Ukraine - stay in Germany

For the time being, people from Ukraine can decide for themselves where they want to stay. This can also be with friends and relatives or with strangers who offer a room or an apartment. Ukrainians are allowed to stay in Germany without a visa for up to 90 days if they have a biometric passport. Even those who have already entered the country in December 2021, January or February 2022 do not need to worry about extending their stay until May 31, 2022. The Bremen Migration Office published a general ruling to this effect on March 2, 2022.

Those who do not have a biometric passport would have had to enter with a visa. Those who entered the country without a visa can apply for toleration at the Foreigners' Office (Migrationsamt, +49 421 361-88630; e-mail: ukraine@migrationsamt.bremen.de).

Protection-seekers from Ukraine whose stay is to extend beyond May 23, 2022, please register with the Foreigners' Registration Office (Migrationsamt).

Those who apply for financial assistance from the Social Services Office are obliged to subsequently also obtain a residence permit from the Foreigners' Registration Office in Bremen (Migration Office, +49 421 361-88630; e-mail: ukraine@migrationsamt.bremen.de).

If you have fled to Germany because of the war in your home country, you are generally entitled to social benefits, accommodation, health care, a place in kindergarten and school for your children and the right to pursue an occupation (initially for up to 3 years). In order to take advantage of this possibility, you need a residence permit according to § 24 Residence Act.

To apply for a residence permit, please fill out the form you will find on the right under "Further Information" and send it by mail to the Migration Office (ukraine@migrationsamt.bremen.de). You must scan and send copies of the passport (or other identity documents) for each person.

You can also submit the application for a residence title online at the help portal of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland. You will find the link under "Further information".

No. People from Ukraine are admitted on the basis of Section 24 of the Residence Act (the so-called "mass influx directive"). Ukrainian nationals are therefore recommended by the responsible Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs (BMI) not to apply for asylum. According to the Residence Act, they are initially allowed to stay in Germany for one year, with the possibility of an extension for another two years.

Those who arrive in Bremen can stay in Bremen for the time being. At the end of the visa-free stay, an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office is required to extend the stay.

Those who have not entered with a biometric passport must already report to the Foreigners' Registration Office (Migrationsamt, +49 421 361-88630; e-mail: ukraine@migrationsamt.bremen.de).

However, those who wish to stay longer in Germany and therefore apply for a residence permit in accordance with Section 24 of the Residence Act may still be assigned to another federal state when the necessary registration is completed.

Section 24 of the Residence Act grants temporary protection initially for one year, then for up to two additional years. This guarantees a right to accommodation and social benefits, health insurance coverage and medical care, as well as the right to education and school attendance. Paragraph 24 also ensures access to the labor market. Paragraph 24 is applied to

(a) Ukrainian nationals who had their residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022,

(b) stateless persons and nationals of third countries other than Ukraine who, prior to 24 February 2022, enjoyed international protection or an

(c) equivalent national protection (note: these persons regularly have an appropriate passport indicating their status),

(d) family members of the categories of persons referred to in (a) and (b) above.

(e) stateless persons and nationals of other third countries who can prove that they have resided legally in Ukraine on the basis of a Ukrainian valid permanent residence permit prior to February 24, 2022, and who are unable to return safely and permanently to their country or region of origin.
(Note: The examination is carried out by the competent foreigners authority).

Further information can be obtained from the Foreigners Authority in Bremen (Migration Office, +49 421 - 361-88630; e-mail: ukraine@migrationsamt.bremen.de).

The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland (BMI) has compiled the most important information, also in English and Ukrainian:
BMI - Homepage - Fragen und Antworten zur Einreise aus der Ukraine (bund.de)
(https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/faqs/DE/themen/ministerium/ukraine-krieg/faq-ukraine-artikel.html)