FAQ

After registration and submission of an online application for a residence permit under §24 at LEA, individuals who require financial support must apply for social assistance at the appropriate authority, depending on their status and ability to work. 

Persons who are able to work generally apply at the Jobcenter. There, an application for Bürgergeld is submitted, covering basic living expenses, including food, housing, and health insurance. Applications can be submitted in paper form — by post or via the Jobcenter mailbox — or online via the official website: https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/buergergeld 

Required documents include: identification, confirmation of registration in the city of your residence, proof of residence (Anmeldung), bank account details, and health insurance (if available). When applying as a family, additional documents such as children’s birth certificates and a marriage certificate must be provided. 

Persons unable to work, including retirees, people with disabilities, or those temporarily unfit for work, should apply at the Sozialamt, where assistance is provided according to social welfare law. The application process is similar and also requires a basic set of documents. 

After submitting the application, it will be reviewed, and additional documents or clarifications may be requested. It is important to submit the application as soon as possible after registration, as payments are usually calculated from the application date. 

If you have difficulties completing the documents, you can seek assistance from our consultation centers.

From August 13, 2025, new rules regarding temporary protection under §24 came into effect, significantly changing the conditions for some applicants. 

The main change is that persons who have already received temporary protection in another country can no longer obtain this status again in Germany. 

This rule now applies to everyone without exception, regardless of whether the previous country was within the EU or outside it. Previously, the restriction applied only to arrivals from third countries, but it now also applies to those who previously had protection in Poland or another EU country. 

The new provisions also cover persons who have already moved to Germany from another EU country and completed the initial verification process, but have not yet received an appointment to obtain the residence permit. In such cases, eligibility for §24 may be limited or denied. 

Therefore, before moving to Germany, it is important to consider whether temporary protection has already been obtained in another country, as this directly affects the right to further stay and social support in Berlin. 

The first mandatory step after arriving in Berlin is to contact the Ankunftszentrum (link) at Oranienburger Str. 285. This center provides initial consultations, helps with document processing, and determines the next steps. 

If necessary, applicants can temporarily stay at the center and undergo mandatory medical examinations, including infectious disease screening. Important: the center does not accommodate pets, so temporary arrangements for animals must be made in advance. 

After the initial stage, all applicants receive a referral to the Tegel center, where security checks are conducted, official registration of arrival takes place, and housing is allocated. Admission to Tegel is by appointment only, scheduled through the Ankunftszentrum, and is available only on weekdays in the morning. A special shuttle service is available to reach Tegel. 

Upon completion of the procedure, accommodation is provided if needed in municipal facilities or partner institutions working with LAF. Individuals requiring care may receive additional support when applying for relevant services. 

After registration, it is important to apply as soon as possible for social benefits at the Sozialamt or Jobcenter, depending on the individual situation. Applicants must also complete the online application for a residence permit under §24 at LEA. Access to Tegel is not possible without a referral from the Ankunftszentrum. 

More details: https://t.me/ukrainiancenterberlin/199 

Before leaving Ukraine, it is important to prepare all necessary documents and information in advance. 

Be sure to take with you: Ukrainian passport (internal and international), tax identification number (TIN), and birth, marriage, or partnership certificates. 

If traveling with children, prepare: children’s birth certificates, medical records and vaccination information, school or kindergarten documents, and permission to travel or documents confirming guardianship. 

It is also recommended to bring documents confirming education and professional experience: diplomas, certificates, employment record books, letters of recommendation, and, if possible, translations of documents into foreign languages. 

Medical documents are important: extracts from medical records, a list of medications, and information about chronic illnesses or disabilities. 

Additionally, you may need proof of your residence in Ukraine as of February 24, 2022, such as bank statements, rental agreements, receipts, medical certificates, or geotagged photos. 

Please note: temporary protection in Germany is not granted to persons who did not reside in Ukraine before 24.02.2022 or who have already received protection in another EU country. 

A biometric passport (preferably valid for at least 6 months) is required to cross the border. 

If traveling by car, prepare: vehicle registration documents, driver’s license, Green Card insurance, and documents confirming your right to use the vehicle (if applicable). 

More details: https://t.me/ukrainiancenterberlin/188 

Before leaving Germany, persons under temporary protection must complete several important administrative steps in advance. 

First, notify the relevant authorities, including the Jobcenter, Sozialamt, and Familienkasse, about the termination of social benefits. If payments for a future period have already been made, they must be returned. 

It is also important to terminate children’s education. If children attend school, kindergarten, or extracurricular activities, notify the institutions in advance and terminate any agreements, including meal contracts. 

You must deregister your place of residence (Abmeldung). In some cities, this can be done online or by post. Obtaining confirmation of deregistration is mandatory and helps avoid fines. 

Special attention should be given to financial and housing matters. It is recommended to close bank accounts, submit a closure request, and withdraw any remaining funds to avoid automatic payments or debts. Rental agreements should be terminated in advance, usually at least three months before departure. Finding a new tenant can speed up the process. Before leaving, the property should be brought into proper condition, and unnecessary items should be disposed of according to regulations. 

Service contracts, such as for internet, mobile, gas, and electricity, should also be cancelled in accordance with notice periods. Health insurance should be terminated by informing the provider and returning the health insurance card. The broadcasting fee (TV and radio) should also be cancelled online, with the departure date specified. 

Check other subscriptions or contracts, such as gym memberships, courses, or magazines, and cancel them in a timely manner. Many formalities, including some contract cancellations, can be completed remotely via online services or email, even after departure. 

If not all matters can be completed before leaving, it is advisable to issue a notarised power of attorney to a relative or trusted person who can handle administrative matters on your behalf. 

Following these steps will help avoid future problems and ensure a smooth and organised departure. 

More details: https://t.me/ukrainiancenterberlin/58