Nodia Knowledge Base
Regularly updated articles and instructions for Ukrainians in Germany.
This resource is created and maintained by the Nodia team and community to help migrants adapt. We gather the most important information and structure it by stages: from preparation for the move to job searching and integration.
Important: Legislation and social programs change frequently, so we strive to constantly update all materials. If you have anything to add to any topic, please leave a comment under the articles.
Quick access
- Where to Get Free Legal Aid and Advice in Germany Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Migrant Counseling Centers (MBE): City Contacts and Support Guide Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Useful Mobile Apps for Living in Germany Last updated: September 19, 2026
- Government Online Services in Germany: eID, BundID, and ELSTER Last updated: October 2, 2026
- Emergency Medical Care in Germany: Where to Call and Go Last updated: January 5, 2026
- Psychological Care and Crisis Support for Ukrainians in Germany Last updated: August 21, 2026
Stage 1. Before moving
- Grounds for Entry into Germany for Ukrainians: New Realities 2026-2028 Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Checklist Before Moving to Germany: What Documents, Money, and Essentials to Pack Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Choosing a Federal State (Bundesland) for Relocation: Where Are Conditions Best? Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Moving to Germany with Pets: Required Documents and Vaccinations Last updated: January 23, 2026
- Common Myths About Life in Germany: What to Prepare For Last updated: October 25, 2024
Stage 2. First steps
- First 24 Hours in Germany: What to Do Immediately After Arrival Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Temporary Protection (§24) vs. Asylum Status (Asyl): What Should You Choose? Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Extension of Temporary Protection (§24): Automatic Validity and Transition to Work Visas Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Anmeldung in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide to Residence Registration Last updated: August 21, 2026
- German Tax ID (Steuer-ID): How and Where to Obtain It Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Mobile connectivity in Germany: plan types, contracts, eSIM, and consumer protection Last updated: September 25, 2026
- Home and business internet in Germany: fiber optics, DSL, cable and satellite connection Last updated: September 25, 2026
Stage 3. Settling in
Finances and social support
- Bürgergeld 2026: How to Apply for Social Support from the Jobcenter Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Changes in German Social Benefits from April 2025: Who Is Affected Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Kindergeld: How to Apply for Child Benefits in Germany Last updated: August 21, 2026
- How to Open a Bank Account in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide and Bank Comparison Last updated: August 21, 2026
- SCHUFA in Germany: Credit Score, Renting an Apartment, and Rights Protection Last updated: September 12, 2026
Housing
- Finding Housing in Germany: Renting an Apartment, Shared Flat (WG), Documents, and Legal Rights Last updated: September 12, 2026
- How to Avoid Rental Scams in Germany: Essential Safety Rules Last updated: May 2, 2026
- Social Housing and WBS in Germany: Requirements, Documents, and Finding a Flat Last updated: October 10, 2026
- Rental Contracts in Germany: What to Check Before Signing Last updated: October 7, 2026
- Utilities (Nebenkosten) and Essential Insurance in Germany Last updated: April 10, 2026
- Broadcasting Fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): Who Must Pay and How to Get an Exemption Last updated: March 28, 2026
- Waste Separation in Germany: The Complete Recycling Guide Last updated: February 4, 2026
Healthcare and wellbeing
- Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung) in Germany: How to Choose and Register Last updated: April 8, 2025
- How to Find a Doctor and Book an Appointment (Termin) in Germany Last updated: March 12, 2026
- Emergency Medical Care in Germany: Where to Call and Go Last updated: January 5, 2026
- Psychological Care and Crisis Support for Ukrainians in Germany Last updated: August 21, 2026
- How to Find Ukrainian- and Russian-Speaking Doctors in Germany Last updated: November 27, 2025
Transport
- Public Transport in Germany: Deutschlandticket, Discounts, and Ticket Options Last updated: October 13, 2026
- Ukrainian Driving Licenses in Germany: Usage Rules and Exchange Procedure Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Buying and Registering a Car in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide Last updated: June 25, 2026
Stage 4. Work and development
Education and language
- BAMF Integration Courses in Germany: Participation Terms, Exams, and Cost Coverage Last updated: August 14, 2025
- Professional Language Courses (BSK): How to Access Free Training for Employment, Degree Recognition, and Workplace Job-BSK Last updated: September 18, 2026
- Free Resources for Independent German Language Learning in Germany Last updated: November 24, 2025
- The German Education System: How to Enroll a Child in Daycare (Kita) and School Last updated: March 11, 2025
- Vocational Training (Ausbildung) and Universities in Germany: How to Enroll and Receive BAföG Last updated: December 16, 2025
- Continuing Studies under the Ukrainian Curriculum from Germany: Schools, NMT, and Universities Last updated: April 15, 2025
Work and career
- Recognition of Foreign Diplomas in Germany (Anerkennung): Complete Guide Last updated: May 18, 2026
- How to Write a German Resume (Lebenslauf) and Cover Letter Last updated: April 12, 2026
- Top Websites and Platforms for Job Search in Germany: Complete Guide Last updated: May 12, 2025
- Employment Support from Jobcenter and Agentur für Arbeit Last updated: December 23, 2025
- AVGS Voucher in Germany: Free Coaching, Training, and Employment Placement Last updated: January 9, 2026
- Bildungsgutschein in Germany: How to Obtain an Educational Voucher for Career Retraining Last updated: July 20, 2026
- Types of Employment in Germany: Minijob, Midijob, Teilzeit, and Vollzeit Last updated: August 21, 2026
- Labor Rights in Germany: Vacation, Sick Leave, and Dismissal Protection Last updated: October 6, 2026
Starting a business
- Business Registration in Germany: Gewerbe vs. Freiberufler Last updated: August 10, 2025
- Taxes for Self-Employed in Germany: Complete Guide for Freelancers and Business Last updated: December 4, 2025
- Step-by-Step Plan to Starting a Small Business in Germany: From Idea to First Invoice Last updated: November 30, 2025
- Business Startup Support in Germany: Grants, Subsidies, and Free Advisory Services Last updated: April 24, 2025
Stage 5. Integration and society
- Unwritten Rules and Cultural Norms of Everyday Life in Germany: Practical and Legal Guide Last updated: July 18, 2025
- Volunteering (Ehrenamt) and Mutual Aid Communities in Germany: Legal and Practical Guide Last updated: October 26, 2025