Germany has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians who have fled due to Russian aggression until 4 March 2028. Holders of valid residence permits do not need to apply in person to have them extended. At the same time, men subject to military service who first arrived in the EU on or after 5 August 2026 are now required to provide proof of their military status.
Briefly about the main points
- Protection for Ukrainians in Germany will remain in place until 4 March 2028.
- Permits issued under Section 24 that are valid as at 1 February 2027 will be automatically renewed.
- Holders of a §24 permit do not need to register with the immigration service simply to renew it.
- Newly arrived conscripts must confirm that they are not liable for military service or that they have been lawfully exempted.
- Any status previously granted in the EU is retained provided the person remains under protection without interruption.
Which licences are renewed automatically?
Automatic renewal applies to residence permits issued under Section 24 of the German Residence Act. According to the explanation on the government portal Germany4Ukraine, documents valid as at 1 February 2027 will remain valid until 4 March 2028.
It is not necessary to register with the Ausländerbehörde solely for the purpose of extending such a permit. The earlier expiry date printed on the plastic card does not invalidate the automatic extension in accordance with the established rules.
This mechanism does not apply to people who only hold a Fiktionsbescheinigung and are still awaiting a decision on their application. A separate procedure applies to them.
Who is affected by the requirements regarding military status?
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has announced that temporary protection will not be granted to individuals who do not fulfil their military obligations in Ukraine. This rule applies to men liable for military service who enter the European Union for the first time on or after 5 August 2026.
To apply for protection, they must provide evidence of one of the following grounds:
- exemption from military service in accordance with Ukrainian law;
- a lawful exemption from military service, which permits travel outside Ukraine.
What will happen to the protection previously granted?
The new restrictions do not apply to Ukrainians who have already been granted temporary protection in EU by the specified date and retained it continuously. The subsequent onset of military service, whether due to reaching the relevant age or being called up, does not in itself deprive such individuals of the status granted to them.
Temporary protection In Germany, this entitles the holder to the right of residence, access to work, medical care and social support, subject to certain conditions. If it is refused due to failure to meet the new requirements, this means that the person will not be eligible for benefits on that specific ground.
Payments and status determination for new applicants
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs states that entitlement to social assistance depends on migration status, income and financial circumstances. German legislation also provides for other grounds for residence and assistance, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis; therefore, not all men subject to military service who arrive in the EU for the first time on or after 5 August 2026 will automatically be left without any support.
Ukrainians with valid status do not need to submit a new application simply because the validity period of their permit has changed. Those arriving in Germany for the first time must register and contact the relevant immigration authority, taking into account the requirements regarding military status. The extension is linked to EU Council Decision 2026/1912.
