Germany has officially extended the temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2028. The relevant amendments to the ordinance on the residence of Ukrainians in the country were introduced by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, and the amendment was published in the German government gazette, the Bundesgesetzblatt. The new rules enter into force on October 9, 2026, and, according to RBC-Ukraine, introduce additional conditions for newly arrived draft-age men.
What Has Changed in Residence Rules
According to the published document, temporary protection is automatically extended for those Ukrainians who are already in Germany and hold a residence permit pursuant to §24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). In addition, arrivals from Ukraine will be able to enter Germany and stay for the first 90 days without obtaining a residence permit — this simplified procedure remains in effect until December 4, 2027. However, starting October 9, the exemption from the residence permit requirement no longer applies to individuals subject to military conscription in Ukraine: to use the simplified entry and stay procedure, they must confirm that they are fulfilling their military service obligations under Ukrainian law. Without such confirmation, temporary protection will not be granted to newly arrived draft-age men.
Connection with the European Union Decision
Berlin is acting within the framework of a previously adopted European Union decision. In early summer — reportedly in July and August 2026 — EU countries agreed to extend the temporary protection status for refugees from Ukraine for another year, until March 4, 2028. At the same time, it was specified that protection would be granted only to those Ukrainians who fulfill their military duties to their homeland and have legally left the country. This very restriction formed the basis of the German amendments that came into force on October 9.
Berlin's Position on the Return of Citizens
Germany has previously indicated that it expects draft-age Ukrainian men to return home. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that draft-age men residing in the country should return to Ukraine. According to him, Berlin is ready to assist the Ukrainian authorities in identifying them, including through data on social benefits, registration, and residence permits.
What Has Already Happened in Practice
Germany has already denied temporary protection to some Ukrainian men. These restrictions apply to individuals who arrived in the country after July 31, 2026 — the date when the relevant provision of the EU Council decision came into force. According to Ukrainian media, in August 2026 Germany ceased granting temporary protection to some Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60. Thus, the extension of the mechanism until 2028 is accompanied by stricter conditions specifically for newly arrived liable-for-military-service citizens of Ukraine.
