Germany is one of the leaders in accepting Ukrainian refugees in the EU, second only to Poland. Currently, more than 900,000 Ukrainians have found refuge in Germany. However, many of our citizens need to return to Ukraine for a certain period: to visit relatives, resolve cases with documents, pick up things, etc.

However, the host country establishes several rules that refugees who wish to travel to Ukraine temporarily or for permanent residence should remember. Their status in Germany and the calculation of cash payments depend on this.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GO TO UKRAINE FROM GERMANY IF I HAVE A RESIDENCE PERMIT?

Yes, anyone who has a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) and a corresponding certificate (according to paragraph 24 of the Residence Act) can travel to Ukraine. You have the right to return to Germany at any time if you have already received a residence permit. Before leaving, pay attention to the validity of the permit, and if necessary, apply for its extension.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOSE YOUR RESIDENCE STATUS IN GERMANY WHEN YOU GO ABROAD?

If you leave Germany for a short period, your residence status in Germany is not lost. However, the residence permit will be canceled for those who stay outside Germany for more than 6 months. The visa can also be revoked in the event of a short-term departure for a "non-temporary reason", for example, to study or care for a family member. The migration service can extend the authorized six-month stay outside Germany if it is proven that the absence is limited and temporary.

If you are going on a short-term trip, you do not need to deregister with the German migration service.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO LEAVE GERMANY WITH A TEMPORARY PERMIT?

A temporary certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung) is issued to persons who have already applied for a residence permit but have not yet received it. Citizens of Ukraine can return to Germany without hindrance, even if they have not yet received a passport and only have a temporary certificate, provided that they have a biometric passport.

Citizens of Ukraine without a biometric passport can return to Germany without a visa until November 30, 2022. However, it is worth remembering that in the absence of a biometric passport and a visa, Fiktionsbescheinigung does not give the right to travel to other Schengen countries or travel through them in transit to Ukraine. Therefore, it is worth consulting with the local migration service before traveling to Ukraine, which should be considered in each case.

WILL I CONTINUE TO BE PAID WHEN I LEAVE GERMANY?

1. Unemployment benefit II (ALG II) continues to be paid if the trip lasts no longer than three weeks. 2. A total of three weeks or 21 days per year is allowed, including weekends and public holidays.

If the trip lasts from three to six weeks, the employment center pays the benefit for only three weeks.

3. If the trip lasts longer than six weeks, the unemployment benefit will not be paid during this entire period. After returning, it will be necessary to apply for ALGII registration again.

4. Those who return completely to Ukraine cannot receive unemployment benefits.

If you receive unemployment benefit II and want to leave Germany, you must notify your Jobcentre in good time. The employment center must permit your absence.

To take care of your health during any trips, we recommend purchasing a medical insurance policy with coverage in Germany and Ukraine.