Current situation for Ukrainian citizens in Germany and the Schengen area
The war in Ukraine concerns and shocks us all – according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), almost 700,000 people are already displaced and, unfortunately, this number is expected to rise significantly.
As a relocation company, we want to use our experience in the field of immigration to Germany to help you understand and overcome the bureaucratic hurdles. Above all, we want to summarize the new regulations that now apply.
People from Ukraine can enter the EU or the Schengen Area—and thus also Germany—for up to 90 days without prior visa application. A biometric passport is required for this. However, upon inquiry, the Federal Police stated that they are lenient in this regard and will also allow Ukrainian citizens without such a passport to enter.
For longer stays of more than 90 days, a visa must be applied for prior to entry. Due to the current situation, this is currently also possible at the diplomatic missions of neighboring countries – partly because the German Embassy in Kyiv has been closed since the end of February. These visas can be applied for with or without a biometric passport.
Furthermore, the EU Commission, together with the interior ministers of the European Union, is preparing the first-time application of an EU directive that would require all EU member states to apply the same, unbureaucratic procedure for accepting refugees from Ukraine. The directive on so-called "mass exodus" has been in existence since 2001, i.e., for 21 years, and was also transposed into national law in the form of Section 24 of the Residence Act. Until now, there was no political will to implement it – now there is consensus among the EU member states.
The directive regulates the distribution of refugees, as well as simplified procedures for temporary protection and the possibility of taking up employment and self-employment. Ukrainian refugees can be admitted throughout the EU without an asylum procedure for an initial period of one year and can easily obtain a work permit. They are also entitled to benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act. An extension to a total of three years is possible. At the same time, children's school attendance is guaranteed. The regulation applies to holders of a Ukrainian passport and to all those who regularly reside in Ukraine.
In addition to the war situation, the pandemic unfortunately still needs to be considered. Ukraine has been no longer classified as a high-risk area since February 27, 2022. This means that, according to the Coronavirus Entry Regulation, only a general testing requirement prior to entry exists, but no longer a quarantine or registration requirement. The Federal Police will handle the situation with war refugees and displaced persons pragmatically. For example, voluntary testing will be offered upon entry at the border. Medical professionals will be consulted if COVID symptoms are present.
Extensive information in German, English and Ukrainian can be found here:
- DE: https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/faqs/DE/themen/ministerium/ukraine-krieg/faq-liste-ukraine-krieg.html
- EN: https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/faqs/EN/topics/ministry/ukraine-war-eng/faq-ukraine-artikel.html
- UA: https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/faqs/DE/themen/ministerium/ukrain-war-ukr/faq-list-ukrain-war.html
PROGEDO will be happy to provide information on the current situation in each federal state upon request.
Another important note: all information has been provided to the best of our knowledge and belief. We cannot guarantee its completeness, nor do we accept liability for the content provided here. The subject matter is simply too complex for this, and adjustments and changes are constantly being made. If in doubt, please contact us directly or visit the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees: https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/AsylFluechtlingsschutz/ResettlementRelocation/InformationenEinreiseUkraine/informationen-einreise-ukraine-node.html
Further sources: