How to register with BundID with an expired §24: step-by-step instructions for Ukrainians in Germany

BundID — the key to government online services in Germany Find out how to register in the system even with an expired residence card and why you need a digital account

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BundID is a state-run online electronic identification system in Germany. It can be used to log in to official portals, submit applications, and use digital services provided by federal institutions. For Ukrainians with temporary protection under §24 AufenthG, this tool is often necessary for interacting with German authorities.

Here's how to create a BundID account if your plastic residence card has expired.

What is BundID and what is it for?

BundID is a single digital account for accessing German government online services. It allows you to:

● log in to official government portals;

● submit applications and documents online;

● use the electronic services of federal authorities.

In particular, a BundID account is required to submit documents to the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB) — the central authority for the recognition of foreign education — as well as to access other government services connected to the system.

Is it possible to register for BundID with an expired §24 AufenthG

If the validity period of the plastic residence card under §24 AufenthG has expired, standard authorization via a residence permit will not be available. The system will not allow you to log in via the residence document section.

However, this does not mean that it is impossible to create an account. In this case, you will need to use an alternative registration method.

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How to create a BundID account: step-by-step instructions

1. Go to the official website: id.bund.de

2. Click on the “Konto erstellen” (create account) button. The system will offer several ways to log in:

– Online-Ausweis (German Personalausweis);

– EU-Identität (nicht deutsch);

– ELSTER-Zertifikat;

– Benutzername & Passwort.

If your residence card (§24) has expired, select the “Benutzername & Passwort” (username and password) option.

3. Next, you need to: create a username, set a password, manually fill in your personal details, and confirm your registration.

Once you have completed the procedure, you will receive a full BundID account that will work even if your residence permit has expired.

Why it is important to have a BundID even with an expired §24

In Germany, more and more administrative procedures are being moved online. From submitting documents for diploma recognition to registering in government databases, all of this often requires digital identification.

If your residence status is being extended or is in the process of being renewed, it is important to understand which online services remain available. In complex cases — for example, if there are questions about extending §24, changing status, or submitting applications through government portals — it is worth consulting with immigration lawyers.

On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can get professional help from immigration lawyers regarding legalizing your stay in Germany, extending your temporary protection status, submitting applications to German authorities, and working with electronic services, including BundID.

We remind you! Germany is changing its social support rules for the unemployed, making the system more stringent. Read about what Grundsicherung is, what sanctions will be introduced in 2026, and how these changes will affect Ukrainians in Germany.

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