Ukrainians with temporary protection in Germany can visit Ukraine, but in order to avoid losing their benefits, they need to comply with the rules on the duration of the trip and some other requirements. Find out what steps you need to take before you leave to maintain your social benefits and residence status

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in Germany have the opportunity to visit Ukraine without losing their social benefits. However, in order to preserve the benefits and the validity of the residence permit, it is important to follow certain rules and coordinate your actions with the employment center. We will tell you how to act if you need to travel to Ukraine in the article below with a link to the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Find out which German states are accepting Ukrainians in July 2024 here.

Types of travel and their impact on social benefits

First of all, you need to understand that the requirements for Ukrainians differ depending on the length of stay in Ukraine. At the same time, the period for which you are leaving Germany must be determined accurately and in advance.

"It doesn't matter whether you are coming back for just three weeks, six months or forever. You have to decide on the duration of your stay in Ukraine in advance, as different rules and regulations apply depending on this,” the agency emphasizes.

Thus, according to the current legislation, the following rules apply:

1. Short-term trips: up to 3 weeks per year (21 calendar days). For short-term trips, subject to prior approval from the Jobcenter and temporary reasons for travel, social benefits are not suspended and your registration in Germany remains valid.

2. Long-term trips: up to 6 months. For trips longer than three weeks, social assistance is usually paid for only three weeks, and upon returning to Germany, it may be suspended. To resume payments, you must submit a new application.

3. Return to Ukraine: If you stay outside Germany for more than 6 months, your residence permit may be revoked. The immigration authorities may extend this period, but you need to provide justification for your temporary absence.

Please note! Long-term or valid reasons for traveling (e.g., caring for a family member or enrolling in a university) are not considered temporary and may result in the revocation of your residence permit.

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What do I need to do before traveling to Ukraine?

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees recommends that Ukrainians take the following steps before leaving Germany:

1. Approval from the employment center: Submit an application to the Jobcenter 1-2 weeks before departure, indicating the duration of the trip and the approximate dates of departure and return.

2. Check the validity of your residence permit: Make sure that your residence permit is valid for the entire period of your stay abroad. If necessary, apply for an extension.

3. Informing the Employment Office: Inform the Employment Office about your trip before you leave the country.

Traveling to Ukraine is possible for Ukrainians with temporary protection in Germany, but it is important to follow all the rules to avoid losing social benefits and revoking your residence permit.

We remind you! Germany has agreed on new conditions for the payment of unemployment benefits to Ukrainian refugees. Read how the rules will change and what new requirements will be imposed on recipients of benefits in our previous article.

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.

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