After months of wrangling between the Bavarian Interior Ministry and local politicians, Bamberg city hall confirmed on 12 December 2025 that the large ‘Ankerzentrum’ first-arrival facility for asylum seekers will remain operational beyond its planned closure date of 31 December 2025. Under the compromise, the federal government will transfer ownership of the former U.S. Army barracks site to the municipality, giving Bamberg long-term development rights once the centre eventually winds down.
Ankerzentren—centralised hubs that combine registration, asylum processing and return logistics—were introduced nationwide in 2018 to accelerate case decisions. The Bamberg site, capable of housing up to 1,500 people, has faced criticism from NGOs over living conditions and from residents concerned about integration pressures. The city had threatened legal action to force a 2025 closure, arguing the land was needed for housing and business expansion.
Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) insisted capacity is still needed as Germany implements the new EU Common European Asylum System in mid-2026, which will require pre-screening centres inside member states. Keeping Bamberg open, he said, avoids costly new construction elsewhere and ensures Bavaria can handle fluctuating arrivals from the Balkan route.
![Bamberg’s Controversial Refugee ‘Ankerzentrum’ to Stay Open Beyond 2025]()
International firms, NGOs, and private sponsors who regularly juggle German visa or residence paperwork for staff and volunteers can simplify the process by using VisaHQ’s digital platform. The service offers real-time guidance on entry requirements, helps coordinate document submissions, and schedules appointments nationwide—full details are available at https://www.visahq.com/germany/.
For corporates employing asylum seekers under Germany’s “3 plus 2” apprenticeship rule, the deal provides continuity: work-permit processing and skills-assessment offices located inside the centre will continue operating, reducing travel for employers in Upper Franconia. The city, now future landowner, gains a “development perspective”—once federal authorities vacate, it can convert the 20-hectare site into mixed-use real estate.
A special city-council session on 19 December will outline timelines and transitional zoning. Mobility advisers should note that refugee employees currently resident in Bamberg will not be relocated in the short term, minimising workforce disruption, but expansion of on-site language and integration courses is expected in early 2026.
Ankerzentren—centralised hubs that combine registration, asylum processing and return logistics—were introduced nationwide in 2018 to accelerate case decisions. The Bamberg site, capable of housing up to 1,500 people, has faced criticism from NGOs over living conditions and from residents concerned about integration pressures. The city had threatened legal action to force a 2025 closure, arguing the land was needed for housing and business expansion.
Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) insisted capacity is still needed as Germany implements the new EU Common European Asylum System in mid-2026, which will require pre-screening centres inside member states. Keeping Bamberg open, he said, avoids costly new construction elsewhere and ensures Bavaria can handle fluctuating arrivals from the Balkan route.
International firms, NGOs, and private sponsors who regularly juggle German visa or residence paperwork for staff and volunteers can simplify the process by using VisaHQ’s digital platform. The service offers real-time guidance on entry requirements, helps coordinate document submissions, and schedules appointments nationwide—full details are available at https://www.visahq.com/germany/.
For corporates employing asylum seekers under Germany’s “3 plus 2” apprenticeship rule, the deal provides continuity: work-permit processing and skills-assessment offices located inside the centre will continue operating, reducing travel for employers in Upper Franconia. The city, now future landowner, gains a “development perspective”—once federal authorities vacate, it can convert the 20-hectare site into mixed-use real estate.
A special city-council session on 19 December will outline timelines and transitional zoning. Mobility advisers should note that refugee employees currently resident in Bamberg will not be relocated in the short term, minimising workforce disruption, but expansion of on-site language and integration courses is expected in early 2026.
