As a result of the war in Ukraine, the following people may receive temporary protection in Germany for an initial period of two years:

1. Ukrainian nationals residing in Ukraine prior to 24 February 2022, and their immediate family members;

2. Stateless persons and non-Ukrainian nationals with international or equivalent national protection in Ukraine prior to 24 February 2022, and their immediate family members;

3. Stateless persons and non-Ukrainian nationals who can prove that they were legally resident in Ukraine prior to 24 February 2022 on the basis of a valid unrestricted residence permit issued under Ukrainian law and who are not in a position to return safely and permanently to their country or region of origin; and

4. Non-Ukrainian nationals, if they can prove that they were legally resident in and not just temporarily visiting Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and who are not in a position to return safely and permanently to their country or region of origin.

An application for a residence permit for temporary protection can be submitted to the foreigners authority of the place of residence or whereabouts following arrival in Germany.

Visa for entering Germany for persons from Ukraine seeking protection

Persons who were in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 can currently enter Germany without a visa and stay in Germany.

Ukrainian nationals holding a biometric passport can enter Germany without a visa. However, Ukrainian nationals who do not have a biometric passport can also enter Germany without a visa at present and stay there. This also applies if they were temporarily not in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 but had their place of residence or habitual abode there on 24 February 2022. The same applies to persons recognised as refugees in Ukraine under the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and to those who enjoy international or equivalent national protection in Ukraine.

Nationals of third countries who were in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 can also currently enter Germany without a visa and stay in Germany.

This regulation will initially be in force until 23 May 2022.

Third-country nationals resident in Ukraine on the basis of a Ukrainian residence permit and whose family members are Ukrainian nationals, but who were not in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, are advised to contact the visa office.

You can find more questions and answers on entering Germany from Ukraine on this website: here