If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information intended for?
Temporary shelter is provided:
- Ukrainians and persons receiving international protection in Ukraine, as well as their family members. These include husbands/wives or civil spouses who are not in a registered marriage with such a person, minor children who are not in a registered marriage with any other person, as well as other relatives who are dependent on such persons.
- To persons who legally reside in Ukraine, but cannot safely return to their country of origin.
Temporary protection is granted to all persons who fall into the above categories and who fled the country starting from February 24, 2022, as well as those who fled Ukraine shortly before the escalation of the situation, or those who were in the EU shortly before that date (in particular, on vacation or at work) and cannot return to Ukraine as a result of the armed conflict.
Citizens of Ukraine who already live in Germany with the right of residence can apply for a residence permit regardless of the date of entry to Germany.
Germany: Immigration Information
What documents must be provided for entry?
Passport of a citizen of Ukraine (with or without biometric data). In exceptional cases, an identity card may be sufficient. To confirm your marital status, you must have a birth certificate and a marriage certificate.
To confirm refugee status in Ukraine, a travel document of a refugee or a travel document of a person granted additional protection is required.
Foreigners who are not citizens of Ukraine can confirm the right to legal permanent residence in Ukraine with the help of a residence permit in Ukraine.
How to enter the country without a biometric passport?
For humanitarian reasons, citizens of Ukraine who do not have a biometric passport are allowed to enter Germany.
How long is it allowed to stay in the country?
The period of validity of the right of residence is calculated based on the date of entry into Germany, no earlier than March 4, 2022 to March 4, 2024. If the reasons for granting temporary protection persist after this date, the European Commission may propose to the Council of the EU to extend the period of temporary protection for another year, i.e. until 4 March 2025.
What are the consequences of leaving Germany before the right of residence expires?
You can always decide to leave Germany to return to Ukraine or go somewhere else. If you change your place of residence and move outside of Germany, your residence permit issued in Germany will expire and your rights will be revoked.
If you decide to apply again for temporary protection in Germany or another EU member state, the provisions in force at that time will apply (there is no guarantee that they will be the same as they are now).
Please note that you are required to notify the German authorities of any intention to leave the country.
The above does not apply in the case of a short trip, in particular for leisure or business outside Germany.
Are there any Covid requirements and if so, what exactly?
Persons aged 12 and over who wish to enter Germany must provide the following proof:
- negative test (PCR or antigen not older than 48 hours); or
- certificate of vaccination with at least two doses of a vaccine approved in the EU – this also applies to vaccines manufactured by Johnson & Johnson; or
- certificate of recovery from COVID-19, i.e. confirmation of a positive test result that was taken at least 28-90 days later.
More information is available here (DE / UK).
Where to register to receive temporary protection?
The request is submitted to the local competent immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). This means the immigration office at the place of residence (permanent or temporary).
How long do you have to wait to get the status of a person under temporary protection?
Status is provided immediately upon request/registration. See the section “What documents are issued when receiving temporary protection?” below for more detailed information on the waiting period.
What rights are granted while waiting for temporary protection?
Status is provided immediately upon request/registration. If no request was submitted (immediately) to the Ausländerbehörde, the request for protection is also considered to be submitted at the same time as any other request for support (housing, food, medical care). There is a right to receive benefits both after submitting a request for protection and after granting the right of residence.
What documents must be provided to obtain temporary protection?
Please see the section above “What documents are required for entry?”.
What documents are issued when receiving temporary protection?
The residence permit is usually issued as a separate document within 6-8 weeks by the Federal Printing Office (Bundesdruckerei). Due to the large number of requests, the federal state can also affix a corresponding label directly to the applicant’s passport, which contains all relevant information about the applicant and is considered equivalent to a separate document.
As long as the right of residence is not issued in this format, confirmation of your request in the form of a temporary permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung) is issued free of charge. It must contain the note “permitted paid employment” (Erwerwerbstätigkeit gestatet) so that its owner can start work immediately or – if other legal requirements are met – can receive family benefits (in particular childcare benefits).
Is it possible to get citizenship after receiving temporary protection? How long must one stay in the country to be entitled to this?
The general requirements for applying for citizenship apply, including the requirement to have been officially resident in Germany for at least eight years and to have an unlimited right of residence in Germany at the time of application.
Is it allowed to move freely within the country and the European Union while under temporary protection?
In general, the right to residence under temporary protection is granted in Germany in connection with the allocation of a person by federal land to a certain area of residence.
In certain circumstances, this distribution decision may be set aside, particularly if the person concerned, his/her spouse, common-law spouse or minor child with whom he/she is related by family ties and living in a domestic relationship (a) is or has been is employed with social security contributions for at least 15 hours per week and such eligible person has an income equal to at least the monthly average rate of €449) for a natural person, (b) is undergoing a vocational training course, or (c) is receiving an education or other qualification course .
In case of moving to another European Union member country, the individual will have to re-register in that country.
Regarding travel: Ukrainians holding a biometric passport have the right to enter the EU without a visa and stay in its territory for up to 90 days in any 180-day period in accordance with Article 4(1) together with Annex II of the Regulation (EU ) 2018/1806 dated November 14, 2018.
Paragraph 16 of Council Executive Decision (EU) 2022/382 of March 4, 2022 allows (but does not separately stipulate) that Ukrainians may continue traveling within the EU for 90 days in any 180-day period, even after the first 90 days/ after registering a place of residence in one of the member countries.
On its website, in the FAQ section, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Auswärtiges Amt) states that mainly persons with a passport and a residence permit in Germany (such as that issued to Ukrainian refugees under section 24 AufenthG) are allowed to travel to Schengen area for 90 days in any 180-day period, if:
- the permit was issued on the basis of a passport, that is, a travel document, and
- the person is not employed in the country he is visiting.
The German government warns that entry into another Schengen country is not always permitted, for example due to border controls or other entry restrictions (see here (only in German)).
Please note that the existing right of residence (in particular the residence permit issued to Ukrainian refugees, which gives the right to temporary protection under the AufenthG) is revoked if the foreign national:
- leaves the country and does not return for six months (or a longer period, if the relevant decision is taken by the authorities for foreign nationals (Ausländerbehörde), Section. 51(1) No. 7 AufenthG, or
- leaves the country for a reason that is not temporary in nature, Sec. 51(1) § 6 AufenthG.
To make sure that a particular trip is permitted/appropriate within the framework of your existing residence permit, please contact your local authority for foreign nationals (Ausländerbehörde) or for individual legal advice from a lawyer.
Is it possible to apply for asylum while under temporary protection?
Yes, but the asylum procedure is terminated if the person uses the protection granted together with obtaining the right of residence. If you decide to apply for asylum, you will have to give up your temporary protection status, and you will lose your right to employment and certain benefits.
How to apply for asylum?
The right to asylum is a constitutionally protected right in Germany. People who move from other parts of the world, fleeing violence, war and terror, can find protection in Germany.
More detailed information in various languages can be found on the homepage of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge, BAMF).
Is it possible to submit a request for reunification with family members who are outside Ukraine? If so, in what way?
If family members are entitled to temporary protection, there is no need to apply for family reunification.
If family members do not have the right to temporary protection regardless of their family ties, family reunification with a person who has such a right takes place for spouses and minor children or minor children of the husband/wife in accordance with Sec. 29(4) AufenthG in the following cases:
- family life together in the country of origin has become impossible due to forced displacement,
- and also:
a) family members of a person entitled to temporary protection live in another EU member state and are subject to transportation to Germany; or
b) family members of a person entitled to temporary protection are outside the territory of the EU and need protection.
Germany: employment information
Do I need to apply for a work permit? If so, how to do it?
No. You have the right to work with the status of a person under temporary protection.
Are refugees eligible for unemployment benefits? How and where should a corresponding request be submitted?
No, but refugees are entitled to benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act if you cannot support yourself from your own resources.
Are there any programs for the recognition of educational documents and qualifications? How and where should a corresponding request be submitted?
Yes, the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Culture of the Federal States of the Federal Republic of Germany (Ständige Konferenz der Kultusminister der Länder in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, KMK) is responsible for this. It is possible to go through the procedure of recognition of both higher education diplomas and professional qualifications.
More information in English can be found here.
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can be contacted for additional information on employment?
The competent government body for these matters is the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Information in English can be found here.
See also: Federal Ministry of the Interior, Construction and Communities. Link:
https://www.germany4ukraine.de/hilfeportal-en/labour-and-social-affairs
Resources for finding a job in Germany:
- https://www.jobaidukraine.com /jobs
- www .arbeitsagentur.de
- https://www.adeccojobsforukraine.com/
- https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/en/welcome
Germany: housing information
Is it possible to access public/government-provided housing?
So. On arrival, refugees are directed to accommodation by the border authority, where they can stay until longer-term accommodation is found. In addition, there is a large amount of social housing provided by the municipal authorities (Kommunen: Städte und Gemeinden). If the municipal authorities are unable to do so, they can arrange accommodation in social housing provided by the relevant federal land.
You must apply for social housing and register at the arrival centers (Ankunftszentren) or initial reception centers (Erstaufnahmeeinrichtungen) of the federal state in which you are staying. After that, you will receive information about how the procedure for obtaining a residence permit works.
If you want to rent a property privately but cannot afford the rent and you have received temporary protection under Sec. 24 AufenthG, the state will pay for your rent and most utilities, although certain conditions and formalities must be met. It is recommended that you contact your local Social Security Office (Sozialamt) before signing a tenancy agreement to find out what local requirements are for such a tenancy.
If a refugee plans to live with friends and family in the long term, what documents need to be filled out to make such a stay official, i.e. how can one obtain proof of residence?
Refugees will need to register at the point of arrival (Ankunftszentrum), the point of initial reception (Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung), or the local authority for foreign nationals (Ausländerbehörde). As a rule, they will receive a document such as a confirmation of arrival (Ankunftsnachweis) or a certificate of invitation (Anlaufbescheinigung) and can obtain a residence permit. The competent authority for these matters is at https://bamf-navi.bamf.de/en/Themen/Behoerden.
What documents are needed to rent real estate privately?
There are several properties that correspond to private housing for Ukrainian refugees (see below).
In addition to special offers to help Ukrainians, landlords may require a copy of your ID card / passport, answers to a set of standard questions about your age, marital status, previous address, occupation, etc. (Selbstauskunft), credit history information, proof of income (salary for the last three months and/or a copy of the employment contract), as well as a signed confirmation from the previous landlord that the rent has been paid on time and that there is no arrears (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung).
For information on state financial support for rented housing, please go to the relevant section entitled “How and where can I apply for communally owned housing?”
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can be contacted for additional information about housing?
- Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge, BAMF)
- Local authority for foreign nationals (Ausländerbehörde) – the competent authority can be found at here (in English)
- Pro Asyl(НУО)
Notice that you can download this photo / компаніями:
- communication-ukraine.de
- warms-bet.de
- host4ukraine.com
- shelter4ua .com
- icanhelp .host
- https://www. /wunderflats.com – log in to this page, sign up for your website
- https://everybedhelps.com/#/booking/search
- https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2591/how-to -book-an-emergency-stay-through-airbnborg#section-heading-1-0
Germany: education information
How to get your children (or yourself) into an educational institution?
All children living in Germany, including children fleeing the war in Ukraine, have the right to education. Each of the 16 federal states (Bundesländer) has its own rules, but all children, including refugees, are required to attend school from the age of 6.
Please note that in order to attend school in Germany, children usually need to prove that they have been vaccinated against measles. Please contact your local authority to find out where your children can be vaccinated.
To enroll their children in school, parents can apply to the local school education administration (Schulamt) or directly to the schools. Documents that may be required include a certificate of residence (Meldebescheinigung), a certificate confirming the status of a temporarily protected person (or other type of residence permit), proof of a recent medical examination, proof of vaccination and/or translated extracts.
As for primary education (grades 1-4), the school that children must attend is usually the primary school (Grundschule) of the educational district (Schulbezirk) where the family lives. As for high school (grade 5 and up), there are often more options. Parents can usually choose a secondary school outside their educational district (Schulbezirk). Some federal states (Bundesländer) also have different types of secondary schools (e.g. Gymnasium for children aspiring to university; Basic School/Realschule for those interested in vocational training/vocational schools). Other federal states (Bundesländer) provide secondary education for all children together (Gesamtschule). Which school the child will attend may also depend on the recommendations of the teachers and/or the decisions of the school administration (Schulamt). Please contact your local school education authority (Schulamt) for information about the local school education system and the options available to you and your children. Non-governmental organizations can also help.
Children who come to Germany as refugees usually attend special classes (sometimes called “Preparatory classes” (Willkommensklassen), “Preparatory groups” (Willkommensgruppen) or “Preparation” (Vorbereitungsklassen)). These special classes are designed to help Ukrainian children transition to the German education system. At this stage, Ukrainian children can receive the support of psychologists, learn about the German language and culture, and gradually adapt to new realities.
Information on federal lands (Land)
Baden-Württemberg (Baden-Württemberg) – northern Switzerland, north-east School of Education (Schulamt) or School of Education (Regierungspräsidium), snowboarding, snowboarding у може відвідувати дитина. Аби зарахувати дітед до школи, баьки можуть звернутися до шкіл безпосеред Beginning from Monday School (Schulamt) to Regierungspräsidium. Психологічне консул
training is also available.
For young people between the ages of 15 and 19 who are interested in vocational education, Baden-Württemberg also offers the so-called “Vorqualifizierungsjahr Arbeit / Beruf mit Schwerpunkt Erwerb von Deutschkenntnissen der berufischen Schulen (VABO)). This is a one- to two-year program aimed at training young people in vocational and technical education institutions with the study of the German language, the acquisition of intercultural competences and social skills.
For more information, see also the FAQ webpage published by the government of Baden-Württemberg in Ukrainian, in Russian and German languages.
Bayern – Bavaria organizes “study groups” to prepare Ukrainian children to study in German schools. Children of different age groups will attend introductory classes together. Depending on individual circumstances, children are allowed to attend familiarization groups and some regular school classes at the same time. Children are required to start attending school within three months of their arrival in Germany. Parents are asked to contact the schools directly for the necessary information. Schools nearby can be found here. Children from Ukraine can also participate in entertainment programs organized by the Bavarian Youth Association (Bayerischer Jugendring, see here). For more information, please see the FAQ section published by the Bavarian government in Ukrainian and German languages.
Berlin (Berlin) – Berlin plans to open 250 introductory courses for Ukrainian children. You can find additional information on the official website of Berlin, where the federal state welcomes Ukrainians who fled the war: https://www.berlin.de/sen/bjf/gefluechtete/
From Monday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., up-to-date information is available at the following hotline number: +49 30 90 127 127 in Ukrainian, Russian, German and English languages.
NGOs can help with many of the issues discussed here and provide refugees with access to their networks and resources. One of the non-governmental organizations in Berlin that provides assistance to refugees in all matters of everyday life is “BBZ” (Beratungs- und Betreuungszentrum für junge Geflüchtete und Migrant*innen) – https://www.bbzberlin.de/de/ .
Brandenburg – Brandenburg offers language classes for Ukrainian children during the first three months of their stay. After children start attending school, they can attend preparatory groups (Vorbereitungsgruppen) if they need to learn German. Also see the information published by the Brandenburg government in Ukrainian, and German languages.
Bremen (Bremen) – schools in Bremen offer introductory classes (Vorkurse) for Ukrainian children aged 6 to 18. Parents are asked to register theirs
x children from the Senator for Children and Education (Senatorin für Kinder und Bildung) at form which is available at here. To enroll their children in school, parents are asked to contact the government at ankommen@bildung.bremen.de and leave their contact details, ie, first and last name, date of birth, current address and telephone number.
For information, parents can also contact Mrs. Ugrar (responsible for comprehensive schools (Allgemeinbildende Schulen), phone number (+49) (0) 421 361 56603, email address Guelcin.Ugrar@bildung.bremen.de) or Mr. Hallmann (responsible for vocational schools (Berufsbildende Schulen), phone number (+49) (0) 421 361 12561, email address Torsten.Hallmann@bildung.bremen.de). More information is available here.
Hamburg – Hamburg also offers preparatory classes (Vorbereitungsklassen) with 15 students per class to overcome language barriers and to help children adapt. Information on how to enroll children in school can be obtained here.
Hessen – Hessen offers intensive classes (Intensivklassen) to prepare Ukrainian children for school. Local education authorities (Schulämter) opened reception and counseling centers (Aufnahme- und Beratungszentren) to coordinate the distribution of refugee children. Parents are asked to first register their place of residence at the local registration authority (Meldeamt), and then contact the reception and counseling center (Aufnahme- und Beratungszentrum) of the local education authority (Schulamt). Contact details and further information are available here.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) – To enroll their children in school, parents are asked to contact the local authorities for foreign nationals (Ausländerbehörde). It is also possible to contact schools directly. Depending on the child’s level of German, the government then determines which school he or she should attend. A child who does not have a sufficient level of German to attend regular classes without assistance will attend a school that offers special language classes (“German as a second language” (Deutsch als Zweitsprache (DaZ)). More information is available here.
Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) – Parents can enroll their children in school by contacting local schools or town halls directly. More information is available here.
Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia) – Parents are asked to contact the local education authority (Schulamt), where students will be assigned to schools. Schools will provide support for children to learn German. Families can get advice from teachers at the municipal integration centers (Kommunale Integrationszentrum). More information is available here.
Rheinland-Pfalz (Rheinland-Pfalz) – Rhineland-Palatinate has announced that it will offer intensive German language classes as well as so-called “native language classes”, meaning some classes will be offered in Ukrainian for Ukrainian children. Parents are asked to register their children directly at the schools. For primary education (grades 1-4), children must attend a primary school (Grundschule) in their school district (Schulbezirk). For secondary education, parents can contact the school they prefer. Please see FAQ published by the government of Rhineland-Palatinate and further information about the school education system in Rhineland-Palatinate in Ukrainian, Russian and English languages.
Saarland – For primary education (grades 1-4), parents are asked to register their child in a primary school (Grundschule) in their school district (Schulbezirk). To enroll children in secondary school, parents can contact the school of their choice. Parents can search for schools using this databases. Before attending school, all children must undergo a medical examination and be vaccinated against measles. We recommend reading the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions and Answers) published by the Saarland Government in Ukrainian, in Russian and German languages.
Sachsen – Parents are asked to first register with the local authorities for foreign nationals (Ausländerbehörde), where they will be able to obtain information about whether their children can attend kindergartens and schools. To be enrolled, children must be registered with the Landesamt für Schule und Bildung (LaSuB) through this internet portal. The Landesamt für Schule und Bildung (LaSuB) will then assign the children to the appropriate school. Preparatory classes (Vorbereitungsklassen) are held in schools, where the course “German as a second language” (Deutsch als Zweitsprache (DaZ)) is taught. More information is available here. Also visit the official site of the Federal Land of Saxony, where you can find useful information on many topical topics in particular in Ukrainian and in German languages
Sachsen-Anhalt also organizes adaptation classes (Ankunftsklassen) for children from Ukraine. These classes will help children learn German and offer support from school psychologists. Parents are asked to contact local schools directly to enroll their children. Required documents: proof of residence registration (Meldebescheinigung), temporary permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung, see above) and confirmation of a recent medical examination. More information can be found here, in particular the FAQ section is available in Ukrainian, English and in German languages. Check out welcome letter from the government to parents and teachers.
Schleswig-Holstein – To enroll their children in school, parents are asked to contact the schools directly. The local education authority (Schulamt) can provide advice on which school(s) may be suitable for your child. See also section FAQ (frequently asked questions and answers) in Ukrainian and German, compiled by the government of Schleswig-Holstein.
Thüringen – Parents are asked to contact local schools to enroll their children. They will be able to get information from the school or the local education authority (Schulamt) about their children’s schooling opportunities. Documents that may be required: translations of academic transcripts, certificate of registration at the place of residence (Meldebescheinigung), proof of residence permit and proof of proof of measles vaccination. Parents are also asked to indicate whether they need an interpreter. More information is available here and here.
Where can you go to place a child with special educational needs in a specialized school?
If you have a child with special educational needs and you need help to register them in a special school, please contact your local education authority (Schulamt) to ask for help. Not all children with special educational needs will attend special schools. There are also programs in regular schools for
I support children with special educational needs.
Do universities implement admission schemes for Ukrainians or people fleeing Ukraine? If so, can you give some examples?
Universities are implementing admission schemes for Ukrainians and people fleeing Ukraine, such as the ones below and many others. You can contact your local university for more information.
- Viadrina European University (Frankfurt-on-Oder) offers special preparatory courses for Ukrainian refugees, as well as the opportunity to study there. He also helps Ukrainians in matters of housing for students.
- The Ukrainian Free University in Munich provides various forms of assistance to Ukrainians affected by the war. They collect donations to offer scholarships to those who cannot afford tuition due to the war.
- Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich collects donations to support students and professors in various ways (one-off financial support / internships / help in communication with German authorities / advice on German language courses and study options at LMU).
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can be contacted for additional information about education?
For more information about education, you can contact the schools directly or contact the local school board of education (Schulamt) for help. There are also many community organizations/NGOs that can help you, especially in larger cities.
Germany: information on childcare
How to arrange a child for kindergarten?
Ukrainian children have the right to attend kindergarten in accordance with German legislation. In Germany, there are childcare centers called “Kindertagesstätte” or “Kita” for children between the ages of 0 and 3. Children aged 3 to 6 attend Kindergarten. Another option is to hire so-called “day parents” (Tageseltern), who take care of a small group of children, usually in their own home.
Parents can turn to the authorities for foreign citizens (Ausländerbehörde) for help. The staff of these agencies will refer them to the Jugendamt, which is responsible for helping refugees get day care for their children. You can also contact the kindergarten directly or ask for help from local NGOs that support refugees. Some municipalities also allow Ukrainian parents to register and search for kindergartens for their children online.
There may also be special initiatives at the local level to support Ukrainian children while they wait for a place in Kita or Kindergarten to become available. In some arrival centers (Ankunftszentren) and initial reception centers (Erstaufnahmeeinrichtungen), childcare for pre-school children is also available.
In Germany, each of the 16 federal states (Bundesländer) has its own rules, although there are many similarities. Kitas / Kindergärten are free in Berlin. Kindergärten are also free in the federal states of Hesse, Lower Saxony and Rhineland-Palatinate. However, parents may be asked to pay for their children’s meals.
Please note that attendance at Kita / Kindergarten in Germany usually requires proof that children are vaccinated against measles. Please contact your local authority to find out where children can be vaccinated.
Information on federal lands (Land)
Baden-Württemberg – In order to find a kindergarten place for their child, parents should contact the foreign nationals authority (Ausländerbehörde), which works closely with the local youth authority (Jugendamt) and Kitas/Kindergärten. Parents are asked to contact their local authority to make a request. For more information, see also the FAQ webpage published by the government of Baden-Württemberg in Ukrainian, in Russian and German languages.
Bayern – Bayern is pushing hard to provide care for all Ukrainian pre-school children and has announced that it will initially offer alternative options such as local parent and child groups. Please contact your local Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) for more information.
Berlin (Berlin) – information on the reception of Ukrainians who flee from the war, can be found on the official website of Berlin: https://www.berlin.de/sen/bjf/gefluechtete/ From Monday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. by phone number of the hotline: +49 30 90 127 127 in Ukrainian, Russian, German and English languages. In order to enroll a child in kindergarten, families must apply for a so-called day care voucher (Kita-Gutschein) at the local youth office (Jugendamt). This can be done manually or online. When families receive this voucher, they must find a free place in one of Berlin’s kindergartens. This can be done by contacting kindergartens directly or through local NGOs. We recommend that you read the additional information provided by the government of Berlin in Ukrainian, English and in German.
NGOs can help with many of the issues described here and give refugees access to their networks and resources. One such non-governmental organization in Berlin that helps refugees in all matters of everyday life is “BBZ” (Beratungs- und Betreuungszentrum für junge Geflüchtete und Migrant*innen) – https://www.bbzberlin.de/de/.
Brandenburg – The government of Brandenburg aims to provide easy access to day care for Ukrainian preschool children and is asking preschools to accept Ukrainian children. Parents can contact the local youth administration (Jugendamt) or day care centers for information. Also see the information published by the Brandenburg government in Ukrainian and German languages.
Bremen – Parents can request information via email ankommen@bildung.bremen.de. Please also see information about Kita provided by the Bremen government at in Ukrainian, in Russian, English and German languages. More information is available here.
Hamburg (Hamburg) – opened in Hamburg online portal, which is aimed mainly at those who help Ukrainian families find places for children in Kita in each district. More than 60 Kita kindergartens have registered on the portals to provide information about free places for children in their facilities. Volunteers and families are asked to contact the kindergartens directly. See also the information provided by Elbkinder – Vereinigung Hamburger Kindertagesstätten gGmbH, the public association Kita in Hamburg in Ukrainian, in Russian, English and German languages.
Hessen – Parents are asked to contact their local Jugendamt for information on childcare. A list of organizations in the city of Frankfurt that help people fleeing the war in Ukraine can be found here.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) – Parents are asked to register their pre-school child with the local Jugendamt (Jugendamt) to be able to ensure that they attend kindergarten. They will then receive a permit (Bewilligung) by mail. With this document, they can send a request to Kita for available places for their child. For information, parents can contact the local Jugendamt and kindergartens directly. More information about Kita in Ukrainian, English and German can be found at this flyers.
Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) – Lower Saxony published FAQ in German and Ukrainian languages. To submit a request to attend a preschool educational institution, Ukrainians are asked to contact the municipal authorities (Kommunen: Städte und Gemeinden). Another option is to contact the nurseries directly.
Rheinland-Pfalz (Rheinland-Pfalz) – Kita kindergartens with sufficient capacity can accept Ukrainian children without additional formalities. Kita with a limited number of places can ask the local youth administration (Jugendamt) to allow them to accept additional children from Ukraine. For more information on vaccination requirements (measles), see the information provided by the government of Rhineland-Palatinate in Ukrainian and German languages.
Saarland – Kita is allowed to accept more children than usual to accommodate children from Ukrainian families in kindergartens, if all interested parties agree (e.g. local youth administration (Jugendamt), parent organization, etc.). The Saarland is also considering the possibility of creating alternative day care options for preschool children from Ukraine. More details can be found here.
Sachsen – Parents are asked to contact their local Jugendamt for information on Kita / Kindergärten nearby. Also visit the official site F
of the federal state of Saxony, where in particular you can find useful information on many relevant topics in Ukrainian and in German.
Sachsen-Anhalt – information on many relevant topics is available here.
Schleswig-Holstein – Schleswig-Holstein plans to offer alternative childcare options, such as locally organized parent-child groups. In addition, Schleswig-Holstein is assessing how many additional Kitas / Kindergarten places may become available.
Thuringia (Thuringia) – The government of Thuringia has asked Kitas/Kindergarten to accept Ukrainian children where possible. Thuringia is making every effort to provide adequate care for Ukrainian children.
Yes, if you cannot afford the daycare your child needs, you can contact your local youth authority (Jugendamt) to get discounted or free childcare.
In addition, if you have registered with the local authorities and received temporary protection and do not have the financial means to support yourself, you are entitled to financial payments and benefits for basic human needs such as housing, utilities, medical care, food, etc. If you have children, you will receive additional financial support for each child.
Are there any benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Thus, the Federal Mother and Child Foundation (Bundesstiftung Mutter und Kind) supports pregnant women and mothers in need.
More information on childcare benefits can be found here: in Ukrainian, in Russian and English languages.
Pro Familia is an organization that offers support for family planning, pregnancy, sex, and more. There are many local counseling offices throughout the country. Pro Familia updates its website to constantly include new information for refugees from Ukraine, see here.
Pregnancy, health and childcare information/advice available here ( In ukrainian).
Pregnant women can also contact the helpline 0800 40 40 020, which offers anonymous and free counseling in English and Russian.
The German Association of Midwives (Hebammenverband) has also published some useful information English and in Russian languages.
Information on sexual issues, pregnancy and childbirth is also available through a project called Zanzu english and Russian languages.
The baby food brochure can be downloaded free of charge english and in Russian.
Which government and non-government organizations can I contact for more information about meeting the needs of young children?
Relevant information is provided above.
Germany: health information
Is it possible to use the services of the health care system?
So. All persons under temporary protection have the right to medical care in the respective federal state.
Do I need to register to get health insurance, and if so, how?
So. In order to obtain health insurance, refugees must register, for example, at reception centers (Aufnahmezentren) or authorities for foreign nationals (Ausländerbehörden). After registration, a certificate (certificate of confirmation of arrival) is issued, which can be submitted to the competent authorities for assistance.
- Simplified procedure in some federal states (Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia): in these cases, people have the right to receive an electronic health card (elektronische Gesundheitskarte, eGK) with a notice of special status issued by the relevant local authority upon registration.
- For other federal states: The local municipalities (local social welfare department (Sozialamt)) where people are registered issue a medical certificate, which may be issued for a certain time depending on the local communities. This certificate gives the right to contact a doctor or a hospital.
What medical services does the state health care system include?
- Treatment of acute diseases and pain;
- Care for pregnant women;
- Preventive medical examinations;
- Under certain circumstances, psychotherapy according to the German Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz, AsylbLG);
- In certain circumstances, provision of medical assistance;
- Required vaccinations such as the Covid-19 vaccine.
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to the public health insurance policy? If so, are there any schemes for low income earners?
No, additional private health insurance is not required.
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can I contact for more information about accessing the health care system?
- Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesgesundheitsministerium)
- Federal Center for Medical Education (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung)
- Information in Ukrainian about vaccination against COVID-19 can be found here.
- Information/counseling opportunities on pregnancy, health and childcare available here (in Ukrainian).
- More information can be obtained here (German only).
- Information and help about rare diseases is provided by the European Reference Network, which is available at here. ERNs specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of rare / very rare diseases in almost all areas of medicine, including rare cancers.
Local health authorities:
Bayern / Bayern
Ministry of Health of the Federal State of Bavaria: https://www.stmgp.bayern.de/
Landesgesundheitsamt Bayern: https://www.lgl.bayern.de/
Brandenburg
Ministerium für Soziales, Gesundheit, Integration und Verbraucherschutz des Landes Brandenburg (MSGIV): https://msgiv.brandenburg.de/msgiv/de/
Landesgesundheitsamt Brandenburg: https://lavg.brandenburg.de/lavg/de/
Baden-Württemberg
Landesgesundheitsamt Baden-Württemberg (LGA): https://www.gesundheitsamt-bw.de/
Bremen
Gesundheitsamt Bremen: https://www.gesundheitsamt.bremen.de
Hessen
Landesamt für Gesundheit: https://soziales.hessen.de/gesundheit
North Rhine-Westphalia
Landeszentrum Gesundheit Nordrhein-Westfalen: https://www.lzg.nrw.de/index.html
Rhineland-Palatinate
https://make-it-in.rlp.de/en/living-in-rhineland-palatinate/healthcare
https://landkreistag.rlp.de/homepage/gesundheitsaemter-in-rheinland-pfalz/
Thuringia
Thuringian Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Health: http://www.tmasgff.de/
Lower Saxony/Niedersachsen
Niedersächsisches Landesgesundheitsamt: https://www.nlga.niedersachsen.de/startseite
Saxony
https://www.gesunde.sachsen.de/341.html
https://www.ukrainehilfe.sachsen.de/ (information specifically aimed at refugees from Ukraine)
Saxony-Anhalt
https://www.sachsen-anhalt.de/lang/english/services/guide-to-sachsen-anhalt/
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales: https://www.lagus.mv-regierung.de/
Schleswig-Holstein
Saar
https://www.saarland.de/DE/portale/corona/gesundheit-familie/gesundheit-familie_node.html
Germany: information on mental health
Is it possible to get free mental health care through the public health care system?
In general, a doctor’s diagnosis is necessary, which would indicate the need for therapy. In certain circumstances, people are entitled to psychological support under Sec. 6. paragraph 2 AsylbLG. This applies to unaccompanied minors, as well as people who have suffered torture, rape or other severe forms of emotional, physical or sexual violence. People under the age of 25 can get free psychological support here.
Do I have to go through any additional administrative procedures to access mental health care?
The doctor will write a prescription for the therapist.
Which government and non-government organizations can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems, including trauma?
- https://kundenchat.de/ukraine for people under the age of 25 in Ukrainian and Russian
- Telephone helpline 030 – 440 308 454 in Russian
- www.baff-zentren.org/hilfe-vor-ort/
- www.telefonseelsorge.de/international-helplines/
- https://complicated.life/de/ukraine
- https://ifightdepression.com/en/
- www.nummergegenkummer.de for children and young people by calling 116 111
- Federal Center for Health Education
- Telephone counseling.de 0800-111 0 111або0800-111 0 222
Germany: access to legal aid and information on human rights protection
If I have a legal problem and need to hire a lawyer, can I get legal aid? How to find a lawyer?
Differently. You are entitled to legal aid if you cannot pay the full cost of the proceedings and the legal action has a reasonable chance of success. In addition, it is possible to request the payment of court costs for payment up to 48 times. Legal aid must be provided in advance in a competent court.
You can find a lawyer using the search function of the relevant bar association. The list of chambers can be found at the following link www.brak.de. Lawyers can also be found at https://anwaltauskunft.de/anwaltssuche. In addition, there are legal clinics and/or community legal service centers that provide legal services to indigent people outside of court proceedings for little or no fee in most major cities. Please ask for local assistance.
Does the country have an ombudsman who monitors the observance of human rights? How can I contact the ombudsman?
There are several organizations that take care of human rights. It would be best to contact the integration authority of the federal government (https://www.integrationsbeauftragte.de/ib-de). In addition, there are several non-governmental organizations such as the German Institute for Human Rights (https://www.institut-fuer-menschenrechte.de/) or Amnesty International Germany (https://www.amnesty.de/ )
Victims of human trafficking can find help at any local police station. Victims can also call the hotline “WEISSER RING e.V.”, a nationwide organization actively supporting victims in Germany. The hotline number is 116 006 (calls to this number are free). Here you can consult and get further support 24/7. More information and help in Ukrainian can be found here: https://www.kok-gegen-menschenhandel.de/fileadmin/user_upload/medien/Flucht_und_Menschenhandel/Ukraine_Flyer_UA_Long_Version.png.
Germany: bank account and tax information
What documents are required to open a bank account?
The following documents are usually required to open a bank account: valid passport, residence permit, registration certificate. Due to the relevant exceptions provided by the legislation, citizens of Ukraine can also open a basic bank account with a Ukrainian ID card as proof of identity.
When do I have to pay taxes in the country? What do I need to do to pay them?
Tax residency usually arises either (i) if a residence is maintained in Germany under circumstances indicating that the residence will be maintained and used in the future, or (ii) if a residence is established in Germany under circumstances indicating that , that such residence is not of a temporary nature, which usually indicates a stay in Germany for more than 6 months. The German tax authorities have not yet been given instructions on the application of these rules (in particular the 6-month threshold) for Ukrainian refugees.
Employment income when employed by a German employer is usually subject to German personal income tax. The employer is obliged to withhold the amount of tax from the payment to the employee. The (net) income (after deductions) is not subject to tax, unless the amount of €9,984 is exceeded (for single, unmarried persons). After the employee is registered with the German registry office, the employee must obtain a tax identification number. In the case of other types of (in particular, foreign) income, the tax inspectorate should contact a tax consultant or local tax service.
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?
Unaccompanied minors can contact the local Jugendamt, wherever they are in Germany. All further steps will be agreed upon by management. They can also contact the German Association of Unaccompanied Minors (Federal Association of Unaccompanied Minor Refugees e.V., BumF). Contact details and further information are available in English here.
How and where can you apply for disability benefits?
Refugees should contact the local social security office (Sozialamt) in the municipality to which they have been allocated.
Refugees from Ukraine are generally entitled to financial assistance (according to AsylbLG). The request for benefits covers the first 18 months of stay in Germany and also includes other benefits (according to Section 6 (1) AsylbLG). Other benefits may be granted, in particular, if it is necessary to ensure health or if it is necessary to meet the special needs of children. This provision dauthorizes the competent authorities of the federal states to meet special needs in individual cases. This also includes the special needs of people who require care and people with disabilities.
People who, as in the current situation, are fleeing war in their home country and have special needs receive care that goes beyond the provisions of the asylum law. They are provided with the necessary medical or other assistance in accordance with Section 6 (2) AsylbLG.
Parents and children have the right to protection of children and young people. This includes the right to support for children and young people with special emotional needs. Offers include counselling, group work, support at home, extra support at daycare or school and more.
Free and anonymous counseling is also available in the app mbeon.
Help for the LGBTQ+ community is offered by the Berlin-based initiative Quarteera.
Can you list 3-4 public organizations that conduct language classes and other integration programs for Ukrainians?
State integration programs and language courses can be found here: https://bamf-navi.bamf.de/de/. They are available to all refugees upon application. Other classes/programs offered by other organizations can be found here:
– https://mitteldeutsches-institut.de/uk/deutsch-lernen-fuer-ukrainer/ (in Ukrainian)
– https://www.volkshochschule.de/weiterbildung-fuer-gefluechtete (Ukrainian automatic translation available)
In addition, there are many local offers.
