Germany opens borders for Ukrainians who were abroad at the beginning of the war: what does the new law change?

Germany has simplified the conditions for obtaining temporary protection for Ukrainians who were abroad at the beginning of the war. Find out how to legalize in Germany under the new rules

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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On March 21, 2025, the German government took an important step in support of Ukrainians who were outside Ukraine for objective reasons at the time of the outbreak of full-scale war. The seventh amendment to the Ukraine-Aufenthalts-Übergangsverordnung closes a legal gap that had restricted access to temporary protection in Germany. Now these citizens can legalize their stay and obtain protection status in accordance with §24 AufenthG.

To find out which German states are accepting Ukrainians in April 2025, please follow the link.

What has changed for Ukrainians in Germany?

Prior to the recent changes, only those Ukrainians who were physically present on the territory of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, were eligible for temporary protection in Germany. Many who had left for business trips, studies, or vacations before the war were denied status, even if they did not plan to emigrate.

Now, according to the new law, Ukrainians who were outside Ukraine at the start of the full-scale invasion can:

● enter Germany without a visa until December 4, 2025;

● stay in the country for up to 90 days;

● apply for temporary protection in accordance with § 24 AufenthG;

● legalize their status retroactively - from January 1, 2025.

This allows a large number of Ukrainians to access housing, health insurance, social support and the labor market in Germany.

Who exactly can benefit from the new rules for obtaining Paragraph 24 in Germany?

The changes apply to:

● Ukrainian citizens;

● persons who had international or national protection in Ukraine as of February 24, 2022

● Ukrainians who were temporarily outside the country (business trips, studies, tourism, etc.) but did not leave Ukraine before the outbreak of war with the intention of emigration.

Thus, persons who have been in a legal vacuum until now can now receive protection on a legal basis.

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How to apply for temporary protection in Germany if you are in another country?

To obtain temporary protection in Germany, Ukrainians need to:

1. Apply in advance to the German consulates or migration services in the countries where they are temporarily staying.

2. Arrive in Germany without a visa (until December 4, 2025).

3. Within 90 days, apply to the local office for foreigners (Ausländerbehörde).

4. Apply for protection under §24 AufenthG.

Documents that may be required: a passport of a citizen of Ukraine, proof of residence abroad at the time of the invasion (if possible), and information about the place of temporary residence.

If you are a Ukrainian abroad and you are not sure whether you are subject to the new rules or want to be sure that you have submitted the correct documents, please contact Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers for help. Our experts will help you with the preparation of applications, explanation of requirements, advice on deadlines, and provide support in difficult cases.

We remind you! Germany intends to revise its policy towards Ukrainian refugees, tightening the requirements for social benefits and employment. Read what innovations Ukrainians can expect in the near future in our previous article.

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