From 9 October 2026, Ukrainians with military obligations require new confirmations to enter Germany

Germany has established new rules for a portion of Ukrainian citizens planning to cross the country's border. Starting from 9 October 2026, individuals subject to military obligations under Ukrainian legislation are required to provide evidence of their fulfilment or legal exemption from them. Without such confirmations, the use of the simplified entry mechanism will become impossible.

These changes were approved by the Ninth Ordinance Amending the Ukraine-Aufenthalts-Übergangsverordnung, which was adopted on 30 September 2026. The official document was published in the Federal Gazette of Germany on 8 October, and it entered into force the following day.

The essence of the innovations and their legal foundation

The regulatory framework governing the stay of Ukrainians in Germany has been in effect since 2022. It allows eligible categories of citizens to enter the country without prior issuance of a long-term visa and to apply for temporary protection under §24 of the Residence Act after arrival.

However, the updated text of the ordinance added specific requirements for those falling under Ukrainian military legislation. Previously, citizens meeting general criteria could stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a residence permit, holding only a foreign passport. Now, for those with military obligations, a passport alone is insufficient.

Who is subject to the new restrictions

The changes made to §2 of the Ukraine-Aufenthalts-Übergangsverordnung ordinance apply to individuals crossing the German border from 9 October 2026 who have military obligations in Ukraine.

The special exemption from the requirement to obtain a residence permit can be used under two conditions:

• the person complies with the military obligations defined by Ukrainian law; or
• they are officially exempted from these obligations.

Additionally, a mandatory requirement is leaving Ukraine in compliance with all legal norms. The burden of proving these circumstances lies directly with the applicant.

Which documents will have to be presented

Various types of documents may be used to confirm compliance with the new requirements. These include:

• a stamp in a passport or other document certifying the legality of departure from Ukraine;
• data from the electronic military registration document, available via the 'Reserv+' app;
• official paper or electronic documents confirming the fulfilment of military obligations or the fact of exemption from them.

The explanatory notes to the ordinance state that the verification of such confirmatory documents will have a simplified nature.

Consequences of missing confirmations

If a citizen cannot provide evidence of fulfilling military obligations or being exempted from them, they will lose the right to the special exemption from the residence permit requirement. In such a case, general entry rules will apply to them, including standard visa requirements.

It is important to understand that this does not constitute a ban on entry to Germany for all those with military obligations. It concerns exclusively an additional condition for using the simplified mechanism provided for Ukrainians.

Validity period of the simplified regime

Despite the introduction of new requirements, German authorities have extended the validity of the special regime. The possibility of using the simplified entry procedure remains until 4 December 2027. The regulatory act itself will remain in force until 4 March 2028.

For Ukrainians who have already obtained temporary protection status in EU countries, these changes do not lead to the automatic termination of their status.

Context: social benefits in Germany

More than one million Ukrainians reside in Germany, some of whom receive financial support through the Jobcenter. When applying for Bürgergeld, it is critically important to correctly complete asset declarations. Incomplete or inaccurate reporting of assets may lead to a review of the benefit amount and a demand for the return of funds received in excess of the entitled sum.