Ukrainian citizens who were in Ukraine shortly before or on 24 February 2022 can enter Germany without a visa. They can stay without a visa for up to 90 days.
The same rule also applies to:
- Stateless persons or people from other countries who had international protection or similar protection in Ukraine on 24 February 2022
- Family members of these persons
- Stateless persons or third-country nationals who had a permanent residence permit for Ukraine on 24 February 2022
What do you need to do?
If you want to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit (see chapter below: "Residence permit for temporary protection according to Section 24 of the Residence Act").
While you are waiting for a decision of the Immigration Office:
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You are allowed to work
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You can apply for social benefits (for example, money for rent, food, etc.)
You do not need a biometric passport or a Schengen visa to enter Germany.
The 90-day rule applies if you enter Germany without a visa before 4 December 2025. Then you are legally staying in Germany and can get support.
If you belong to the group of people mentioned in the chapter "Entry from Ukraine," you can apply for a residence permit under § 24 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG).
This means: You are applying for temporary protection in Germany.
If you have been assigned to Berlin, you can apply for the residence permit online at the Berlin Immigration Office (LEA).
You can find the online application and more information at: berlin.de/ukraine/en
What happens while you wait?
While your application is still being processed, you will receive a “Fiktionsbescheinigung” (fictional certificate).
This is an official document that shows:
You are legally allowed to stay in Berlin, even though your application is not finished yet.
If you already have a residence permit under § 24 AufenthG for a longer time, it will be automatically extended.
You will not get a new card.
So even if the expiration date on your card has passed, the residence permit is still valid.
With a residence permit under § 24 AufenthG, you can:
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Study in Germany
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Work without limits
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Get social benefits like BAföG or Bürgergeld if you meet the other requirements
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Usually, you are required to live in a specific place (this is called a residence obligation)
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The permit is valid until 4 March 2026, unless the rule is extended again
You can find all information about the residence permit under § 24 AufenthG clearly explained in the FAQ of the State of Berlin for refugees from Ukraine.
