Legal Framework — §24 AufenthG
Germany implements the EU Temporary Protection Directive through §24 Aufenthaltsgesetz (Residence Act). This grants Ukrainians a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) that provides:
Germany made a deliberate choice in June 2022 to move Ukrainians from the Asylum Seeker Benefits Act (AsylbLG) to the standard social security system (SGB II — Bürgergeld). This was unique among major host countries and means Ukrainians receive the same monthly payments, housing support, and healthcare as German unemployed residents.
Bürgergeld — What Ukrainians Receive
| Category | Monthly Amount (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single adult (Regelbedarfsstufe 1) | €563 | Basic living expenses excluding rent |
| Adult in partnership | €506 | Per partner |
| Child 14–17 | €471 | Regelbedarfsstufe 4 |
| Child 6–13 | €390 | Regelbedarfsstufe 5 |
| Child 0–5 | €357 | Regelbedarfsstufe 6 |
| Housing (Kosten der Unterkunft) | Actual rent | Covered up to local "reasonable" level |
| Health insurance | Fully covered | Via statutory insurance (GKV) |
Employment & Integration
The employment rate of ~21% is lower than in Czech Republic (~42%) or Poland (~65%), which has become a political issue. Several factors explain this: Germany's stronger social safety net (less economic pressure to accept any job), the large proportion of mothers with young children who cannot work full-time, and the slow German credential recognition process (Anerkennung) which prevents Ukrainian doctors, engineers, and teachers from working in their professions.
Key barriers to employment
- German language proficiency — B1/B2 required for most skilled jobs; integration courses reach A2/B1
- Credential recognition (Anerkennung) — 6–18 month process, often requires additional courses
- Childcare availability — chronic Kita shortage across Germany affects mothers' ability to work
- Bürgergeld "comfort zone" — critics argue adequate social support reduces urgency (disputed by researchers)
- Geographic distribution — assigned housing may be in areas with weak labour markets
Political Landscape — CDU Government Policy
Since the CDU-led coalition took office in early 2025, several policy signals regarding Ukrainian refugees have been debated:
CDU Position (2025–2026)
- No call to end or reduce Temporary Protection — Germany supports EU TPD extension
- Emphasis on "Fördern und Fordern" (support and demand) — Jobcenter obligations to be enforced
- Proposal: after 2 years, Ukrainians should be required to accept available employment or face benefit reductions
- Friedrich Merz has described the Bürgergeld level for Ukrainians as "too high relative to integration results"
- AfD continues to demand complete phase-out of benefits for "war refugees who could return to safe areas of Ukraine"
Despite the rhetorical shift, Germany's practical policy remains among the most comprehensive in Europe. The political debate focuses on integration pace, not on reducing fundamental protections.