Switching from § 24: how Ukrainians can stay in Germany

A residence permit under § 24 AufenthG (temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine) is not a permanent status. It depends on an EU decision and will end at some point. If you plan to stay in Germany long term, it's worth switching to a different residence permit in good time. This article explains your options and how the switch works.

Where § 24 stands now

In July 2026 the EU extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028.
§ 24 permits already issued in Germany that were valid on 1 February 2026, including the right to work, are automatically extended until 4 March 2027. You don't need to go to the Ausländerbehörde for this. The BAMF officially confirms this on its Germany4Ukraine portal.
On 25 September 2026 the Bundesrat approved extending the transitional rules for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028. Whether existing permits will also be extended automatically to 2028 has not yet been officially confirmed by the BAMF on its portal. Watch for updates on Germany4Ukraine.
Since 5 August 2026, men of military age who enter the EU for the first time face extra conditions: they must show they left Ukraine lawfully. People who already received protection in Germany are generally not affected.

Why switch if § 24 was extended anyway?

It's a temporary status. Every extension is a political decision with no guarantee for the future. The EU is already preparing a coordinated transition out of temporary protection.
Time on § 24 barely counts towards a permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). The exception is the Blue Card, if you were already in qualifying employment during that time. The sooner you switch, the sooner you start building up the required time.
Benefits may change. The government has introduced a bill under which Ukrainians who arrived on or after 1 April 2025 would receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (AsylbLG) instead of Bürgergeld. Keep an eye on its status. A different residence permit (for work or study, for example) can keep you in the regular system.

The key rule: apply while your § 24 permit is valid

Normally a new residence permit requires a visa from an embassy. For § 24 holders there's an exception: you can apply directly in Germany, without leaving, as long as your permit is valid. If you apply before the old permit expires, it remains valid until the authority decides (Fiktionswirkung, § 81(4) AufenthG).

One more detail: some permits can't be held at the same time as § 24 (for example the Blue Card or a study permit under § 16b). But switching directly from § 24 into them is allowed: the old status is simply replaced by the new one.

Your options

EU Blue Card (§ 18g)

For people with a university degree and a well-paid job. Salary threshold for 2026: €50,700 gross per year, or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and graduates of the last three years. IT specialists with three years' experience can get it without a degree. If you meet the requirements, you're entitled to it. A settlement permit is possible after 27 months, or after 21 months with B1 German.

Skilled worker (§ 18a and § 18b)

If you have vocational training (§ 18a) or a university degree (§ 18b) that is recognised in Germany or equivalent, and a job matching your qualification. Your household must not depend on Bürgergeld. If you're 45 or older and getting this permit for the first time, the salary must be at least €55,770 a year, or you must prove adequate retirement provision. Recognition of your degree is the key step here; see our article "Getting your foreign degree recognised in Germany".

Recognition of qualifications (§ 16d)

If your degree was only partially recognised and you still need further training or an exam. Requirements: a foreign qualification, A2 German and sufficient funds (2026: €1,091 net per month). You can work up to 20 hours a week alongside. After recognition you can look for a job for up to 18 months.

Vocational training (Ausbildung, § 16a)

You need a training contract and usually B1 German. Funds in 2026: €959 net per month, and the training wage counts towards it. You can work up to 20 hours a week on the side. After finishing, switching to a skilled-worker permit is easy.

University study (§ 16b)

You need admission to a university, often C1 German for German-taught programmes. Funds: €992 net per month (for example via a blocked account or a formal obligation by a sponsor). There's no BAföG with this permit. You may work 140 full or 280 half days a year, and without limit as a student assistant.

Employment without a German-recognised degree (§ 19c)

There are specific categories, such as nursing assistants or truck drivers. Also: if you have a foreign degree or vocational qualification, at least two years of experience in the last five, and a salary of at least €45,630 a year, no recognition is needed. The authority decides at its discretion.

Self-employment (§ 21)

You must show an economic interest or regional need, a positive economic impact, and secured financing. The bar is high and the decision is discretionary. A solid business plan is a must.

Family (§ 27 ff.)

If you're married to a German citizen, you usually don't need to prove income, but basic German (A1) is required. If your spouse is a foreigner with a suitable permit, you need housing and funds. A parent of a minor German child can also get a permit without proving income.

What usually does NOT work

Asylum. Technically possible, but the procedure is suspended while § 24 applies. Currently not recommended in most cases, with risks for later. Only after counselling.
§ 25(4): only a short-term bridge in special cases, not a long-term solution.
Most humanitarian permits require conditions § 24 holders don't meet (such as many years of residence or a Duldung).

What you need for almost every option

A valid passport. Check the expiry date early, consular processing can take time.
Sufficient funds at the level the chosen permit requires.
Proof of purpose: employment contract, training contract, university admission, marriage certificate, etc.
Health insurance.

Step by step

Go to counselling (Migrationsberatung, Caritas, Diakonie etc.) and discuss your case. This matters: the law does not expressly guarantee a return to § 24 after switching. See our list in "Who helps immigrants in Germany for free?".
Choose your route and gather documents.
Apply at the Ausländerbehörde while § 24 is valid. Many authorities accept applications online or in writing, not only at appointments.
Keep proof that you applied (online confirmation or the registered-mail receipt). It matters for the Fiktionswirkung.
If the authority refuses or demands a visa, don't wait, get legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a § 24 residence permit valid?

§ 24 permits issued in Germany are automatically extended until 4 March 2027. The EU extended temporary protection until 4 March 2028, but the BAMF hasn't yet officially confirmed an automatic extension of permits to 2028.

Do I need a visa to switch from § 24?

No. As long as your § 24 permit is valid, you can apply directly at the Ausländerbehörde in Germany without leaving.

Can I return to § 24 after switching?

The law does not expressly guarantee it. That's why you should always get advice from a Migrationsberatung before applying.

Official sources

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This article is for information only and is not legal advice. As of October 2026. The rules around § 24 change often: always get advice from a Migrationsberatung or a lawyer before applying.