Emigration to Germany: how can Ukrainians move there in 2025?

For many years, Germany has attracted Ukrainians with opportunities for work, study and a comfortable life. However, if you are planning to move there in 2025, there are rules, document requirements and procedural nuances that you should be aware of in advance. Find out more about the types of visas, legalisation requirements and steps to permanent residence in Germany

Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Germany remains one of the most popular countries for Ukrainians to move to thanks to its stable economy, high standard of living and wide range of opportunities for development.

However, if you are planning to emigrate as a citizen rather than under a refugee protection programme, there are a number of formalities to consider.

How to properly prepare for the move, what visas are available, and how to legalise your status after arrival — we will tell you more in this article.

Detailed information that will be useful when planning your trip to Germany can be found here:

– Rules for entry into Germany for Ukrainians.

– Employment in Germany for Ukrainians.

– Immigration to Germany for Ukrainians.

– Studying in Germany for Ukrainians.

– Temporary protection in Germany for Ukrainians.

– Travelling to Germany in your own car.

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Do Ukrainians need a visa to enter Germany?

For short-term trips of up to 90 days, Ukrainians with a biometric passport do not need a visa (visa-free regime). However, for long-term stays, work or study, a national German visa (D) is required. This is the first step towards further legalisation and obtaining a residence permit.

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Visa to Germany for Ukrainians: what types are there?

The main categories of visas for Ukrainians are:

– Work visa (Arbeitsvisum) — for those who have an invitation from a German employer.

– EU Blue Card — for highly qualified specialists with a diploma and an employment contract with a salary not less than the established minimum.

– Job search visa — allows you to come to Germany for 6 months to look for work.

– Student visa — for admission and study at German universities.

– Visa for self-employed persons and entrepreneurs — if you plan to start a business in Germany.

Visa to Ukraine for German citizens: when to apply and how to apply — follow the link.

What documents are required for a visa to Germany?

The standard package of documents includes:

– Foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months after the planned date of entry).

– Completed application form.

– Photographs.

– A letter of motivation.

– Proof of financial solvency (bank statement, contract with employer, etc.).

– Medical insurance.

– Rental agreement or proof of residence.

– Other documents depending on the type of visa (contract, diploma, business plan, etc.).

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Visa to Germany for Ukrainians: preparation stages

1. Select the type of visa. Clearly define the purpose of your trip: work, study, business, etc.

2. Collect documents. Check the requirements on the website of the German consulate.

3. Make an appointment to submit documents. In most cases, you need to make an appointment online through the visa centre or consulate.

4. Submit your application and attend an interview. During the application process, you may be asked additional questions about your plans.

5. Waiting for a decision. The processing time depends on the type of visa, usually from a few weeks to several months.

6. Obtaining a visa and moving. Once you have received your visa, you can enter Germany and register your place of residence within the first two weeks.

For successful processing of documents, it is recommended to contact qualified visa lawyers. Specialists will advise you on the necessary documents, help you prepare your application and provide full legal support throughout the process, from start to finish.

Germany for Ukrainians 2025: moving to Germany for Ukrainians

Temporary residence permit

Ukrainians who plan to stay in Germany for a long time must obtain a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis). This document is issued in the form of a plastic card with an electronic data carrier and allows you to stay in the country for various reasons: employment, study, family reunification or on humanitarian grounds. It is usually valid for one to four years and can be extended.

To apply for this permit, you must first enter Germany with the correct visa. Upon arrival, it is important to register your place of residence within 14 days, take out health insurance and open a bank account. Next, all necessary documents must be collected, including a passport, proof of financial solvency, medical insurance and documents confirming the purpose of the stay. After making an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde), the applicant submits the documents and pays the fee. In some cases, biometric data must also be provided. The processing time can take from several weeks to months.

Germany has abolished the automatic exchange of Ukrainian driving licences. Read here to find out how to work as a driver in Germany now.

Permanent residence permit

A permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) entitles you to live and work in Germany indefinitely. To obtain it, Ukrainians must have lived in the country for at least five years on a temporary permit, demonstrate integration into society (in particular, German language skills at a level not lower than B1) and confirm financial stability without dependence on social assistance.

The procedure involves document verification, submission of an application form, a possible interview, and payment of fees. After a positive decision, the applicant receives a permanent residence permit, which provides many advantages, including unlimited access to the labour market, the right to social benefits, and the opportunity to start their own business.

We discussed insurance for travel to Germany in a previous article.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a special type of permit for highly qualified professionals who have a higher education and have signed a contract with a German employer with a salary that meets the established requirements. It not only allows you to work, but also gives you simplified access to permanent residence.

To obtain a Blue Card, you must find a job, obtain a national work visa, register your address and take out medical insurance. Next, you need to gather the following documents: passport, photo, contract, proof of education, medical insurance and a declaration from your employer. After submitting your application to the immigration service and successful consideration, you will receive a card and can start working.

How to obtain German citizenship?

Naturalisation is an opportunity for foreigners, including Ukrainians, to obtain German citizenship after a long period of legal residence. The standard requirement is eight years of residence in Germany, although this period may be shortened if you successfully complete an integration course.

Candidates for citizenship must prove financial independence, demonstrate good behaviour and have a sufficient level of German language skills. It is also necessary to pass a test on knowledge of the German legal system and social structure. In addition, in most cases, you must renounce your previous citizenship.

After submitting the documents to the naturalisation department, passing a check and an interview, the applicant takes an oath of allegiance to the German Constitution and receives a naturalisation certificate.

About family reunification in Germany, who can obtain a residence permit and how to do it — find out more at the link.

Employment in Germany for Ukrainians

To work legally in Germany, Ukrainian citizens must obtain a work visa. There are several types of such visas: general work, special and for self-employed persons. A general work visa requires professional qualifications and an employment contract. A special work visa is intended for highly qualified specialists with a high level of income. For self-employed persons, you must prove the benefit of your activity for the German economy.

To apply, you will need: a contract or invitation from an employer, proof of qualifications, medical insurance, financial guarantees and additional documents depending on the type of visa. The preparation process involves filling out a questionnaire, registering for an interview, submitting documents and biometric data, paying fees and waiting for the consulate's decision.

Upon arrival in Germany, it is important to register your address within two weeks and apply for a residence permit. It is also possible to bring your family with you if you have the financial means and suitable living conditions.

German immigration law has many nuances and is constantly changing, which can make it difficult to complete the paperwork on your own and increase the risk of rejection.

The qualified lawyers at Visit Ukraine specialise in visa and immigration issues and will help you choose the best way to move, avoid mistakes in your documents and save time. Our experts will provide professional support at all stages — from choosing a visa category to successfully obtaining a residence permit.

Get advice right now and take the first step towards moving to Germany!

Reminder! Germany is a leading country in the European Union that can guarantee a high standard of living not only for its citizens, but also for expats and migrants. People choose Germany for temporary or permanent relocation because of its strong economy, developed infrastructure, rich culture and stability. How much does it cost to live in Germany in 2024-2025 — read here.

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