In the stream of news, bureaucratic terms, and personal worries, it’s easy to miss the main point. And the main news for Ukrainians in Germany is really good: you can breathe a little easier. The bureaucratic quest called “residence permit extension” is canceled for most of us.
The German government has officially extended the validity of temporary protection under §24 until March 4, 2026. Let’s understand what this means for each of us in practice, without panic and complex wording.
Official Part: What, For Whom, and Why?
In legal terms, this is called the Ukraine-Aufenthalts-Fortgeltungsverordnung. In plain language, it’s a regulation that states: if your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) under §24 was valid as of February 1, 2025, it is automatically extended until March 4, 2026.
The word “automatically” is key here. This means that your right to stay in the country, work, and receive social assistance has been extended by government decision, not by an individual official in your city.
“Do I Need to Go to the Ausländerbehörde?” — The Main Question on Everyone’s Mind
The answer you’ve been waiting for: in 95% of cases – NO, YOU DON’T NEED TO!
You don’t need to make an appointment (Termin), stand in queues, or submit an application. The system has done everything for you. You can calmly cross this item off your to-do list.
But, as always, there’s a “devil in the details.” When do you actually NEED to go to the office?
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If your passport expires before March 4, 2026. Your residence permit status is tied to your valid passport.
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If you have lost your plastic residence permit card (eAT) or your passport with the sticker.
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If you have changed your last name, for example, after getting married.
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If you plan to travel and want to obtain an updated Fiktionsbescheinigung confirming your extended status (although in most cases this is not required).
Practical Situations Explained (FAQ)
“I have a residence permit as a sticker in my passport, which expires in 2025. What should I do?”
Your status is extended in the system, but the document confirming it will become invalid along with your passport.
Your plan:
- Make an appointment at the Ukrainian Consulate in advance to obtain a new passport.
- After receiving your new passport, schedule an appointment at your Ausländerbehörde to “transfer” your residence permit to the new document (Übertrag). Start looking for a Termin in advance, as this can take time!
“My plastic card (eAT) has an old date. Will there be problems at the border or during document checks?”
No, there shouldn’t be. All government authorities (including border guards and police) have been informed about the regulation. Your card is valid until March 4, 2026, despite the printed date. For your own peace of mind when traveling outside Germany, you can have a screenshot or a link to the official regulation from the German Ministry of the Interior website on your phone.
“I receive Bürgergeld. Do I need to inform the Jobcenter about the extension?”
As a rule, the authorities exchange data automatically. But German bureaucracy likes order. It won’t hurt to mention at your next visit or in correspondence with your case manager at the Jobcenter that your status has been extended and to attach a copy of your document.
There’s an Extension. What About the Rules?
Everything remains the same here. The automatic extension preserves all your current rights and obligations:
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Full access to the labor market.
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Right to social benefits (Bürgergeld).
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Access to health insurance, integration, and language courses.
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And, of course, your obligations to the Jobcenter within the Job-Turbo program – actively seeking employment and cooperating with the employment agency.
From Refueling to the Destination: Planning the Future
Let’s be honest: this extension is not the “final stop,” but rather a “refueling stop.” It gives us a priceless resource – time. And our main task is to use it as effectively as possible.
The government is making it clear: the focus is shifting from emergency aid to long-term labor market integration. Therefore, here is your plan for the next year and a half:
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Language: If you are still at the A2/B1 level, set a goal to reach a confident B2. This will open 90% of doors in the labor market.
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Diploma Recognition (Anerkennung): If you have higher or vocational education, start the process of its validation. This is your ticket to qualified work.
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Job Search: Don’t wait until March 2026. Start actively looking for a job now so that by the time §24 expires, you have a work contract in hand and can smoothly transition to a work residence permit (§18b) or a Blue Card (§18g).
Conclusion
The bottom line is simple: Calmness regarding your status plus active integration efforts – that’s your formula for success. Use this respite to lay a solid foundation for your new life in Germany. And if you need advice or help along the way, the Nodia team is always here for you.