Germany accepts Ukrainian refugees under the temporary protection program Paragraph 24. However, IDPs have begun to face problems entering the country, as not all federal states of the republic accept refugees. Learn more about the current addresses of refugee camps in Germany as of June 2024

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IDPs from Ukraine arriving in Germany are usually accommodated in temporary reception centers. After that, they are further distributed among the federal states.

It is worth noting that Ukrainians should be prepared to live for a long time in refugee shelters (dormitories, hangars or even gyms). The reason for this is the extremely difficult housing situation in the country. Due to the high level of migration, some regions of Germany have warned of limited capacity to accept new refugees. 

Refugees cannot choose a federal state for further residence on their own. Even if you arrive at a camp in a particular state, you may be redirected to another state. A special permit is required to move to the desired federal state. It can be obtained only for good reasons: a job, a spouse or minor children.

Therefore, it is better to choose a camp with the most convenient transportation. Living conditions are almost the same in all reception centers for refugees. It is almost impossible to change the place of reception, the information about registration is one-time - after that, you will not be accepted in another place.

In the previous article, we told you that cash distribution to refugees will be limited in Germany. However, people seeking asylum in the country will receive a single payment card. 

Simplified entry rules for Ukrainians in Germany: what is known

For the fifth time, the Federal Ministry of the Interior has extended the simplified entry rules for Ukrainian refugees. Citizens of Ukraine, some third-country nationals and stateless refugees with a permanent right of residence in Ukraine will be able to stay in Germany without a residence permit until December 31, 2024. 

However, third-country nationals and stateless persons who do not have a permanent residence permit in Ukraine can no longer enter Germany without a visa or a German residence permit.

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Current addresses of reception centers for refugees in June 2024

Most refugees arrive at initial reception centers, the so-called “camps,” where they are further distributed to the federal states. However, it is impossible to predict exactly where you will be sent in advance.

After registration, you are obliged to live in the federal state to which you have been assigned. To move to another state, you need a special permit, which is issued only for valid reasons (e.g., employment, family circumstances).

There is little point in choosing between camps, as the conditions of stay are roughly the same in all of them. So it is better to choose the one that is most convenient for you to get to.

You can't change the reception centers at will. Once you have registered, you have only one opportunity, and you will not be accepted to register elsewhere.

All of the reception centers listed here are open 24/7.

You can learn more about the requirements for obtaining local registration and license plates for your car in Germany here.

Baden-Württemberg 

Currently, distribution from the Baden-Württemberg reception centers is very often carried out to other federal states, in particular to Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. The decision on distribution to any state is made on a case-by-case basis by an automated system. Therefore, you should not expect to stay in Baden-Württemberg.

Karlsruhe (Durlacher Allee 100, 76137 Karlsruhe). It is open around the clock, but nowadays it often redirects refugees to other federal states. You can drive your own car, but you need to park it outside the reception center. Refugees with animals larger than a cat are not accepted. 

Meßstetten (Geißbühlstraße 51, 72469 Meßstetten). It is located in an inaccessible place, so it is better to get there by car. Refugees with pets are not accepted. 

Freiburg (Basler Landstraße 16, 79111 Freiburg). Does not accept refugees in need of special medical care. Refugees with animals can live in this camp, but dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Bayern - Bavaria

München: Dachauer Str. 122a, 80637 München. This reception center is used for distribution to other camps in Bavaria. Refugees with pets are not always accepted. This is a big problem, because further distribution with animals is impossible, and shelters in Bavaria are overcrowded.

Berlin

Tegel (old airport). The largest primary reception center, from where refugees are resettled throughout the country. The territory is closed, you can get here only by special bus (you must also leave your own car in the external parking lot).

Hessen - Hesse

Gießen (Rödgener Straße 59-61, 35394 Gießen Ankunftshalle). The reception center is open only on weekdays until 20.00. At other times, you may be admitted, but you will have to wait a very long time. As a last resort, go to the Bahnhofsmission in Frankfurt, where you will be accommodated for one night.

Schleswig-Holstein

Neumünster (Haart 148, 24359 Neumünster). The basic reception center from which distribution to other camps continues.

Boostedt (Von-dem-Borne-Straße, 24598 Boostedt). Open around the clock, but now often redirects refugees to other federal states. Refugees are always accepted here with animals and even large dogs.

Do Ukrainian refugees in Germany need insurance?

According to the law, all German residents must have health insurance. Also, foreigners need to take out an appropriate insurance policy to obtain a visa. Similarly, in order to obtain a residence permit, you must provide proof of adequate health insurance for the entire period of stay. Therefore, when preparing for a trip or relocation, it is very important to learn about the requirements for travel, private and public health insurance in Germany.

For the safest possible travel, you should buy insurance policies only from trusted agents. On the Visit Ukraine portal you can buy reliable insurance that has many advantages: packages for entry to any country in the world, a guarantee of payments, online payment. You will receive a reliable policy in your mail in just a few minutes.

Peculiarities of employment of Ukrainians in Germany

Ukrainian immigrants with temporary protection in Germany can officially work without any difficulties. Restrictions apply only to those who have arrived on the basis of a biometric passport or visa and have been granted refugee status. 

To obtain a work permit, you need to apply to the Foreigners' Registration Office. When a residence permit is issued, a record is made in the document about the possibility of engaging in paid work, even if a specific job is not yet available. No other permits are required. 

German labor market experts believe that Ukrainian refugees have good chances of finding employment in the medium term, according to a survey by the Institute for Research on the Labor Market and Professions (IAB).

Remember that one of the prerequisites for staying abroad is to have health insurance. Thanks to insurance, you will be able to receive high-quality medical care without having to pay for it.

You can buy insurance online in a few clicks here. A ready-made insurance policy will be sent to your email in a few minutes.

If you are planning to leave Ukraine by car, you should take care of obtaining a Green Card policy in advance, because without it, your car will not be allowed to cross the border. You can buy car insurance quickly and profitably on the Visit Ukraine website.

We remind you! Citizens of Ukraine can obtain a Blue Card for long-term residence and employment in Germany. It allows not only to work and live in the country, but also provides an opportunity to obtain a permanent residence permit and even citizenship. Read more about what is required to obtain the relevant document.

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

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.