Information for Ukrainian refugees in Germany

EU protection until 4 March 2028; permits extended automatically to 4 March 2027, later rules not yet published

Information checked in October–November 2026.

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Important to know

First-time EU arrivals since 5 Aug 2026 with Ukrainian military obligations get protection only with proof of lawful exit (exit stamp or Reserve+); since 9 Oct 2026 also for the 90-day visa-free stay. On 1 Jul 2026 Bürgergeld became Grundsicherungsgeld (stricter duties, sanctions). Moving arrivals since 1 Apr 2025 to lower AsylbLG is planned, not adopted. Don't apply for asylum. §24 years don't lead to citizenship; switching to a work/study permit is possible. Germany4Ukraine

Useful links

Official information

Getting there

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Status and documents

How long protection lasts: EU temporary protection runs until 4 March 2028. §24 permits valid on 1 Feb 2026 continue automatically to 4 Mar 2027; the rule for after that is not yet published (Oct 2026) — check with your Ausländerbehörde.
Documents: Passport (biometric or not) or Ukrainian ID card (accepted until 23 Feb 2027); proof of family ties. Arrivals with military obligations (EU entry since 5 Aug 2026): exit stamp or Reserve+ document.
Where and how to apply: Within 90 days of entry, at the foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde) where you live — find it via BAMF-NAvI; many offices accept online applications. Without housing: your Land's reception centre.
Processing time: Depends on the local Ausländerbehörde (no official average). The Fiktionsbescheinigung issued after you apply gives the same rights (incl. work) until the permit card is ready.
When protection ends: Ends with EU temporary protection (EU Council decision). The permit lapses earlier if you leave Germany for good or for more than 6 months (§51 AufenthG).
Men aged 18–60: People with Ukrainian military obligations who first entered the EU on or after 5 Aug 2026 get a §24 permit only with proof that they left legally or are exempt: the exit stamp or a Reserve+ document; since 9 Oct 2026 the same applies to the 90-day visa-free stay. People already living in the EU are not affected, even if they became liable later (e.g. turned 18 or were called up). Military obligations are not grounds for asylum either.
Trips to Ukraine: Yes, with a §24 permit you can travel to Ukraine and back at any time. If you receive basic income (Grundsicherungsgeld, formerly Bürgergeld), get the Jobcenter's consent in advance: for up to 3 weeks (21 days) a year payments continue, on longer trips they are paid only for 3 weeks, and after more than 6 weeks away the entitlement ends. Protection lapses if you are away for over 6 months, unless the Ausländerbehörde extends this period before it runs out.
Children without parents: A child without a parent or person with custody counts as unaccompanied even when travelling with a grandparent or other relative: the local Jugendamt takes the child into care (Inobhutnahme), checks the situation in a clearing procedure and asks the family court to appoint a guardian, who can be the relative. Bring the birth certificate, the parents' notarised consent or power of attorney and any Ukrainian guardianship decision; families taking in someone else's child should contact the Jugendamt.

Travel, pets and language

How to get there: Bus, train (via neighbouring EU countries), car. No flights from Ukraine — Ukrainian airspace is closed to civil aviation.
Pets: EU rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, then a rabies antibody test at least 30 days later and a 3-month wait from the blood sample; EU health certificate from an official vet ≤10 days before arrival.
Driving licence: Yes: with protection under §24 a Ukrainian licence is valid for the whole protection period, with no translation or international licence (also if it expired after 31 Dec 2021). Since 18 Aug 2026 Ukraine is on the list in Annex 11 of the FeV, so the licence can be exchanged for a German one without the theory and driving tests at the local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde; anyone planning to stay after protection ends should exchange it in time.
Languages: German is essential (authorities, most jobs); English helps in big cities. Integration courses up to B1: admission via BAMF; fee exemption possible on application.

Work, healthcare and education

Right to work: Yes, immediately: a §24 permit or Fiktionsbescheinigung marked 'Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt' allows any job or self-employment; no separate permit needed.
Jobs in demand: Nursing and health care, childcare educators, construction and skilled trades, professional drivers, cooks, social work. Software development is no longer a shortage job (Federal Employment Agency, 2025).
Healthcare: Yes, if on benefits: Grundsicherungsgeld recipients are in statutory health insurance (full cover, eGK card); Sozialamt recipients get a health card; employees are insured via their job.
Kindergarten: Legal right to a Kita place from age 1. Fees set by Land/municipality; free in Berlin; waived on application for recipients of Grundsicherungsgeld, social assistance, AsylbLG or housing benefit.
School: Yes. School is compulsory from the year a child turns 6 (9–10 years of schooling); public schools charge no tuition.

Benefits

Housing support: Jobcenter/Sozialamt pays reasonable rent and heating. Jobcenter: since 1 Jul 2026, rent in the first year is covered up to 1.5× the local limit. Get written approval before signing a lease.
One-time payment: No lump-sum payment. On application the Jobcenter/Sozialamt can grant one-off aid, e.g. for initial furnishing (furniture).
Monthly allowance for adults: Grundsicherungsgeld (ex-Bürgergeld) if in need, 2026: €563/month single adult, €506 per partner, €451 aged 18–24 at parents', plus rent. Planned AsylbLG (€455) for arrivals since 1 Apr 2025: not in force.
Monthly allowance for children: €357 (age 0–5), €390 (6–13), €471 (14–17) per month + €25 child supplement (2026). Kindergeld of €259/child is paid to §24 permit holders but counts as income against these benefits.

Cost of living

Average rent: Approx. asking cold rent (Q3 2026): Munich €20.20/m², Berlin €13.23/m², Leipzig €9.08/m², German average €9.01/m² → 50 m² ≈ €450–1,000/month plus utilities.
Groceries per person per month: Approx. €200–250 per person per month; an average household spends €457/month on food, drinks and tobacco (Destatis, 2024).
Kindergarten fees: Set by each Land/municipality — no national average; free in Berlin (extras up to €100/month); waived on application for benefit recipients.
Private school fees: Public schools: free. Private schools: fees vary, no reliable average (—).
Health insurance cost: Voluntary statutory insurance if not insured via a job or benefits (join within 6 months of arrival): approx. €267–283/month incl. long-term care (2026 minimum, TK).

Documents, consulates, legal helpThe same in every country: e-Consul, Diia, free legal aid, a psychologist.

All information is for reference only. Rules and benefits change often, so some of it may be out of date. Always check with official sources before making a decision.

If you spot an inaccuracy, please write to us at howtohelpuacom@gmail.com.