People forced to flee Ukraine because of the war will typically be granted a humanitarian residence permit for temporary protection (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum vorübergehenden Schutz) in accordance with Section 24 of the German Residence Act.
Refugees with permanent accommodation in Berlin can apply for this residence permit online with Berlin Immigration Office (Landesamt für Einwanderung – LEA).
Most people who fled the Russian war of aggression in Ukrain do not need to immediately register as a war refugee. Ukrainian citizens may stay in Germany for up to 90 days after their arrival without a visa or residence permit.
The same applies if you are not a Ukrainian citizen but belonged to one of the following groups on 24 February 2022 in Ukraine:
- Had a valid permanent residence permit issued according to Ukrainian law
- Had international protection status or an equivalent national protection status
- Were a family member of a Ukrainian citizen or a person with international protection status or an equivalent national protection status
If you would like to stay for longer than 90 days, however, or if you would like to work, receive social benefits or use the statutory healthcare benefits, then you must register and submit an application for a residence permit.
You can find an overview of the most important steps after arriving in Berlin in this infographic.