War in Ukraine 

No, the borders are open and can be passed through.

According to our information, Ukrainian men of military age are currently not allowed to leave Ukraine. There may currently be long waiting times to cross the borders into neighbouring countries. Take sufficient water, food, and warm clothing with you. 

To enter the EU without a visa, Ukrainians must have a biometric passport, however, at present this requirement is often being waived at border crossings to enable all displaced peoples to enter. This applies for refugees of war without Ukrainian nationality but who have lived in Ukraine.

Important information for people entering the EU from Ukraine and wishing to remain
German, Ukrainian, Russian
(Source: Handbook Germany)
Be safe while you travel: An IOM flyer
German,  Ukrainian

Normally, people who come to Germany from third countries – primarily countries outside of the EU – require a passport and visa or residence permit. However, exceptions are being made due to the war in Ukraine: People without Ukrainian nationality, who have had to flee Ukraine as a result of the war, may travel to and reside in Germany under certain conditions even if they do not have a residence permit. However, they must apply for a residence permit after arriving in Germany. This also applies to longer-term stays, such as family reunifications or for work. This exception is currently valid until 30 November 2022. Please note that you must have spoken to a foreigners authority or have applied for a residence permit no later than 90 days after entering Germany.    

Important: It is not the case that travellers or any refugee applications/registrations from Ukraine are only permitted in Berlin.

If your residence permit is still valid, for example if you have spent less than six months in Ukraine or have agreed a different period with the relevant immigration authorities, you can return to Germany by presenting your passport and valid residence permit.

Currently, you only need to provide evidence that you have either been vaccinated against COVID-19, have been infected and recovered, or have tested negative. However, German police are taking into account the current situation of refugees from Ukraine, and COVID-19 tests are also available at the border. 

FAQs about entering Germany from Ukraine (in German)
(Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland (Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat)

Yes. Until further notice, you won’t need a ticket to enter Germany by train; a Ukrainian passport or corresponding Ukrainian ID document is sufficient. For onward journeys on long-distance transport, you can get a “helpukraine” ticket in DB travel centres (located in train stations) free of charge. Ukrainians do not need a ticket to travel on local German public transport. Deutsche Bahn has compiled information on this (in German, English, Ukrainian, Russian).

Local public transport (busses, S-Bahn (city trains)) can be used for free in many cities, for example in Berlin and Brandenburg.

The airspace above Ukraine is currently closed. There are currently no plans for German authorities to evacuate German or Ukrainian citizens. Germans in Ukraine are urged to leave the country by safe means immediately. If this is not possible, stay in a secure location.

Please contact the relevant immigration authority. 

The current exemption to passport obligations applies to individuals who do not have a valid or replacement passport (see Section 1.3). Until further notice, the affected group of persons shall include foreigners travelling from neighbouring countries due to adversity or catastrophe, who require assistance in Germany (Section 14 sentence 1 number 1 of the Residence Act).

In principle, you may also apply for asylum without any documents; however, this is currently discouraged if you have fled Ukraine due to the war. Under certain circumstances, you may remain in Germany even without an asylum application and receive a humanitarian residence permit, see Section 1.13, 1.14 and 1.15. 

Please consult an advisory centre or a lawyer. Immigration authorities are also obliged to advise you.

People who do not require benefits in the context of visa-free entry are not registered until they apply to the relevant foreigners authority for the title according to § 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). You should do this no later than 90 days after entering Germany. You will otherwise only be registered if you contact an authority because you need help, for example in the form of accommodation or other benefits. 

More information on this topic
German and Ukrainian
(Source: Handbook Germany)

Ukrainian nationals who lived in or had their habitual residence in Ukraine on 24th February 2022 but who were temporarily staying in Germany at this time, e.g. for visiting purposes or for a business trip, have been temporarily permitted to apply for the necessary residence permit only within the federal territory of Germany by 30 November 2022. Temporary protection status under § 24 AufenthG (German residence act) is granted by the immigration authority as a humanitarian residence permit. 

Ukrainian nationals who were already resident in the federal territory of Germany can also make a corresponding application, if their residence permit could not be extended (for example because the maximum duration for the EU study-related internship under § 16e AufenthG has been reached) or if the issue requirements no longer apply (for example school-leaving qualification with a residence permit under § 16f AufenthG). 

The German Ministry of Family Affairs has set up a registration and coordination office to register Ukrainian children and teenagers from children’s homes and orphanages in Ukraine. The central coordination office (at the Federal Office of Administration) registers admissions and capacities in the federal states and oversees the distribution of evacuated groups across these states including shared accommodation, supplies and care for the groups and accompanying people. The registration office is located at SOS Children's Villages (SOS-Kinderdorf) and informs institutions, organisations and private individuals organising the admission of children and teenagers and provides contact persons. It can be contacted daily from 8 am to 7 pm by calling the freephone number 0800-1260612. 
Further information is available on the SOS coordination office website and the Ministry of Family Affairs website.

In Germany, the local Youth Welfare Offices are generally responsible for initial admissions and checking whether children and teenagers should legally travel accompanied or unaccompanied. Unaccompanied minors always remain the responsibility of the Youth Welfare Offices and are provided accommodation and support in the local area. 

Information on this and other legal queries regarding the relocation of Ukrainian children, teenagers and their families to Germany is available in the FAQs of the BMFSFJ and provides a report by the Deutsches Institut für Jugendhilfe und Familienrecht e.V. The BMFSFJ has also provided the states with a rule of interpretation on the key legal questions in this regard and has been in regular discussions with the states since the outbreak of war.

In general, you are initially allowed to stay in Germany for up to 90 days. For longer stays in Germany, you need to register with the relevant immigration authority after you have arrived, and before the end of the 90-day period. 

In accordance with a decision made by the European Union, Ukrainian citizens and specific third-country citizens without Ukrainian nationality will be issued with a humanitarian residence permit (including work permits) (Section 24 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz).

The German federal ministry of the interior has sent written instructions to the authorities responsible in the federal states, on how to apply the statutory requirements of § 24 AufenthG. These instructions can be found online and are also available to solicitors and advice centres.

Important: Anyone who has already been in Germany for 90 days or more as of 31 August 2022 and wishes to continue to remain in Germany lawfully must contact the competent foreigners authority by 31 August 2022, otherwise the stay may become unauthorised, which may have negative consequences.

Yes, you can and should. 

Please contact the relevant Immigration authority in good time (within 90 days) . In principle, anyone escaping the war in Ukraine without a visa is permitted (see Section 1.2, 1.3) to apply for a residence permit – either for the purpose of study, training or employment as a skilled worker with a recognised professional qualification (if required). 

However, due to the war the use of a special protection status was agreed, referred to as temporary protection. This enables Ukrainian nationals and certain third-country nationals coming to Germany to obtain a residence permit more easily due to the war in Ukraine. This residence permit is granted by the immigration authorities in the form of a humanitarian residence permit in accordance with Section 24 of the Residence Act. 

Ukrainian nationals who have already received a German residence permit that cannot be extended may also submit an application for this permit. Reasons why a residence permit is not extended may include: the maximum duration has been reached for study-related EU internships pursuant to Section 16e of the Residence Act or the relevant requirements are no longer met (e.g. school leaving qualification for a residence permit pursuant to Section 16f of the Residence Act).

Regarding the application of Section 24 of the Residence Act, the BMI issued further instructions to states and their immigration authorities on 14.04.2022, which differentiate between the following groups: 

1. Third-country nationals without Ukrainian nationality but with specific proven family ties to Ukrainian nationals - spouses, civil partners, underage children or other close relatives - or who lived in Ukraine as a recognised refugee are treated as Ukrainian nationals. This also applies to parents travelling to Germany to follow their underage children with Ukrainian nationality.

2. Third-country nationals without Ukrainian nationality or who are stateless and have permanent residency in Ukraine are also routinely treated as Ukrainian nationals.

3. For third-country nationals without Ukrainian nationality, without specific family ties to Ukrainian nationals and no permanent residency in Ukraine, their permanent and safe return to their country of nationality must be regularly checked. This requires a case-by-case review, taking the specific circumstances of the individual into account. 
You should provide the immigration authorities with details of the duration and purpose of your previous stay in Ukraine before the war outbreak (e.g. employment, study, other professional training) and provide proof where possible.

• a) If you are a national of Eritrea, Syria or Afghanistan, it is not possible to ensure your permanent and safe return.
• b) If you belong to a so-called vulnerable group (e.g. women travelling alone with small children, people with disabilities), and medical reasons (illness) prevent your return to the country of origin or you would not receive a living wage in your country of origin, the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) will contact the immigration authority to ascertain whether you can permanently and safely return to your country of origin.
• c) If you fear political persecution or other serious human rights violations, the immigration authority will refer you to the BAMF.  You can then apply for asylum there, which will be reviewed as part of an asylum process.

Checking the permanent and safe return to your country of origin may be delayed in the cases 3 b) and c) if you have a genuine chance of another residence permit, e.g. if you have an offer of employment, a training opportunity or scholarship in progress that could ensure your livelihood in Germany.

If you fall into one of the groups above under 3 b) or c) in particular, you should seek advice from a lawyer or arrange an appointment with an advisory centre that is familiar with foreign legal matters (e.g. authorities mentioned under 7.4) before visiting the immigration authorities.
 

You can also apply for a residence permit online in accord with § 24 of the Aufenthaltsgesetz in the central help portal if the immigration authorities at your place of residence are involved. Online applications are possible in the pilot operation at more than 50 immigration authorities of ten federal states; more are to follow.

The online service enables you to apply for a residency permit for temporary protection in accord with § 24 of the Aufenthaltsgesetz. It is offered in Ukrainian, Russian, English and German.

By entering your postal code or submitting your current location, you can see whether it is already possible to apply digitally at your place of residence. If this is not the case, you will be shown the contact details of the competent authority.

Note: As before, refugees must appear in person on site at the authority for identity verification and recording of biometric data. After applying online, you will be invited to an appointment by the immigration authorities.

Ukrainian citizens who have entered without a visa (i.e. with a biometric passport) may travel within the EU and Schengen area.

However, if you have a residence permit for a Member State, this only applies for 90 days within a period of 180 days. It is only possible to move with approval from the member state you intend to move to. You will need to apply for a work permit from each country in which you intend to work (i.e. being there while you work). You can find information below for Ukrainian citizens who do not have a biometric passport and therefore require a visa.

Yes, you will receive support. If you require support, for example with accommodation, meals or medical care, you are entitled to benefits pursuant to the Asylum Seekers' Benefit Act.

 If you are initially granted a temporary so-called "fictitious certificate" (Fiktionsbescheinigung) and / or (subsequently) a residence permit according to § 24 AufenthG, you shall also be entitled to benefits according to the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act. Please contact in this regard the local social welfare office.

If you are employed or remain in Germany for at least 15 months, you are entitled to child benefit. If necessary, this will be offset against your existing claims under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.

The fixed abode should be repealed by the relevant immigration authority if you or a family member living with you are employed to a certain extent or undertaking funded training. You must then contact the responsible social welfare office.

If you have been subjected to identification procedures and are first granted a so-called “fictitious certificate” and / or (subsequently) a residence permit in accordance with § 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), you can apply for basic security benefits in accordance with Social Security Code (SGB) II or SGB XII from 01 June 2022 onwards. Please contact the job centre responsible for you at your place of residence. Information on the prerequisites for basic security benefits and on how to apply can be obtained from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). 

With the fictitious certificate, you are entitled to child benefit. If necessary, this will be offset against your existing claims under SGB II or SGB XII.

If they are “close relatives”, yes. Close relationship ties exist if your relatives lived with you on 24.02.2022 or if they were entirely or largely dependent on you as people in need of care. Your children who have come of age whilst fleeing to Germany will also remain with you as “close relatives”. Please inform the immigration authorities of existing family relationships at an early stage. At present it is not easy for the authorities to have a complete overview of family relationships and therefore to take them into account.

Deportations to Ukraine are currently not being carried out.

However, we recommend that you contact an advisory service. You may be issued with a residence permit if you fulfil the requirements laid out in Section 24 of the Residence Act. 

Provided you are free to choose your own place of residence, there are various platforms offering private accommodation, for example:

#Unterkunft Ukraine
(Source: gut.org charitable public limited company)

Host4 Ukraine (English)
(Source: Churchpool)

Warmes Bett - Notunterkünfte für Familien
(Source: Fortuna hilft e.V.)

Many people in Germany and Europe are currently offering accommodation to people from Ukraine free of charge. 

Protect yourself from dubious offers and notify the police (phone: 110) if you feel uncomfortable. Minors may not be privately housed without their families under any circumstances. In such cases, the police or the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) should be notified. The helpline Gewalt gegen Frauen (violence towards women) provides free advice by phone on 08000 116 016, as well as by e-mail and online chat in 18 languages, including Ukrainian.

A guide to protecting women and children from violence can be found here.

You may also be housed in an immigration reception centre or emergency accommodation provided by the individual federal states. Please ask your local immigration authority or the police for an address. A digital map of the initial reception facilities can be found here (in Ukrainian). You do not need to apply for asylum to receive housing.

If you have been issued with a residence permit in accordance with Section 24 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz) and need somewhere to stay, the social security authorities will cover the costs of appropriate accommodation. The social security authorities will determine whether these requirements are met. You should find out about this before renting accommodation.

Medical treatment in Germany is available in the form of visits to doctors' practices (outpatient) and hospitals (inpatient). In the case of new medical problems or for the treatment of long-term illnesses, you should usually first visit a general practitioner (in the case of children, a practice for paediatrics and adolescent medicine). The doctor will then decide whether to refer you to specialists for further treatment or whether you should go to hospital. Any prescription medication you may need can be prescribed by the doctor. You must then present the prescription to a pharmacy and collect the medicine directly.

If in some acute case (not life-threatening) you need to see a doctor outside normal opening hours, you can call the medical on-call service (call number 116 117). In an emergency, you can also go to the emergency outpatient department of a hospital.

In the event of a life-threatening condition (for example, a suspected heart attack/stroke or a serious accident), you should alert the emergency services by dialing 112.

The “Schwangere in Not” (Pregnant women in need) helpline provides free, anonymous advice around the clock on 0800 4040 020, also in Ukrainian. 

Since the 1st of June, people fleeing from Ukraine in need of assistance have been eligible for services in accordance with the Second or Twelfth Book of the German Social Code (SGB II or SGBI XII). As a result, after meeting residency conditions, they have access to statutory health insurance and its services. People who have fled from Ukraine, but are not in need of assistance in the meaning of SGB II or SGB XII can voluntarily opt in to statutory health insurance. Voluntary insurance also includes the option of free family insurance included in statutory health insurance.

The Federal Ministry of Health und das Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat also provides information about medical care, psychological support, nursing care, and support for disabilities and Covid-19 in Ukrainian. 

Please contact your localsocial welfare office for advice. The Equal Treatment Authority for EU Workers offers advice on health insurance (also for non-EU citizens) (in various languages).

Information about medical help
(Source: Federal Ministry for Health)

Information about medical care for refugees
(Source: German Medical Association)

Appointment for medical insurance (including for non-EU citizens) in different languages
(Source: Equal Treatment Office for EU Workers)

The doctor treating you can prescribe the required medication. If you are employed and pay social security contributions, you will receive health insurance benefits. 

Since the 1st of June, people fleeing from Ukraine in need of assistance have been eligible for services in accordance with the Second or Twelfth Book of the German Social Code (SGB II or SGBI XII). As a result, after meeting residency conditions, they have access to statutory health insurance and its services. People who have fled from Ukraine, but are not in need of assistance in the meaning of SGB II or SGB XII can voluntarily opt in to statutory health insurance. Voluntary insurance also includes the option of free family insurance included in statutory health insurance.

Refugees and health
(Source: Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit))

Yes, you can access psychological care free of charge. You can visit municipal public service agencies as well as psycho-social centres for refugees and victims of torture.

The socio-psychiatric service also helps anyone suffering from a mental illness. They can provide advice quickly and easily to those affected and their relatives.

Since the 1st of June, people fleeing from Ukraine in need of assistance have been eligible for services in accordance with the Second or Twelfth Book of the German Social Code (SGB II or SGBI XII). As a result, after meeting residency conditions, they have access to statutory health insurance and its services. Psychological counselling and therapy are also included as part of the services covered under statutory health insurance. 

Children, adolescents and young adults (up to the age of 25) can use Crisis Chat Ukraine free of charge, which offers digital psychosocial consultation 24 hours a day.

The Ukraine Helpline, available in Ukrainian and Russian at telephone number 0800 500 22 50, offers free advice for refugees from Ukraine over the phone, and covers a wide range of topics and concerns.

You can also get support from psychotherapists that speak Ukrainian or Russian.

Multilingual information on everything to do with COVID-19
(Source: The Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration (Beauftragte für Migration, Flüchtlinge und Integration)

The German government also provides information about current coronavirus regulations and provides links to regulations in Germany’s 16 federal states. 

The following applies to everyone in the fight against coronavirus:

• Social distancing – keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres from other people, for example on buses or trains, when shopping or walking.
• Pay attention to hygiene – wash your hands regularly with soap and pay attention to hygiene rules when coughing and sneezing.
• Wear a mask – please always wear a mask if you cannot safely keep a distance of 1.5 metres from others when in public spaces. You must wear a surgical mask or FFP2 mask (covering your nose and mouth) when on local public transport, when shopping, and wherever you may come into contact with people in an enclosed space. 

You can get vaccinated against COVID-19 for free at vaccination centres, doctor’s surgeries or in pharmacies.

You can use the map of Germany created by Together against Corona to quickly and easily find a vaccination appointment in the area you are staying or living.

Current coronavirus regulations in Germany’s federal states
(Source: German central government (Bundesregierung))

There is currently no general COVID-19 vaccine mandate in Germany. But COVID-19 vaccination is free, so the German government is asking everyone to get vaccinated.

In accordance with the current legal guidelines, if you were vaccinated with the Chinese or Russian vaccines, you will need a new round of vaccinations with an EU approved vaccine to be considered vaccinated in the EU.

Yes, in Germany it is compulsory to vaccinate children against measles for them to be accepted into nurseries. Doctors carry out the vaccinations at their surgeries.

Since the 1st of June, people fleeing from Ukraine in need of assistance have been eligible for services in accordance with the Second or Twelfth Book of the German Social Code (SGB II or SGBI XII). As a result, after meeting residency conditions, they have access to statutory health insurance and its services. People who have fled from Ukraine, but are not in need of assistance in the meaning of SGB II or SGB XII can voluntarily opt in to statutory health insurance. Voluntary insurance also includes the option of free family insurance included in statutory health insurance.

If possible, please declare when registering if you or your relatives require barrier-free accommodation and/or accommodation outside collective accommodation due to some impairment/disability. 

If you need special assistance or support due to an impairment/disability, for example an assistant or a wheelchair, you can discuss this with your local social welfare office. 

In order to better coordinate the care of refugees with disabilities and/or nursing care needs, the Federal contact point was established at the German Red Cross. You can reach the federal contact point via their hotline at 030 / 854 047 89. 

Refugees from Ukraine can attend integration courses free of charge. As soon as it is known whether special integration courses/job-related German language courses are available for people with impairments, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees will provide information in this regard. 

Special offers are available for children with disabilities – including for their integration in day-care centres and schools. You can mention your needs to the relevant authority in your state of residence. For children with diagnosed or suspected mental impairments, contact the local Youth Welfare Office.

Once you have obtained a working permit, your local employment agency will support you free of charge in your search for suitable employment or training. There is also a wide range of support measures, for example coaching or special assistance for people with disabilities. Ask your employment agency for so-called rehabilitation counsellors who specialise in integrating people with disabilities into the labour market. 

The Ergänzende unabhängige Teilhabeberatung (Supplementary independent participation advice service EUTB) advises people with (imminent) disabilities or chronic illnesses and their relatives nationwide. This also applies to people who have fled their country, like those currently fleeing from Ukraine. Information related to the EUTB is also available in Ukrainian and in simplified language. You can find the advice centres here.

The EnableMe foundation offers information, exchange opportunities and various services for everyday life for people with disabilities or chronic illness in Ukrainian.

The German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted supports blind and visually impaired refugees and their families on the run and in Germany. 

The mittendrin e.V. association has created an information page in Ukrainian and Russian for this group of people: 

People with disabilities and the people accompanying them can find support in their search for onward transfer to Germany here.

In Germany, everyone has the right to a basic account that must fulfil certain minimum functions. This includes depositing and withdrawing cash, paying direct debits, transfers and standing orders, as well as providing card payments. The bank is allowed to charge reasonable account management fees for this basic account. In order to get a basic account, you need to apply at a bank and prove your identity. Most banks provide online application forms. Information on basic accounts is available here in German and English. To open a regular current account you normally need the following documents: a valid passport, residence permit, certificate of registration, pay statement (depending on the type of account). 

As of 27 July 2022, the Ukrainian driving licence will continue to be valid in the EU.

For the time being, refugees from Ukraine do not have to have their driving licences changed. For the duration of their protected status, Ukrainian driving licences are recognised throughout the territory of the EU. You do not need a translation or an international driving licence.

Refugees from Ukraine can take part in integration courses free of charge. To do this, they must submit an application to the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Click here to see which office is responsible for you and where integration courses are being offered.

Enrolment applications can be submitted directly to an integration course provider. Here you will need to present a residency permit or provisional residency permit. In individual cases, other confirmations of your registration and/or your visit to the immigration office may also be accepted, for example if the immigration office is currently unable to issue extension certificates. In this case, if possible, attach a copy of your passport or ID card to your application.

Further information is available on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. An overview of the language services offered by BAMF for Ukrainian refugees is available here. 

If you want to practice German on your own, free of charge, we recommend 

• the VHS learning portal 
• the language component of the App "Arrival" 
• the online-offer from Deutsche Welle
• The portal „My way to Germany“ (Практикувати німецьку мову) from the Goethe-Institute

You can get a list of all nearby nurseries as well as a registration form from the youth welfare office. You can also enrol your child in a private nursery. To do so, please contact the nursery of your choice directly. As the costs of attending daycare vary, it is best to get more information from your local authority or nursery.

A guide available in Ukrainian and German provides initial information on child day care in Germany.

There are numerous organisations nationwide (Caritas, Diakonie, Pritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, AWO, The German Red Cross, and others), as well as local associations and alliances that offer language mediation or who can put you in contact with voluntary language mediators. The ethno-medical centre provides language mediators for healthcare issues, for example.

Local migrant organisations can also put you in contact with language mediators (see question: Which other civic agencies can I reach out to?) and independent advisory services (see question: Which independent advisory services can I reach out to?).

If you require educational support, you can contact the Youth Welfare Office in your local area at any time; for example, if you are having issues with your parents who are also living in Germany. They will be able to advise and support you there. The Youth Welfare Office provides support for young people under the age of 28 .
The Youth Welfare Office is also primarily responsible for providing accommodation and material supplies for unaccompanied minors (Section 1.12). Whether children and teenagers must be legally accompanied or not upon arrival is a legal matter to be clarified by the Youth Welfare Office. 

Information on this and other legal queries regarding the relocation of Ukrainian children, teenagers and their families to Germany is available in the FAQs of the BMFSFJ and provides a report by the Deutsches Institut für Jugendhilfe und Familienrecht e.V.

The following media services provide information and news on Germany and Ukraine. The providers are responsible for the content.

• The specialist site of the Erstes Deutsches Fernsehen collates the ARD programmes in Ukrainian. 
• The 8 p.m. episode of ARD Tagesschau is available on ARD Mediathek with Ukrainian and Russian subtitles, and is also available on the Tagesschau YouTube channel the following day. 
• The Deutsche Welle provides daily news.  
• Ukraine Update is the news headlines programme of the RTL and ntv channels, which reports, from Monday to Friday, on the current situation in Ukraine. The programme is always available in the evenings on RTL.news, ntv.de and the ntv YouTube channel. 
• Cosmo, the international radio programme from Westdeutschen Rundfunk, broadcasts »ukrainischen Deutschlandminute«, a daily mini podcast in Ukrainian. 
• How to Deutschland is an offering from Funk, the online network of ZDF and ARD. On its Instagram channel for Ukrainian refugees, Funk provides tips for everyday life in Ukrainian, English and German. 
• The multilingual information portal Handbook Germany der Neuen deutschen Medienmacher*innen provides refugees from Ukraine with information on immigration, residence and everyday life in Ukrainian and Russian, via its website, Facebook and other channels. 
• The Katapult magazine delivers news and information on its own Twitter channel. 
• Radio Golos Berlina 97.2 FM (Russian: Радио Голос Берлина, ‘Radio Stimme Berlins’ - ‘Voice Radio Berlin’) broadcasts in Russian from Berlin. The station also transmits to the Berlin metropolitan area on UKW / VHF frequency 97.2 MHz. 
• OstWest is a private television channel, which broadcasts from Germany in Russian.

The following offerings are suitable for children:

• ARD-Mediathek has established a dedicated section for children in the Ukrainian language. This includes children’s television programmes, such as »Unser Sandmännchen« (»Our Little Sandman«) and »Shaun das Schaf« (»Shaun the Sheep«). A series of video clips entitled »Deutsch lernen mit Socke« (»Learn German with Sock«) also introduces children to the German language through simple everyday situations. 
• The Sendung mit der Maus (Programme with the Mouse) for Ukrainian children on the network shows video clips of explanatory stories in a dedicated section within the Mouse World. The videos are accompanied by Ukrainian language voice-overs. 

In several places in Germany, cultural and leisure activities are currently being offered free of charge to children and adults who have fled Ukraine, for example in Berlin. The website Free-Smile offers activities for Ukrainian children free of charge.

The Verbraucherzentrale offers information, advice and publications on almost all topics that concern consumers. The websites provide free information on matters such as contracts (telephone, mobile phone, etc.), bills, reminders, insurance, travel, energy, environment and food. Within the scope of their area of responsibility, the consumer advice centres are also permitted to advise and represent citizens out of court. There are advice centres in all 16 Federal States. Find the addresses.

If you are in need of assistance, for example with regard to accommodation, food or medical care, and you have undergone identification procedures, you will first be granted a so-called “fictitious certificate” and / or (subsequently) a residence permit in accordance with § 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). Since 01 June 2022, you can apply for basic security benefits according to SGB II or SGB XII. Please contact the job centre responsible for your place of residence. Information on the prerequisites for basic security benefits and on how to apply can be obtained from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). 

If you have been granted a residence permit according to § 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or a corresponding fictitious certificate after 24 February 2022 and before 1 June 2022 and you have not yet been subjected to identification procedures, it is sufficient to store your data in the Central Register of Foreigners. The identification must then be made up for by 31 August 2022.

On the subjects of employment and welfare benefits, the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has also provided FAQ in German, Ukrainian, Russian and English.

Please contact the Social Welfare Office which is your local authority for assistance. The financial assistance due to you will then depends on the type of residence permit you receive. A “fictitious certificate” issued first as a transitional measure and / or (subsequently) a residence permit issued in accordance with § 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) opens up access to benefits according to Book II of the Social Security Code in the event of a need for assistance.

It’s best to contact a local advisory service before applying for a residence permit.

From the age of 6 or 7, education is compulsory for all children in Germany, and so they must attend school. Compulsory schooling and access to the educational system for refugee children and adolescents are regulated differently in each federal state. Enquire with your local education authority to find out the regulations that apply to you. If you have questions about attending school, external services may to able to advise you, for example the youth migration service (for children and young people aged 12 and over).

If you would like a nursery place in a municipal nursery, you can apply to your local youth welfare office. You can get more information on nursery placements there. We recommend applying early as places in certain municipal nurseries may be limited.

There are lots of organisations in Germany (Caritas, Diakonie, Pritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, AWO, The German Red Cross, and others), as well as local associations and alliances that offer language mediation or who can put you in contact with voluntary language mediators. 

The EU Equal Treatment Office provides information about schooling in Germany in various languages.

Schools offer various forms of language support in order to impart knowledge of German or to improve existing knowledge. In some Federal states, Ukrainian pupils are taught separately in preparatory classes, which are called “welcome classes” or “transition classes” depending on the Federal state. In some Federal states, Ukrainian schoolchildren are taught in regular classes and also receive supplementary German instruction.

The website “New Ukrainian School Hub” provides an overview of different learning platforms and language learning apps in different countries. For example, “Talky App” gives school children the opportunity to learn German independently at an individual pace according to their language level.

One alternative to nursery is care provided by a qualified childminder, for example. You can use daycare exchanges to look for suitable care in the area you’re staying.

The school authority (at your place of residence) can inform you which rules currently apply. 

Graduates of the 11th grade can enter the Studienkolleg preparatory college. As a rule, an examination is taken after one year of the Studienkolleg. This German qualification then entitles the holder to study at German universities. 

The prerequisite for recognition is that the foreign state (in this case Ukraine) itself regards the achievements as a higher education entrance qualification and also treats them as such.
During the Corona pandemic, when many schoolchildren were unable to complete their degrees with all the required examinations, Germany acted in the same way for all countries in the world. The Corona situation should also not put these students at a disadvantage.

Personal information, counselling and placement in training facilities are offered by the employment agencies Agenturen für Arbeit (in German and English).

The EU Equal Treatment Office provides information about schooling in Germany in various languages.

For more information on vocational training, contact the Central Office of the Federal Government for International Vocational Training Cooperation (GOVET). The multilingual media offered as part of vocational training is also available in Ukrainian: YouTube films, presentations, and information for mediators helping refugees in Germany, as well as for experts and young people from Ukraine. 

Ukraine has been a member of the Bologna Process since 2005, which means that academic achievements gained in Ukraine are also recognised in Germany. The local university or college decides whether the course you started in Ukraine can be seamlessly continued in Germany. As such, please contact the relevant university or college directly. For more information, see here.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides information about study and funding opportunities in Germany. The National Academic Contact Point Ukraine website provides information about studying in Germany in German and Ukrainian.

The Bildungsberatung Garantiefonds Hochschule (GF-H) advises (German and English) refugees from Ukraine on the possibilities of starting / continuing a university education in Germany. The GF-H-educational advisors will help you with the recognition of reports and certificates of education, with choosing your field of study and with applying to study a particular degree programme; they will also inform you about funding possibilities. This advice service is free of charge.

Please also get advice from your relevant immigration authority about the possibility of applying for a residence permit to continue your studies or education.

If you are a third-country national without Ukrainian citizenship and cannot obtain a residence permit according to § 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) (e.g. because you can return to your country of origin, see 1.14), you can stay in Germany until 31 August 2022 and apply for a residence permit (see 1.14). If you want to continue your studies in Germany, you must apply for a “regular” residence permit according to § 16b Residence Act (AufenthG) (“Residence for the purpose of studying”). In order to receive this residence permit, you must be able to prove that you have accepted a place at university and that you can provide proof of your means of subsistence (e.g. funds in a blocked account or scholarships) – just like other international students. 

The DAAD pools the latest information on its measures for German universities and sponsors, students and scientists from Ukraine, Germany and the Russian Federation (in German and English, and increasingly in Ukrainian). Support services can be found at the Nationale Akademische Kontaktstelle Ukraine of the DAAD (National Academic Contact Point Ukraine).

DAAD also provides support services from DAAD partners and international higher education institutions in German and English.

The VolkswagenStiftung has established a guest research programme for refugee Ukrainian scientists.

The non-profit organization ApplicAid also offers Ukrainian refugee students and academics support when applying for scholarships. 

The student unions will support Ukrainian students with offers for residences, extensions of leases, rent deferrals, coupons for university dining hall cards, psychological counselling or financial assistance through emergency funds.

Additional support services can be found at the Nationale Akademische Kontaktstelle Ukraine of the DAAD (National Academic Contact Point Ukraine).

Support for students from Ukraine (German)
(Source: German Student Union)

Please contact your local relevant immigration authority about the possibility of extending your residence permit, or if you have any questions about applying for a residence permit for a different purpose.

Temporary protection status under § 24 AufenthG (German residence act) is granted by the immigration authority as a humanitarian residence permit (cf. 1.10). Ukrainian nationals who were already resident in the federal territory of Germany can also make a corresponding application, if their residence permit could no longer be extended or if the issue requirements no longer apply to them (cf. 1.13).

Please contact the relevant institution responsible for your scholarship - the DAAD can easily arrange an extension, for example. 

Yes. The situation in Ukraine does not affect the granting or extension of your residence permit. Please contact the competent office for foreign nationals, Ausländerbehörde, at your location if you have any questions regarding the extension of your residence.

The German authorities are obliged to help you obtain employment as quickly as possible.

With the provisional document about your right of residence according to Section 24 paragraph 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) (so-called "Fictional certificate") you will also receive permission to work from the responsible foreigners authority. This provisional document by the immigration authorities and, subsequently, your residence permit must feature the statement “employment permitted”. You can then apply for any type of employment in Germany or undertake training.

Please note that certain professions require entrance qualifications (e.g. doctor, teacher, educator - more information is available under 6.12).

If you meet the requirements for this, you are then able to apply for a residence permit for employment purposes at your local immigration authority.

If you have travelled without a visa (1.12) and have not yet applied for a residence permit, the following applies: during your short-term, visa-free stay, employment is generally not possible and only permitted in certain cases (e.g. individuals with a company management position).

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has provided FAQs on the topic of work and social services in German, Ukrainian, Russian and English. 

When looking for a job, the employment agencies or Job centre provide advice and support free of charge. If you receive benefits according to Book II of the Social Security Code (SGB), the Job centre at your place of residence will support you. If you do not receive benefits according to Social Security Code (SGB) II, the employment agency at your place of residence will support you. 

Speaking German will generally make it easier to get a job, but it is not a prerequisite for every job. There are various options for learning languages.
Integration courses, initial orientation courses and special services for women are provided to get you started. You can be enrolled into an integration course by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees with a provisional residency permit or residency permit pursuant to Section 24 of the Residence Act. They are all free of charge.

If you have already completed an integration course or have a good level of German (B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), you can also attend a business language course. A work permit is required to attend this course. Either your local Job centre (if you receive benefits according to SGB II) or your local employment agency will be happy to advise you, work with you to find the right course and issue authorisation to participate. 

In general you will be able to continue working in Germany in your chosen profession once you have access to the employment market. However, certain professions in Germany are regulated (e.g. doctor, teacher, educator). This means that your qualifications must first be officially recognised before you can practice your profession here. The government provides information in multiple languages about whether you need to undergo this recognition procedure, as well as which documents are required, and which other options are available to you in the online portal “Recognition in Germany”.

You can get free advice and support from an advisory service as part of the support programme “Integration through qualification”. More information on the recognition of the teaching profession can be found at the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs.

If you have foreign educational or vocational qualifications, you can get them recognised in Germany. Your qualification will be compared to a similar German certificate in a recognition procedure. If your qualification is recognised to be equivalent, you will be notified. If your qualification is not recognised, you will be notified as to whether potential loopholes exist. You will then have an opportunity to undertake a post-qualification. Recognition of your professional qualification will increase your chances on the job market. Anyone with a foreign qualification has a right to this recognition procedure. Neither your residence status or citizenship plays a role.

There is a multilingual internet portal where you can enter your qualification and get step-by-step instructions on how the procedure works in Germany and which documents you need. The internet portal also contains information on the recognition of school-leaving and university qualifications. The key information on this topic is summarised in this flyer in German, English and Ukrainian.

Your job centre (if you receive benefits under SGB II) or your employment agency, (if you do not receive benefits according to SGB II), will help you find a suitable job, also in various languages.

Job centres or employment agencies will advise you and provide you specific job offers. In addition, there is a wide range of support measures, such as the covering of application costs, coaching or training courses. You can use the services of the Job centre or the Employment Agency free of charge.

Info material for download in Ukrainian and German can be found here. 

You will receive a contract of employment, usually in writing. It should contain information on your salary, holiday days, place of work and working hours or notice periods.

Please note that generally the agreed salary is gross, i.e. the amount before deductions of taxes and social security contributions. Taxes include income tax and church tax if you are a member of a church. Social insurance consists of statutory health, nursing care, pension, accident and unemployment insurance.

Your net earnings are indicated on your payslip. To get an overview in advance of how much you will actually receive, you can use one of the gross-net calculators available online. 

Minimum wage applies to all workers in Germany regardless of nationality. This is currently 9.83 euros per hour. The only exceptions are for people under the age of 18 who have not completed vocational training and for long-term unemployed people in the first six months of their employment.

Your rights as worker in Germany 
German and English
(Source: IQ-Netzwerk)

If you have concrete problems and questions, e.g. whether you are receiving sufficient wages, you can contact the Counselling Centres at Fair Integration. They will advise you free of charge and in many languages.

A Mini-Job is defined as employment where your pay does not exceed 450 EUR per month, if your employment is limited to three months or 70 days per year and, again, your pay does not exceed 450 EUR per month, and you do not secure your livelihood through the employment (no occupational regularity). In such a low-pay job, you are still insured against accidents at work and occupational diseases, but you do are not covered by the statutory health, long-term care and unemployment insurance. With a Mini-Job, you are in principle liable for pension insurance and pay pension contributions amounting to 3.6% of the salary. You can, however, apply for exemption from compulsory pension insurance. Even in a Mini-Job, you are entitled to the statutory minimum wage as well as continued payment of wages in the event of illness and absence from work on public holidays.

S.E. Herr Andrii Melnyk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 

Telephone: +49 30 288 871 28
Fax: +49 30 288 871 63

Postadresse
Albrechtstraße 26
10117 Berlin
Opening times
Mon - Fri 08.45 - 13.00 und 14.00 - 18.00

Website: http://germany.mfa.gov.ua/de
Email: emb_de@mfa.gov.ua

Berlin consular department:

Consular area of jurisdiction: Federal states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia
Departments
Consular department:
Opening times: Mon, Wed, Fri 09.00 - 12.45 and Tues 14.00 - 17.45
Tel.: +49 30 28 88 71 70 (Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 15.00 - 17.00, Tues 10.00 - 12.00)

Ukrainian general consulate
Immermannstraße 50-52
40210 Düsseldorf

Telephone: 0049211 936 542 1

Email: emb_de2@mfa.gov.ua
Website: https://duesseldorf.mfa.gov.ua

Generalkonsulat Ukraine
Vilbeler Straße 29 (Arcadia-Haus)
60313 Frankfurt am Main

Telephone: .004969 / 29 72 0920 (consular information 15.00 - 17.00)
Fax: 004969-29 72 09 29049

Email: gc_def@mfa.gov.ua
Website: https://frankfurt.mfa.gov.ua
Facebook: https://de-de.facebook.com/gcfrankfurt/

Ukrainian general consulate
Mundsburger Damm 1
22087 Hamburg

Telephone: +49 40 / 2294 98-10
Fax: +49 40 / 2294 9813

Email: gc_deg@mfa.gov.ua
Website: https://hamburg.mfa.gov.ua/de

Ukrainian general consulate
Lessingstr. 14
80336 München

Telephone: + 49 89 55 27 37 18
Fax: +49 89-55 27 37 55

Email: gc_dem@mfa.gov.ua
Website: https://munich.mfa.gov.ua/de

Honorary Ukrainian consulate in Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate
info@hansjuergen-doss.de

Honorary Ukrainian consulate in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg
info@honorarkonsulat-ukraine.com

You can search for the relevant regional authorities here by entering the location name or post code.

You can find your relevant social welfare office (Sozialamt) here.

The Bundesweite Koordinierungskreis gegen Menschenhandel e.V. (National Coordinating Office against Human Trafficking) (KOK) offers an online specialist advice centre search.

Specialist migration services provide advice and support free of charge and independently. They are offered by welfare associations and other centres.

Various departments are responsible for young people between the ages of 12 and 27 and for adults. Youth Migration Services also provide online advice.

Migration advice for adult immigrants
English, Russian
(Source: German Red Cross)

Youth Migration Services in Ukrainian 
Facebook, Instagram
(Source: Service desk of Youth Migration Services)

Youth migration services
English, Russian
(Source: Federal Association of Evangelical Youth Social Work (Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Evangelische Jugendsozialarbeit e.V.)

The Equal Treatment Authority for EU Workers
Deutsch, Englisch, Polnisch, Rumänisch, Ungarisch

Advisory services for displaced people
(Source: Handbook Germany)

Search for advisory services on refuge & migration
(Source: Asylum and Migration Information Network (Informationsverbund Asyl und Migration e. V.))

Local advisory services for refugees and migrants
(Source: Pro Asyl)

The GRC tracing service helps people who have become separated from their families as a result of armed conflicts, disasters, flight, displacement or migration. It helps with tracing relatives, putting them back in contact with one another, and uniting families. Enter your postcode to find your nearest GRC tracing service advice centre.

DaMigra (Umbrella organisation for migrant organisations)

Umbrella organisation for migrant organisations in Eastern Germany

Bundesverband NeMo (Federal Network of Migrant Organisations)

Working Committee of Migrants and Refugees in Niedersachsen

Authority finder
English, Polish, Romanian, Hungarian
(Source: The Equal Treatment Authority for EU Workers)

Baden-Württemberg

STELP e.V. – Hilfe für die Ukraine

FAQs relating to refuge and asylum in Baden-Württemberg 

Flüchtlingsrat Baden-Württemberg e.V.
Hauptstätter Straße 57

70178 Stuttgart
Tel.: 0711/5532834
Fax: 0711/5532835
Info@fluechtlingsrat-bw.de
www.fluechtlingsrat-bw.de mit weiteren Standorten in Baden-Württemberg: https://fluechtlingsrat-bw.de/adressen/

Bayern

Bayerischer Flüchtlingsrat
Westendstr. 19 Rgb
80337 München
Tel: 089 - 76 22 34
Fax: 089 - 76 22 36
kontakt (at) fluechtlingsrat-bayern.de
www.fluechtlingsrat-bayern.de

Berlin

Flüchtlingshilfe Berlin, Moabit: https://www.moabit-hilft.com/
Moabit hilft e.V.
Turmstr. 21
Haus R
10559 Berlin
Fon +49 30 35057538
info@moabit-hilft.com

Brandenburg

Flüchtlingsrat Brandenburg
Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße 164
14482 Potsdam
(S-Bahnhof Griebnitzsee)
Tel/Fax: 0331–716 499
info@fluechtlingsrat-brandenburg.de
www.fluechtlingsrat-brandenburg.de

Bremen

Flüchtlingsrat Bremen
St. Jürgenstr. 102
28203 Bremen
Tel.: 0421 / 4166 1218
Fax: 0421 / 41661219
info@fluechtlingsrat-bremen.de
www.fluechtlingsrat-bremen.de

Hamburg

Flüchtlingsrat Hamburg e.V.
Nernstweg 32-34
22765 Hamburg
040-431587
040-4304490
E-Mail: info@fluechtlingsrat-hamburg.de
www.fluechtlingsrat-hamburg.de
Hamburger Flüchtlingsinitiativen (BHFI)

Hessen

Hessischer Flüchtlingsrat
Leipziger Str. 17
60487 Frankfurt

Tel.: 069 / 976 987 10
Fax.: 069 / 976 987 11

E-Mail: hfr@fr-hessen.de
www.fr-hessen.de

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Flüchtlingsrat Mecklenburg–Vorpommern e.V.
Postfach 11 02 29
19002 Schwerin

Telefon: +49 (0)385 / 581 57 90
Telefax: +49 (0)385 / 581 57 91

E-Mail: kontakt@fluechtlingsrat-mv.de
Internet: www.fluechtlingsrat-mv.de

Niedersachsen

Niedersächsischer Flüchtlingsrat e.V.
Röpkestr. 12
30173 Hannover

Tel.: 0511/98 24 60 30
Fax: 0511/98 24 60 31

Mail: nds@nds-fluerat.org
Web: www.nds-fluerat.org

Nordrhein-Westfalen

Flüchtlingsrat NRW e.V.
Wittener Straße 201
44803 Bochum

Tel.: 0234 587315 - 60
Fax: 0234 587315 - 75

Email: info@frnrw.de
www.frnrw.de

Rheinland-Pfalz

Flüchtlingsrat Rheinland-Pfalz e.V.
Leibnizstraße 47
55118 Mainz
Telefon 06131 / 49 24 734
Telefax 06131 / 49 24 735
www.fluechtlingsrat-rlp.de
E-Mail: info@fluechtlingsrat-rlp.de

Sachsen

Sächsischer Flüchtlingsrat e.V.
Dammweg 5 (Geschäftsstelle)
01097 Dresden
Tel.: 0351 – 87 45 17 10
Fax: 0351 – 33 29 47 50
Contact: https://www.saechsischer-fluechtlingsrat.de/en/contact/
www.sfrev.de

Sachsen-Anhalt

Flüchtlingsrat Sachsen-Anhalt e. V.
Geschäftsstelle Magdeburg
Schellingstr. 3-4
39104 Magdeburg
Tel: 0391-5371281 und 0391-50549614
Fax: 0391-50549615

Büro Halle (Saale)
Kurallee 15
06114 Halle (Saale)
Tel.: 0345-44502521
Fax: 0345-44502522
E-Mail: info@fluechtlingsrat-lsa.de
www.fluechtlingsrat-lsa.de

Saarland

Telefon-Hotline, die auch mit ukrainisch-sprachigen Mitarbeitern besetzt ist: Tel: 0681 501 4204 (Mo – Fr, 8 bis 16 Uhr)
Email der Stabsstelle für Flüchtlinge aus der Ukraine: UkraineFluechtlinge@innen.saarland.de

Saarländischer Flüchtlingsrat e.V.
Kaiser Friedrich Ring 46
66740 Saarlouis
Tel.: 06831 - 4877938

Fax: 06831 - 4877939
Öffnungszeiten Büro: Dienstag und Freitag 10 - 12.30 Uhr
E-Mail: fluechtlingsrat@asyl-saar.de
www.asyl-saar.de

Schleswig-Holstein

Flüchtlingsrat Schleswig-Holstein e.V.
Sophienblatt 82-86
24114 Kiel
Tel. 0431-735000
Fax 0431-736077
office@frsh.de
www.frsh.de
Beratungsstellen des Flüchtlingsrats Schleswig-Holstein: https://www.frsh.de/service/beratungsstellen/

Thüringen

Flüchtlingsrat Thüringen e.V.
Schillerstraße 44
99096 Erfurt
Tel.: 0361 - 51805125
Fax: 0361 - 51884328
E-Mail: info@fluechtlingsrat-thr.de
www.fluechtlingsrat-thr.de

Informationen zur Flucht aus der Ukraine, Beratungsstellen, Initiativen in Thüringen