What are the general requirements for immigrating to Germany?
Citizens with a Ukrainian passport (biomectric photograph) can enter the Federal Republic of Germany without a visa. Since the so called „Massen-Zustrom-Richtlinie“ („mass-influx directive“) is in effect, citizens immigrating from Ukraine automatically gain temporary residency status up to 1 year. This can be extended to up to 3 years in total.
These rules also apply to people currently residing or staying in Ukraine who cannot get back to a secure/their country of orgin.
Ukrainian citizens, who were already in Germany when the conflict began, can stay in Germany. This also applies, if their original visa has already or is about to expire.
What kind of public aid/assistance is available to asylum seekers from Ukraine?
In Germany, refugees are entitled to certain benefits according to the Sozialgesetzbuch II (Social Benefits Act II). These i.e. cover:
- Financial benefits
- Medical coverage/health care.
The responsible authority for claiming these benefits is the Jobcenter Coburg Stadt.
Disabled refugees are entitled to certain benefits according to the Sozialgesetzbuch XII (Social Benefits Act XII). The responsible authority for claiming these benefits is the Sozial- und Versicherungsamt (social welfare and insurance office).
What do refugees from Ukraine have to do after arriving in Germany?
Refugees from Ukraine have to register after arriving in Germany. In Bavaria, the state where Coburg is located, you will have to register with a so called ANKER-Zentrum (anchor centre). For people arriving in Coburg, the centre is the:
ANKER-Einrichtung Oberfranken in Bamberg (Erlenweg 4, 96050 Bamberg)
Anchor centre Upper Franconia in Bamberg (Erlenweg 4, 96050 Bamberg)
Refugees from Ukraine, who already have a place to stay, or have already made arrangements for their accomodation, can register directly with the Ausländerbehörde (foreign office) in Coburg. Please make an appointment via phone 09561/89-1363 or via e-mail auslaenderbehoerde@coburg.de (Service hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30 – 15:30, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 – 12:00).
Refugees from Ukraine, who have no place to stay in Coburg, have to register first at the ANKER-Einrichtung Oberfranken (Anchor centre Upper Franconia) in Bamberg, Erlenweg 4. No appointment needed.
The following items should be brought to your meeting:
- passport or other proof of identity.
- negative result (max. 24 hours old) of a rapid COVID-19 test („Antigen-Test“) from an official testing site. A list of official testing facilities can be found here. The Vitale Apotheke at Albertsplatz (Ketschengasse 27) offers free COVID-19 tests for Ukrainian citizens (valid ID/passport required).
Where can I live?
Refugees from Ukraine do not have to reside or stay in an ANKER-Zentrum (anchor centre) for a longer period of time. The centre is primarily responsible for your registration. You will be asked, if you already have a place to stay or if you need temporary housing in a refugee shelter.
Refugees in need of shelter will then be assigned to a city or district, who will be in charge of finding a place to live for them, either in a local shelter or a communal place of residence.
Am I allowed to work?
Generally speaking, asylum seekers can work independently as a self-employed person. With permission from the Ausländerbehörde (foreign office), asylum seekers can also enter employment contracts. Further Information is available at the Arbeitsagentur Bamberg/Coburg. The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) is also offering consultations via phone 0911/178 7915 in Ukranian or Russian (Mondays – Wednesdays: 08:00 – 16:00, Fridays: 08:00 – 13:00).
Can Ukrainian children go to school here?
School education for children is mandatory no later than 3 month after arrival. Parents, who would like to enroll their children sooner, are more than welcome to register their child with the Staatlichen Schulämter in Stadt und Landkreis Coburg (Public Education Department for the city and the county of Coburg, Monday-Friday 10:00-13:00) at Lauterer Höhe 58 in Coburg. Pupils will then be assigned to a special educational welcome group (10 years and older) or enrolled at a local nearby school. Parent should bring with them to registration: Passport or Certificate of birth of the child, proof of arrival (Ankunftsnachweis/Anlaufbescheinigung), proof of registration from the city of Coburg or the county of Coburg, if available proof of measels vaccination. For further information, please call: 09561/514-9100.
Where can I get further information?
We are doing our best to keep the information on this page up to date at all times. Further information regarding the process of asylum seeking and residency in Germany is available at the Regierung von Oberfranken (District Government of Upper Franconia).
