Since October 9, 2026, Germany has not been granting temporary protection to Ukrainian citizens subject to Ukrainian legislation on military obligation if they cannot confirm the legality of their departure from the country. The corresponding changes were made by the German Interior Ministry to the regulation on the stay of Ukrainians.
Newly arrived Ukrainians will be able to obtain temporary protection only in one of two cases: if they prove that they are not subject to mobilization or are exempt from it, or that they have fulfilled their military obligations and legally left Ukraine. A departure stamp in the passport, data on crossing the border or an electronic document from the “Reserve+” application can serve as confirmation.
The rule applies to men of conscription age entering Germany for the first time after October 9. Without such documents, they will not only be denied temporary protection, but the simplified procedure for staying without a residence permit will also not be applied to them.
At the same time, the restriction does not extend to Ukrainians who were already in Germany before the rules came into force. Their temporary protection has been extended until March 4, 2028 — even if the person subsequently reached conscription age or received a summons.
The new rules correspond to the EU Council decision of July 30, 2026. It provides that temporary protection is granted only to those who comply with Ukrainian military obligations and legally left the country; the mere fact of evading mobilization is not considered grounds for asylum.
Germany also extended until December 4, 2027 the possibility for those arriving from Ukraine to stay in the country for the first 90 days without obtaining a residence permit. But for men subject to military obligation, this rule now applies only after confirmation of their status.
