Unbureaucratic Residence Permit for Ukrainian refugees

Hundreds of thousand of People are currently fleeing the Ukraine because of the Russian invasion.

For those coming to Germany the recently activated mass-influx-of-displaced-persons directive by the European Union offers the chance to receive a permit of residence without having to undergo the bureaucracy of an application for asylum.

Am I eligible for the residence permit?

Eligible for the permit are persons belonging to the following categories:

• Ukrainian nationals residing in the Ukraine who are displaced as of 24 February 2022 following the military invasion by Russian armed forces on that date;
• Third-country nationals or stateless persons legally residing in Ukraine who are displaced as of 24 February and who are unable to return to their country of origin in safe and durable conditions because of the situation prevailing in that country. This includes for example refugees or foreigners who have their permanent residence in the Ukraine.
• Close Family members of the above two categories of people, in so far as the family already existed in Ukraine at the time of the circumstances surrounding the mass influx. This may include married or unmarried partners, children who are minors or other family members who are wholly or mainly dependent of the above two categories of people and have lived as part of the family unit at the time of the circumstances surrounding the mass influx

Students or short-time employees from third state countries residing in the Ukraine will not be entitled to the residence permit. For them the EU plans to enable a save return to their country of origin.

What rights will I enjoy with the residence permit?

The residence permit will be issued for a time period of one year. However, if not suspended it automatically extends to another six months and can be prolonged to a period of up to three years.

Inhabitants of the residence permit will be provided with accommodation, social and medical support.

Furthermore, the permit will allow Ukrainian refugees to engage in employed or self-employed activities. Minors shall be given the opportunity to join school.

Where do I apply for the Permit?

Ukrainian refugees can file an application at the foreigners-registration office (Ausländerbehörde) that is responsible for their place of residence.

For any question regarding your residence or the application process, you are welcome to contact me!