Temporary protection isn’t for everyone: what documents will Ukrainians in Germany be required to provide?
Germany has extended protection for Ukrainians until 2028, but there’s a catch
Ukrainian refugees will continue to be able to benefit from temporary protection in Germany until March 4, 2028. However, separate requirements have been introduced for men of conscription age arriving in the country: they will have to prove that they have fulfilled their military obligations or provide documents showing that they are not subject to mobilization.
According to the German government gazette, Bundesgesetzblatt, the Federal Ministry of the Interior introduced the relevant amendments to the regulation on the stay of Ukrainians in the country. The new rules came into force on October 9, 2026.
Under the updated requirements, newly arrived Ukrainian men of conscription age must provide one of two types of proof to obtain temporary protection:
- a document proving that they have fulfilled their military obligations and legally crossed Ukraine’s state border;
- documents confirming that the man is not subject to mobilization.
If they do not have these documents, newly arrived men of conscription age will not be granted temporary protection in Germany.
Berlin’s decision is linked to EU-wide rules. In early August 2026, the European Union extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028. At the same time, the adopted decisions introduced restrictions for newly arrived men who cannot prove that they have fulfilled their military obligations under Ukrainian law. The German authorities had previously expressed their position on the return of Ukrainian men of conscription age. Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that such men residing in the country should return to Ukraine. In addition, the head of Germany’s Foreign Ministry offered to help the Ukrainian authorities identify men, including by using data on social benefits, registration, and residence permits.
Restrictions on granting temporary protection have already been applied to some Ukrainian men who arrived in Germany after July 31, 2026.
We previously reported:
- “Rezerv+” will now be needed outside Ukraine too: the EU has changed temporary protection rules for men
- Applies to men, women, and children alike: Ukrainians are advised to get a stamp when leaving the country
- “We know who lives here”: Germany discusses the return of Ukrainian men
- The EU extended protection for Ukrainians until 2028, but changed the rules for men
- The EU may restrict temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age
