Temporary protection in Germany extended until 2027: work rights and social benefits for Ukrainians
Temporary protection (Aufenthaltserlaubnis §24) in Germany for Ukrainians has been automatically extended until March 4, 2027. Consequently, all residence permits under §24 (Aufenthaltsgesetz) for Ukrainians who entered due to the war, which are valid as of February 1, 2026, remain in effect for another year. The extension of §24 in Germany provides certainty for both Ukrainians and employers. According to official data, over a million Ukrainians in Germany with this status can live and work longer, and companies will gain stability in project planning. This primarily concerns citizens of Ukraine (and their family members) who arrived after February 2022 and have obtained temporary protection status (§24 AufenthG). New arrivals can also obtain this status.
Details on the extension of temporary protection in Germany
In 2026–2027, many are asking whether temporary protection in Germany has been extended and if the right to employment under §24 remains in effect. Let's look at the facts. Temporary protection in Germany for Ukrainians has been extended automatically without the need to submit an application. As the government portal Germany4Ukraine notes, residence permits valid as of February 1, 2026, are "automatically extended until March 4, 2027." The extension applies to all §24 holders.
This means there is no need to reissue the card, make an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde, or provide biometrics. All conditions remain the same: requirements for place-of-residence registration and the work permit (Erlaubnis zur Erwerbstätigkeit) remain in effect automatically. The most important thing is not to worry about the expired formal date on the document, as the new date has already been updated in German databases.
Extension of Section 24 in Germany 2026-2027
Temporary protection status under §24 (Section 24 of the Residence Act) is intended for people who entered Germany due to the war in Ukraine. This primarily includes Ukrainian citizens and their family members. Additionally, for non-Ukrainian citizens with permanent residence or refugee status in Ukraine, the §24 status is extended if they meet the criteria. Ukrainians who entered Germany since February 24, 2022, and subsequently received this status automatically upon registration. For those who are only planning their move, it is important to note: Ukraine is on the visa-free country list, so you can stay legally for up to 90 days without documents. During this time, you should register and apply to the Ausländerbehörde for an Aufenthaltserlaubnis under §24.
This path is preferable to filing a standard asylum application (Asylantrag), which entails work restrictions and mandatory registration in special reception centers.
