Transitional regulation on entry
Due to the war of aggression in Ukraine, many Ukrainians have been forced to leave their home country. In order to make it easier for these people to enter Germany, the federal government has introduced a transitional regulation that is in force until 4 March 2026. Those affected can therefore continue to enter Germany without a residence permit until 4 December 2025 and stay there for a maximum of 90 days without a residence permit. The transitional regulation includes Ukrainian citizens, but also third-country nationals and stateless persons who resided in Ukraine for other reasons, e.g. for the purpose of studying, with a permanent residence permit on 24 February 2022 and entered the federal territory by 4 December 2025.
Application of temporary protection in accordance with Section 24 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) in relation to refugees from Ukraine
Section 24 of the AufenthG applies to Ukrainian nationals seeking protection. This article is based on EU Directive 2001/55/EC, which was developed in 2001 in response to conflicts related to the former Yugoslavia. This is a temporary residence permit for the temporary protection of certain groups of people who therefore do not require an asylum procedure. Should asylum be sought, the processing would be paused during the residence title according to Section 24 AufenthG. In addition, the refugees from Ukraine are to be distributed between the federal states or municipalities and districts on the basis of the Königstein formula.
With the "Ukraine-Aufenthaltserlaubnis-Fortgeltungsverordnung" (Ukraine Residence Permit Continued Validity Ordinance), all residence permits still valid on 1 February 2025 are automatically extended for a further year until 4 March 2026 in accordance with Section 24 of the AufenthG. A visit to the foreigners authority is not necessary for this.
The residence permit can be applied for by Ukrainian citizens and individuals who had a valid permanent residence permit in Ukraine and cannot safely return to their country of origin, as well as in individual cases individuals who temporarily resided in Ukraine and cannot safely return to their country of origin.
Based on the decision of the Ministry of the Interior, an employment permit is also granted upon the issuance of the residence permit.
Change of legal status as of 1 June 2022 for refugees from Ukraine
Since 1 June 2022, refugees from Ukraine are entitled to basic security benefits under Social Code Book II (SGB II benefits). Since then, the local job centres are responsible for refugees from Ukraine.
Checklist for refugees from Ukraine on the transition to SGB II of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Equality and the Ministry of the Interior and Sports of the State of Saxony-Anhalt