Transitional Regulation on Entry
Due to the war of aggression in Ukraine, many Ukrainians are forced to leave their home country. To facilitate entry into Germany for these individuals, the federal government has introduced a transitional regulation that remains in effect until March 4, 2027. Those affected may therefore continue to enter Germany without a residence permit until December 4, 2026, and stay there for up to 90 days without a residence permit. The transitional regulation applies to Ukrainian citizens as well as third-country nationals and stateless persons who, for other reasons— such as for the purpose of studying, were residing in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with a permanent residence permit or protection status, and entered the federal territory by December 4, 2026.
Application of temporary protection under Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) with regard to refugees from Ukraine
Section 24 of the Residence Act applies to Ukrainian nationals seeking protection; this provision is based on EU Directive 2001/55/EC and was developed in 2001 in response to conflicts related to the former Yugoslavia. This involves the temporary granting of residence 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 period of the residence permit under Section 24 of the Residence Act. In addition, refugees from Ukraine are to be distributed among the federal states, municipalities, and districts based on the Königstein Key.
Under the Ukraine Residence Permit Extension Ordinance, all residence permits still valid as of February 1, 2026, pursuant to Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), are automatically extended for an additional year until March 4, 2027. A visit to the Foreigners’ Registration Office is not necessary for this.
Eligible applicants include Ukrainian citizens and individuals who held a valid permanent residence permit in Ukraine and cannot safely return to their country of origin, as well as, in individual cases, individuals who had temporary residence in Ukraine and cannot safely return to their country of origin.
Pursuant to the decision by the Ministry of the Interior, a work permit is also granted upon issuance of the residence permit.
Change in legal status effective June 1, 2022, for refugees from Ukraine
Since June 1, 2022, refugees from Ukraine have been entitled to basic income support under the Social Code Book II (SGB II benefits). Since then, local job centers have been responsible for refugees from Ukraine.
Checklist for refugees from Ukraine regarding the transition to SGB II from the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, and Equality and the Ministry of the Interior and Sports of the State of Saxony-Anhalt