Temporary protection is coming to an end: how can Ukrainians change their status in Germany?

As Europe prepares to end its temporary protection programme, Ukrainians in Germany are faced with a choice: stay and apply for long-term status, or return home. The country's authorities are already launching new initiatives and support centres to help refugees decide on their future. Find out how to change your status, what documents are required, and what opportunities will be available to Ukrainians in Germany after 2027

Legal counselling on migration issues

GET

The temporary protection for Ukrainians in European Union countries expires in March 2027. The Council of the EU has already provided member states with recommendations on how to prepare for this moment — to help those who decide to return to Ukraine and to ensure that those who want to stay can obtain national residence permits. Germany, which has taken in the largest number of Ukrainian refugees, has already begun to implement these recommendations in practice. This is reported by DW.

Planning a trip to the Germany? The specialists at Visit Ukraine will help you every step of the way.

Germany is preparing in advance

The German Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) reports that a programme for the accelerated transition of Ukrainians to long-term residence permits has been in place for several months. Foreigners' offices in the federal states have been instructed to help those who work or study to obtain permanent residence permits. The Ministry of Labour (BMAS) emphasises that this transition opens up a stable future for Ukrainians — a path to permanent status and integration into German society.

Today, more than 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees live in Germany, making the country the main reception centre in Europe. However, only about 14,000 have already changed their temporary protection to work or study visas. At the same time, the proportion of those in employment is growing — from 65,000 in 2022 to over 340,000 in the summer of 2025.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

How can Ukrainians change their status in Germany?

Ukrainians in Germany have the right to either continue to use temporary protection or apply for a national residence permit for the purpose of study, work or self-employment. This can be done at the immigration office in your place of residence.

If you plan to apply for a student visa or an EU Blue Card, you will have to give up temporary protection. However, a residence permit for work or vocational training can be applied for at the same time.

Key requirements:

▪️ financial independence and no criminal record;

▪️ valid Ukrainian passport;

▪️ confirmation of employment contract, place of study or qualifications;

▪️ basic knowledge of German (the employer is responsible for assessing the level).

What problems do Ukrainians face?

In practice, many Ukrainians face bureaucratic difficulties. Yevgeniya, a 37-year-old from Kyiv who lives and works in Bonn, has been trying to change her status for a year and a half, but the process has been delayed due to unclear requirements from the authorities. Representatives of local migration services acknowledge that delays are possible, primarily due to the need to confirm compliance with all the conditions of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz).

To simplify this process, the EU's first Unity Hub — an information centre for Ukrainian refugees — will open in Berlin in autumn 2025. It will provide advice on switching to other types of residence, employment, education and even voluntary return to Ukraine.

Returning home and advice for the future

Experts note that the issue of Ukrainians returning to their country is also becoming part of a pan-European strategy. According to Jan Schneider of the Expert Council on Integration and Migration, if peace or at least a truce is established in Ukraine by 2027, return will be a key factor in the country's recovery.

Those who see their future in Germany are advised not to wait for temporary protection to end. It is already worth checking whether anyone in the family meets the criteria for a long-term residence permit — for work, study or self-employment. This will help avoid legal uncertainty and ensure stability after 2027.

If you need assistance at any stage of the migration process, you can contact our migration law specialists for advice on problematic issues, assistance with completing the necessary documents, or full legal support.

Reminder! The federal states of Germany continue to provide shelter and assistance to Ukrainian refugees. However, some categories of migrants may encounter difficulties upon entry. Find out more about the addresses of refugee camps and their accommodation conditions in October 2025.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.