People moving to Germany can be granted refugee status or temporary protection status. However, the benefits and opportunities differ in each case. Find out more about the differences in the rights of refugees with different statuses

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Germany has become one of the most popular countries for Ukrainian refugees. In particular, various programmes for displaced persons increase migration to Germany. 

To date, Germany has sheltered almost 1 million Ukrainians. However, the rights of persons with refugee status (international protection) and temporary protection status differ significantly. The difference between the statuses and what Ukrainian refugees and refugees from other countries are entitled to in Germany is described in the article below.

The difference between refugee status and temporary protection in Germany

Temporary protection

Ukrainians who have fled war are entitled to a special status based on the EU Temporary Protection Directive. This status allows displaced persons to obtain a residence permit without the need to apply for asylum. 

Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection are entitled to: 

● employment;

● medical insurance;

● education of children;

● receiving social benefits, including assistance from the Bürgergeld Employment Centre, the main benefit for refugees in Germany, which provides refugees with money to cover basic needs such as clothing, food, hygiene products, etc. 

It is noted that today one adult receives 502 euros per month, and a couple receives 451 euros per person per month. Ukrainian refugees can also count on renting housing at the expense of the state. 

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Refugee status (international protection)

Many foreigners come to Germany to seek asylum and international protection. 

People with refugee status are usually accommodated in initial reception centres (Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung), which are often located in buildings that used to be military barracks. 

Refugees live in shared rooms and are provided with full meals. However, after a certain period of time, people are redirected to a new place of residence, usually dormitories that can accommodate up to 100 people. Living conditions in such municipal houses can be more or less comfortable. 

It is noted that persons who have been granted refugee status (international protection) cannot travel while their asylum is being granted. 

Financial support for personal needs is about 150 euros per month, and refugees receive basic needs, such as clothing, hygiene products, food, etc. free of charge at the initial reception centres. 

However, there are cases when people receive money to cover their basic needs instead of things. The amount for a refugee without a family is about 367 euros per month. 

Also, persons with refugee status have the right to voluntarily perform certain work and receive up to 200 euros for it. 

If refugees have an urgent need for emergency medical care, they are referred to a hospital. All necessary tests, medical procedures, surgeries and inpatient stays are covered by social services. 

Scheduled visits to medical facilities differ from one federal state to another. In some territories, refugees can visit a doctor on their own, while in others they need a certificate from the Office for Foreigners. 

We remind you! In the near future, Germany plans to tighten control on the border with Poland and the Czech Republic, and Poland - on the border with Slovakia. You can find out what problems the countries are trying to solve in this way here.

Immigration of skilled workers to Germany: new rules came into force in November 2023.

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