What Should Ukrainian Nationals in Germany Do Upon Arrival?

Ukrainian nationals in Germany can stay in the country for 90 days. Citizens who have a biometric passport do not need a visa in order to enter Germany. They will be welcomed with open arms by the German government and locals.

The 90-day permit can be extended should the Ukrainian nationals in Germany wish to do so. They just have to apply for an extension of their stay before May 31, 2022. The application should be submitted to the local immigration authority, or “Ausländerbehörde.” 

However, the validity of the temporary residence permit could be extended by the national authorities. The decision to do so will depend on how the situation in Ukraine progresses in the coming weeks or months. 

The temporary residence permit is also only valid in Berlin. But this does not mean that refugees from Ukraine cannot travel to other federal states within the country. If they have plans to seek shelter in states outside of Berlin, they would need to report to the respective Foreigners Registration Authority in the state they reside in. It should be done after 90 days from arrival in the country, which is by the time the permit expires.

Individuals Without a Biometric Passport

Those who are not holders of a biometric passport will be required to obtain a Schengen visa to be able to enter Germany. The visa can be applied for at any of the German Missions Abroad located in various countries near Ukraine, such as Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. 

Its validity is applicable for 90 days, but can be extended afterward. The extension of the visa can be made based on humanitarian grounds. 

Arrival of Ukrainian Nationals in Germany

Ukrainian citizens who have a biometric passport or Schengen visa can legally reside in the country. This means that, should they choose to stay with friends or relatives who are already in Berlin, they do not need to register with the relevant authorities to report their presence.

Those who need accommodation or basic services will certainly not be left on their own. They can approach the Arrival Center, which can be found at the address: Oranienburger Strasse 285, 13437 Berlin-Reinickendorf. 

To get to the Arrival Center, Ukrainian nationals in Germany can ride the train. They must head to the Karl-Bonhoeffer-Nervenklinik station via the S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains. Apart from that, they can also ride buses and shuttles that have been made available to them for this purpose. These will come at no cost to the refugees. Showing their passport will allow them free access to transportation until March 31, 2022. It could be extended depending on the situation.

Once at the Arrival Center, individuals will undergo a COVID-19 test and registration. Passports or identity cards must be shown during the registration process. When this is over, individuals will be ushered to their accommodation. 

Necessities, such as products for hygiene and emergency aid, will be provided. Similarly, they will be able to eat three meals per day. 

Even before they get to Germany, Ukrainian citizens can already request a place to stay by filling out an online form. Not only are individuals welcome in Germany. Pets will also be taken care of in the country. They will be provided with food, equipment, and medical treatment for free.

Anyone Fleeing From Ukraine Can Enter Germany

Entrance to Germany is not just limited to Ukrainian nationals. Anyone coming from Ukraine to escape the war will be allowed to seek shelter in the country. 

Nancy Faeser, the Federal Minister of the Interior and Community of Germany, said that “we want to save lives. That doesn’t depend on the passport.”

This is a step further in the temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees granted by the European Union on March 3. It was only approved for Ukrainian nationals, but did not include international students and other foreigners coming from Ukraine. 

Because of this, individuals can come to the country without having to undergo the burdensome asylum procedure. They can receive protection through a simplified process.