How Ukrainians can change federal land in Germany: detailed instructions
Ukrainian refugees living on the territory of Germany are fixed on a certain federal land of the country and are not able to change it on their own. Find out in more detail what grounds give refugees the right to move within the country and what documents are required for this
Refugees from Ukraine who have received the right to reside in Germany cannot independently choose or change federal land. At the same time, there are exceptions for which the German Ministry of the Interior allows changing the area of residence. For whom the restrictions imposed by the Office for Foreigners can be canceled, we will tell you further.
How can Ukrainians get a residence permit in Germany?
Refugees from Ukraine who want to receive housing, food assistance and social benefits must register and obtain a residence permit in Germany in accordance with §24 AufenthG. You need to register at the refugee temporary accommodation facility or the police station at your place of stay.
If you have nowhere to stay, you will be directed to a specific location. That is, you will not be able to choose where to live on your own. This decision was introduced for the equal distribution of resources to help refugees.
In the city to which you will be directed, you will submit a special application to obtain an Aufenthaltstitel - residence permit.
If you are able to organize your life in Germany on your own, you will not be resettled elsewhere.
We remind you that Ukrainians can stay in Germany without a residence permit for 90 days. After this period, you must apply to stay in the country legally.
Who can change the federal land in Germany?
It is forbidden to change the settlement in which a Ukrainian is registered. An exception can be established for families consisting of a husband and wife, a minor or an unmarried child. Family members must:
- work at least 15 hours a week, have a social insurance package and earn at least 758 euros "net";
- to be able to get a job according to the specified requirements;
- are studying or have the opportunity to start studying.
Note that in Germany, the educational process also includes obtaining an education at vocational training institutions and a preparatory college (Studienkolleg), taking language courses for university preparation, attending events related to professional orientation, professional training and recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
There is a list of severe circumstances that cancel restrictions on the right to choose a place of residence. They are determined by the German Ministry of the Interior when the following situations arise:
- The competent department for youth affairs violates the implementation of services and measures for the protection of children and youth in accordance with the eighth book of the Social Code with reference to the place of residence;
- you were accepted by another country for personal reasons;
- unreasonable restrictions have arisen for the person.
Let's add that personal reasons become more important the longer a person lives in a new place.
How to move from Germany to another EU country?
A permit to stay in Germany (Aufenthaltstitel), which is issued by Ukrainian refugees, does not prohibit traveling through the European Union and moving to another country to receive temporary protection there.
We recommend getting advice from the consulate of the country where you plan to move, as there is no general scheme for granting temporary protection to refugees.
Can registered refugees leave Ukraine?
You can leave Germany for a short period. The residence permit does not limit the possibility of visits to other countries. However, it is canceled if the refugee is outside Germany for more than six months.
We will remind you! Earlier we told which federal lands will accept Ukrainians in 2023. Read more about this and other useful information for refugees at the link.
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