Germany

An international passport or a certificate for return to Ukraine is necessary to cross the border with Ukraine. To obtain such documents, please consult the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany:

Embassy of Ukraine in the Federal Republic of Germany

germany.mfa.gov.ua
Albrechtstrasse 26, 10117 Berlin

Documents that can be used to enter Ukraine:

• Biometric passport (passport for traveling abroad)
• Diplomatic or service passport
• Valid child’s travel document
• Crew member ID card/seaman ID card
• Certificate for return to Ukraine

A citizen of Ukraine cannot be denied entry to Ukraine; however, you do need identification documents to cross the border in a timely and efficient manner. Regarding requirements to enter Ukraine please consult the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany:

Embassy of Ukraine in the Federal Republic of Germany

germany.mfa.gov.ua
Albrechtstrasse 26, 10117 Berlin

Persons of other nationalities who lived in Ukraine before the war and want to return should enquire at the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany whether and under which conditions they are allowed to return before starting to organize the return travel.

Embassy of Ukraine in the Federal Republic of Germany

germany.mfa.gov.ua
Albrechtstrasse 26, 10117 Berlin

Citizens of Ukraine cannot be denied entry to Ukraine under no circumstances. Children are subject to the same entry and exit control as adults. Please refer to State Border Guard Service of Ukraine for detailed information. Those crossing the border should have a passport or other document confirming their identity or at least a birth certificate. Children can cross the border with a birth certificate issued abroad.

In case there are no documents, in all countries apart from those where consular relations are ceased (i.e. Russian Federation), children would need to be assisted in obtaining a return certificate based on any documents that can confirm connection to Ukraine (and possessing its citizenship). Consulates may issue a return certificate based on copies of documents.

If a child is entering alone or with a non-parent adult, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine shall contact local child protection services, unless they have information about parents awaiting the child. It is advised to inform the Border Guard post that the parent is expecting the child on the Ukrainian side of the border in advance.

Please note that a child should also meet the exit requirements of the host country – please contact your local Ukrainian consulate to ask for information and get the required documents for return. In some cases, a birth certificate cannot be used as a travel document.

In case of permanent return to Ukraine, you must deregister your child from school. This must normally be done in writing. You should make sure that your children’s education and the school year is not disrupted in a way that your child is impacted negatively.

As education and schooling is primarily the responsibility of the German Laender and communities, deregistration processes vary in practice, depending on the respective federal state and district in which you reside and the school authority that is responsible. For further details on the procedure, please contact the responsible school management/authority. Please check general recommendations from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

If you return to Ukraine permanently, you will have to cancel your health insurance. The cancellation must normally be done in writing (by post/registered post or facsimile). Please contact your health insurance or practicing physician for information on how to collect/obtain your health record/health related information. You may find additional details on regional support portals of the German Laender such as Rückkehr in die Ukraine | Koordinierungsstelle Engagement Ukraine or Information for refugees from Ukraine – frequently asked questions.

The disability document issued in Germany will not be recognized in Ukraine. You will need to obtain a disability certificate issued in Ukraine. It can be done on arrival or remotely – please check the instructions on the governmental portal.

In case of permanent return to Ukraine, you must deregister with some authorities and institutions. You should also consider closing your bank account. You may find further details on regulations and requirements in this context, including sample letters, on the regional support portals of the German Laender such as Rückkehr in die Ukraine | Koordinierungsstelle Engagement Ukraine (agsa.de)

In case of permanent return to Ukraine, you must deregister with several authorities. If you are receiving social benefits, you must inform the responsible authorities, e.g., foreigners registration office (Ausländerbehörde) and social welfare office/job centre. Contracts concluded in Germany also need to be terminated within a certain time frame.

You will find additional details on regulations and requirements in this context on Germany4Ukraine as well as other government support portals or regional support portals of the German Laender such as BMAS and Rückkehr in die Ukraine | Koordinierungsstelle Engagement Ukraine.

If you return to Ukraine permanently and were employed and legally insured in Germany, you employer will deregister you from the relevant insurance schemes (e.g., social security, pension, health, nursing care, accident and unemployment insurance) and the tax office upon notification.

You will find additional details on requirements in this context on the federal government’s central support portal for refugees from Ukraine, Return (germany4ukraine.de). Different rules apply if you were self-employed. Please seek advice in advance from the locally responsible institutions or an advice centre.

Information for pet owners can be found on the regional support portals of the German Laender, locally responsible veterinary offices as well as veterinarians’ platforms, such as Support for refugees from Ukraine and their animals.

You can find information about available services in Ukraine on UNHCR Help Page.