EU protection enables residence in Germany without an asylum procedure
The so-called "temporary protection" was activated shortly after the start of the Russian war of aggression in February 2022. It gives Ukrainian nationals quick access to protection in the EU - without lengthy asylum procedures.
The regulation is currently valid until March 2026. An additional extension is intended to give those affected and the receiving countries additional planning security, according to Brussels.
EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner emphasized that the situation in Ukraine remains uncertain. The proposal should enable the EU states to prepare in good time for the time after the expiry of the protection regime.
The decision could already be made at a meeting next week.
What will change for Ukrainians in Germany?
For Ukrainian refugees already living in Germany or another EU country, the current proposal means one thing above all: stability. The existing regulation allows them to stay in Germany without a regular asylum procedure and without a separate Residence permit.
At the same time, temporary protection grants Ukrainians in Germany the right to work, send their children to school and make use of medical and social services.
No citizens' allowance for Ukrainian refugees?
For Ukrainians who arrived in Germany after 01.04.2025, however, something could change. According to the coalition agreement of the new federal government, these new arrivals will no longer be entitled to citizens' benefits in future, but will instead receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (AsylbLG).
This regulation has not yet been passed into law and is therefore not applicable law. It is not yet clear whether refugees who came to Germany before April 1, 2025 will also have to fear adjustments to their social benefits.
What will happen for Ukrainian refugees in the EU after 2027?
Alongside the planned extension of temporary protection, the EU Commission has provided an outlook for the time after its expiry. The focus here is on the idea of opening up long-term prospects in the EU for well-integrated Ukrainian refugees.
Those who are demonstrably well integrated through work, studies or language skills, for example, should be able to switch to a national Residence permit more easily.
In Germany, the following Residence permit , among others, are eligible for this:
- § Section 16a AufenthG: Residence for vocational training
- § Section 16d AufenthG: Residence for measures to
- Recognition of foreign professional qualifications
- § Section 16f AufenthG: Residence for the purpose of language courses and school attendance
- § Section 17 AufenthG: Residence for the purpose of seeking a training or study place
- § Section 18a/b AufenthG: Residence for the purpose of gainful employment
- § Section 19c AufenthG: Residence for other employment purposes and civil servants
- § Section 21 AufenthG: Residence for self-employed persons and entrepreneurs
- §§ Sections 27 - 36 AufenthG: Family reunification
According to EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, programs for voluntary return to Ukraine are also to be promoted and advice centers created.
By the way: If you would like to know whether andfor which of the Residence permit mentioned you meet the requirements, take our free test here.
EU Special Representative for Ukraine
Finally, Brunner announced his intention to appoint aspecial representative for Ukrainian refugees. This person is to improve coordination between the member states in future. A specific name for the post has yet to be announced.
Over 4.3 million Ukrainians have found refuge in the EU since the start of the war in 2022. At the beginning of March 2025, around 1.2 million people seeking protection from Ukraine who arrived after February 2022 were registered in the German Central Register of Foreigners.
Our tip: Apply for a Residence permit in good time
Even if the protection status is extended until 2027, it is advisable for Ukrainian refugees in Germany to apply for a regular Residence permit as early as possible (see above).
Only with a legal Residence permit is it possible to obtain a permanent Residence permit (such as a Settlement permit) or the Naturalization in Germany.
