Approval is deemed granted after four weeks

Do you submit an application to change your residence obligation? The authority at the new location has four weeks to respond. If it does not respond, the approval is automatically deemed granted.

Hardship cases allow a change of residence in special situations

In hardship cases, you can apply for a change of residence. This applies, for example, in cases of violence by family members or for the care of a disabled relative. More affordable housing at the new location can also be a reason.

Spatial restriction expires automatically after three months

As an asylum seeker or person with toleration status (Duldung), you are subject to spatial restrictions. However, this restriction expires automatically after three months. Periods of unlawful stay are not counted.

Issue Housing Assignment for Asylum Seekers/Foreign Nationals at Risk of Homelessness

If you are at risk of becoming homeless, the LAF can help you by assigning you accommodation in Berlin.

At a glance

Are you at risk of homelessness – can you be assigned accommodation?

You have no housing and cannot afford accommodation on your own? The Landesamt für Flüchtlingsangelegenheiten (LAF – State Office for Refugee Affairs) may then issue you with an assignment for accommodation in Berlin. The assignment is valid only for one specific accommodation.

You can receive this support if you have applied for or have already been granted a residence title under § 22, § 23 paragraph 1, or § 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). You can also receive it if the LAF is required to assign you to standard accommodation under § 15a AufenthG.

One important condition is: you are unable to find suitable accommodation on your own. This is called the principle of self-help first. The LAF will therefore first check whether you truly have no options of your own.

Here is how the process works: You complete a self-disclosure form together with a caseworker. You submit the required documents and confirm that you are without means and at risk of homelessness. The LAF then issues a formal assignment decision and hands it to you. Important: You must go to the assigned accommodation on the same day.

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You may be assigned accommodation if you are a foreign national facing homelessness and cannot reasonably be expected to find your own accommodation using your own means. You must belong to one of these groups: You have applied for or already received a residence permit under § 22, § 23 para. 1, or § 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), or you are being assigned to the LAF (State Office for Refugee Affairs) for standard housing under § 15a AufenthG.

Additional requirements

You will only receive an assignment if you can prove that you have no way of finding accommodation for yourself (self-help takes priority).

How to apply

Go in person to the Landesamt für Flüchtlingsangelegenheiten (LAF) — this is the only place where you can apply for an assignment to accommodation.

Collect your documents: a valid residence title with supplementary sheet, or toleration status (Duldung) — and if you have one, also a German travel document for foreigners (blue or grey).

If you hold a residence permit under Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG): bring a confirmation of your application from the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA), your residence title or a Fiktionsbescheinigung (a document confirming your application is pending), and your national passport.

Complete the self-declaration form together with a LAF staff member and state that you have no financial means and are at risk of homelessness.

Receive your assignment notice and go to the assigned accommodation on the same day.

Done! You have been assigned accommodation — the assignment is valid for that one specific accommodation only.

Good to know

If you fully secure your own livelihood, the residence obligation lapses automatically. You do not need to submit an application for this. This happens by operation of law.

Sichert der Geduldete seinen Lebensunterhalt vollständig, so entfällt damit auch vom Zeitpunkt dieser Sicherung von Gesetzes wegen die Wohnsitzauflage, ohne dass es hierfür der Streichung der Auflage bedürfte.

VAB D.59a/D.51/A.60b/A.12a/A.61, S. 130-830

Do you want to live with your spouse or your children? Then the authority MUST approve your redistribution application. This applies for moving to another federal state.

Eine Zustimmung ist in den Fällen zu erteilen, in denen der länderübergreifende Wohnortwechsel der Herstellung der familiären Lebensgemeinschaft mit einem der Familienangehörigen im selben Haushalt dient.

VAB D.59a/D.51/A.60b/A.12a/A.61, S. 130-830

Are you employed with mandatory social insurance for at least 15 hours per week? Or are you doing vocational training or studying? Then your residence obligation under Section 12a lapses automatically.

Vom Anwendungsbereich des § 12a Abs. 1 Satz 1 kraft Gesetz nicht erfasst sind diejenigen Personen, die selbst oder deren Ehegatte, eingetragener Lebenspartner oder minderjährige ledige Kinder bereits einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Integration leisten.

VAB D.59a/D.51/A.60b/A.12a/A.61, S. 130-830

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