With the Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of March 4, 2022 on the determination of the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine within the meaning of the Mass Influx Directive 2001/55/EC, the European Union has decided to open the admission procedure for temporary protection for war refugees.

If you have fled Ukraine because of the war or if you have been legally resident in Germany for a long time and cannot return to Ukraine after your current residence permit expires because of the war, you can obtain temporary protection in Germany in accordance with Section 24 of the Residence Act.

In addition, you can currently enter Germany without a visa and stay here - initially for a limited period until August 31, 2022 - without a residence permit.

If necessary, you can receive state support to cover your living expenses (for example in the form of housing, cash payments or medical care). If you are dependent on state support (social benefits), you are generally not entitled to reside in a specific place in Germany. Your place of residence will be determined by the competent authority (allocation decision). There must be weighty reasons for taking up residence in a place of your choice (e.g. family relationships).

Before receiving a residence permit, you must go through the formal registration process for refugees. During registration, your personal data (personal data and fingerprints, photo) will be recorded by a German authority.

The residence permit is usually issued for an initial period of two years. Subject to a corresponding decision by the EU Council, it can be extended for up to a total of three years.

With a residence permit in accordance with § 24 of the Residence Act, you can legally take up any employment or self-employed activity. Please note that in some professions there are access restrictions under professional law (for example in the healthcare sector). You can also set up your own business or work as a freelancer.

You can also receive advice and placement services from the employment agencies in accordance with SGB III.

Children from the age of six have the right, but also the obligation, to attend school.