Temporary Protection for Refugees from Ukraine

People who fled Ukraine because of the war are granted a humanitarian residence permit for temporary protection under § 24 of the Residence Act. The basis for this is the decision of the Council of the European Union under the Mass Influx Directive (RL 2001/55/EG) dated 04.03.2022, which has been extended several times in the meantime.

Issuance of a Residence Permit under § 24 AufenthG

After the initial entry, a residence permit must be applied for to continue staying in Germany. We kindly ask you to first register with the citizens' service at your main place of residence after entering the country. All refugees from Ukraine will then receive an appointment from the immigration authority within a few weeks. 

During the appointment, all refugees will be registered in accordance with § 49 AufenthG. Additionally, a temporary certificate will be issued during the appointment. With this certificate, any form of employment is permitted. Furthermore, an electronic residence permit will be ordered after the appointment, which can be collected after a production period of approximately four weeks.

Further details can be discussed with the respective caseworkers during the appointment.

Continuation of residence permits according to the Ukraine Residence Permit Continuation Ordinance (UkraineAufenthFGV)

The Ukraine Residence Permit Continuation Ordinance (UkraineAufenthFGV) currently stipulates that a residence permit pursuant to § 24 AufenthG, which is still valid on 01.02.2026, will generally remain valid until 04.03.2027.

All refugees from Ukraine registered in the Oberbergischer Kreis who hold such a residence permit pursuant to § 24 AufenthG will receive a personalized letter from the Foreigners' Authority by mail as a service, informing them about the continuation of their residence permit.

This letter can be used in conjunction with a valid passport and the residence permit as proof of further lawful residence in the Federal Republic until 04.03.2027.

Thus, a personal appearance of refugees from Ukraine who currently hold a residence permit under § 24 AufenthG with validity until at least 01.02.2026 at the Foreigners' Authority of the Oberbergischer Kreis is not required.