Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in Germany can breathe a sigh of relief: Section 24 of the Residence Act has been officially extended until March 4, 2026. Find out more about what this decision means

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On November 22, 2024, the German Bundesrat officially approved the extension of paragraph 24 of the Law on the Residence of Ukrainians. This clause regulates the provision of temporary protection to Ukrainians who were forced to leave their country because of the war. The new validity period is until March 4, 2026.

However, lawyers note that although the law has already been approved, some details need to be clarified, and the final text will be published in the near future. Nevertheless, the main provisions are already known and important to understand.

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What does the extension mean for Ukrainians?

The extension of the 24th paragraph provides stability for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians in Germany. The main aspects of this decision are:

1. Automatic extension of the status:

• For those who have already been granted a residence permit under the 24th paragraph, no additional applications are required. The extension of the status is automatic.

2. Format of documents:

• Proof of status will probably remain in the form of A4 sheets. However, some federal states may introduce plastic cards instead of paper documents. This change is still under discussion.

3. New arrivals:

• Ukrainians crossing the border into Germany for the first time can still enter without a visa or special permits if it is their first time.

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Practical advice: how to avoid difficulties

Lawyers recommend that Ukrainians follow a few rules to avoid problems while traveling or living in Germany:

• Documents when traveling: Always have proof of your status with you - it can be a letter of validity of the 24th paragraph or previous documents. You may need them when crossing borders or during checks in Germany.

• Problems with airlines: In cases where the airline refuses to board because of the lack of a residence permit card:

- Contact a lawyer to file a complaint.

- Demand compensation for expenses, as such a refusal is a violation of your rights.

• Checks at the borders: In most cases, border crossing is easy. However, there may be thorough checks that may delay the process.

Should I switch to other types of residence permits?

The decision to change your status depends on your plans:

• If you plan to stay for a long time: Consider switching to other types of residence permits (work, student or entrepreneurial). This is especially relevant for those who are seeking to obtain citizenship or integrate into German society.

• If your goal is temporary protection: In this case, you do not need to change your status. Paragraph 24 grants the right to work, study, social benefits and residence without additional conditions.

The extension of the 24th paragraph until 2026 is an important step to ensure the stability of Ukrainians in Germany. The law not only guarantees the right to stay, but also opens up opportunities for integration into society. However, it is worth keeping an eye on the details and updates, in particular on possible changes in the application procedures.

We remind you! Ukrainians have legal ways to switch from Paragraph 24 to a residence permit in Germany. Read about the specifics of each option, requirements, documents, and important nuances for a successful change of residence status in our previous article.

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