe countries of origin. "
For asylum seekers from these "safe countries," this often means faster asylum procedures and fewer chances of protection. This is because applications are treated as "manifestly unfounded" across the board if the country of origin is classified as safe.
The list of safe countries of origin currently includes 37 countries. These include all EU member states as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ghana, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova, Senegal, and Serbia. With the new law, the German government plans to expand the list. It is very likely that Algeria, India, Morocco, and Tunisia will also be classified as safe.
In addition, from July 2026, the obligation to appoint legal counsel in cases of detention pending deportation or departure custody will be abolished. In many cases, those affected will then have to seek legal assistance themselves.
GEAS reform: New EU asylum law by June 2026
One of the most important changes comes from the European Union. The reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) is to be transposed into German law by June 12, 2026. The reform aims to further standardize and accelerate asylum procedures across the EU.
Among other things, plans include new screening procedures before or upon entry into Germany, asylum procedures directly at the borders, and clearer rules on responsibility between member states.
Exactly how Germany will implement these requirements is still unclear. Depending on how they are structured, the new rules could lead to faster decisions, but also to longer stays in initial reception centers and cuts in asylum seeker benefits in the event of violations.
Naturalization : Penalties for deception and false statements
Entered into force at the end of December 2025, but particularly relevant in 2026: Anyone who Naturalization intentionally provides false information or submits forged documents will face significantly harsher consequences in the future.
If Naturalization is revoked or denied Naturalization to deception, a ten-year waiting period may be imposed. During this time, Naturalization is Naturalization . The regulation is intended to prevent abuse and also applies to cases in which deception is detected in language or integration tests.
Refugees from Ukraine: Extended protection, changes to citizen's income
An important development concerns refugees from Ukraine. At the EU level, it has been decided to extend temporary protection until March 4, 2027. The decision provides greater planning security for millions of people affected, as regular asylum procedures will continue to be waived.
The protection includes, among other things, the right of residence, access to the labor market, social benefits, and medical care. In Germany, the corresponding Residence permit was also automatically extended until March 2027 Residence permit Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
At the same time, the federal government is planning changes to social benefits. Refugees from Ukraine who entered Germany after April 1, 2025, will no longer be entitled to citizen's income in the future.
Instead, they will receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. This will reduce the average monthly support by around €120. Access to certain support measures, such as integration or language courses, will also be restricted.
The corresponding law has not yet been passed, but it is considered very likely. It will only come into force after publication in the Federal Law Gazette. However, this is not expected to happen until the second quarter of 2026 at the earliest.
Citizen's income: Major reforms in 2026
Regardless of the regulations for refugees from Ukraine, the federal government is working on a major reform of the citizen's income. In future, this will be known as "basic security for job seekers."
With this reform, the federal government aims to significantly tighten the requirements for cooperation with job centers. Those who fail to meet these requirements can expect benefit cuts of up to 30 percent. Repeated or particularly serious violations may even result in the complete loss of benefits, including costs for accommodation and heating.
The new law has not yet been passed. However, as things stand at present, the reform is due to be debated in the Bundestag and Bundesrat at the beginning of 2026. If the legislative process proceeds without delays, the law could come into force before July 1, 2026.
Payment card for asylum seekers to be rolled out further
In many federal states, the so-called payment card for asylum seekers will be further introduced or adopted into regular operation in 2026. The payment card is intended to replace some of the previous cash benefits and is mainly used for benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
Instead of cash, recipients receive their benefits entirely or predominantly via a prepaid card. The monthly amount available on the payment card is often limited. Transfers are only possible to a limited extent, and certain expenses, such as online purchases, may be excluded.
Currently, no federal state has fully introduced the payment card, even though almost all federal states have officially approved it.
Repatriations and deportations in 2026 in the political spotlight
In 2026, deportations are likely to be the subject of intense debate once again. The focus is currently on people from Syria and Afghanistan. This is because the federal government has agreed in its coalition agreement to resume regular deportations, initially targeting criminals and so-called dangerous individuals.
At the same time, there are political discussions about expanding the group in the long term to include, for example, people with rejected or uncertain residence permits if there are no longer grounds for protection.
However, these are only political announcements so far. There have been no concrete legal changes yet. It also remains unclear whether the tightening of regulations will be implemented through new laws or stricter administrative practices.
Legally, therefore, the following continues to apply: Protected status may not be automatically revoked. Every decision regarding residence rights must be examined on a case-by-case basis.
Nevertheless, it can be useful to strengthen your residence status at an early stage. This includes renewing your Residence permit , keeping important documents up to date, and collecting evidence of your language skills, work, education, or integration.
If you are unsure, you should consult advice centers or lawyers specializing in immigration law. People who fear for their life, limb, or freedom if they return to their home country should carefully document and keep evidence of this.
Labor migration in 2026: Greater transparency, new salary threshold for EU Blue Card
There will also be important changes in labor migration in 2026. From January 1, 2026, employers will be obliged under Section 45c of the Residence Act to inform skilled workers from third countries about counseling and support services. This includes information on labor law issues, residence rights, and potential problems in the employment relationship.
The aim is to ensure that migrants are better informed about their rights and receive help at an early stage. This should prevent dependency and exploitation, especially in sectors with a shortage of skilled workers.
In addition, the salary limits for the EU Blue Card will be adjusted again in 2026. These limits determine whether a skilled worker can Residence permit or extend a Residence permit .
For the regular EU Blue Card, an annual gross salary of at least €50,700 is required in 2026. This corresponds to approximately €4,225 gross per month. A lower threshold applies to shortage occupations such as engineering, IT, or healthcare professions, as well as to career starters with a university degree obtained no more than three years ago. They must have a gross annual salary of €45,934.20, or around €3,827.85 per month.
"Work and Stay Agency": Central contact point for labor migration planned
Finally , the federal government plans to set up a "Work and Stay Agency." This agency is intended to make labor migration procedures more centralized, digital, and faster. The aim is to create a nationwide platform that will bundle the recognition of foreign qualifications, applications for Residence permit cooperation between authorities.
According to current information, the agency is scheduled to begin construction in 2026 and start operating its first functions. For migrants, this could mean shorter processing times, clear responsibilities, and less bureaucracy in the long term.
Conclusion
The year 2026 will bring both relaxations and tightening of migration and residence laws. In some areas, there will be greater planning security, for example for refugees from Ukraine or through new opportunities in labor migration.
At the same time ,Naturalization, asylum procedures, social benefits, and legal protection will be subject to stricter regulations in some areas. However, many changes have not yet been finalized and depend on the specific implementation.
It is therefore becoming increasingly important for migrants to keep track of their own residence status. This includes meeting deadlines, keeping documents up to date, and collecting evidence of work, language skills, and integration. Anyone who is unsure should seek information or advice at an early stage. Good preparation could be crucial in 2026.
