After the start of the full-scale war, millions of Ukrainians found temporary shelter in European countries. One of the main destinations was Poland and Germany. At the same time, more and more Ukrainians who have obtained temporary protection in Poland are thinking about moving to Germany due to the higher level of social support, wider employment opportunities and better living conditions.

In 2026, moving between EU countries for persons with temporary protection status remains possible, but has a number of legal and administrative nuances. It is important to understand in advance how the temporary protection system works, whether it is necessary to cancel the Polish status, what benefits are available in Germany and how to correctly re-register upon arrival.

Read here which German states accept Ukrainian refugees in May 2026.

Moving to a new country is always associated with a large number of documents, bureaucratic procedures and migration rules. That is why it is important to have at hand verified and up-to-date information about a residence permit, citizenship or legalization of stay.

Visit World's “Immigration Guide” will help you understand the requirements of a specific country, avoid mistakes, and greatly simplify the process of document processing. All information is available in a convenient PDF format and will be sent to your email in just a few minutes.

Order Visit World's “Immigration Guide” and prepare for moving without unnecessary stress.

The main reason for this decision is the difference in the level of social guarantees and economic opportunities. Germany continues to be one of the EU countries with the strongest support system for Ukrainians.

For many, the following play an important role:

- Higher social benefits;

- Access to free health insurance;

- Wider choice of vacancies;

- Possibility of family reunification;

- State integration programs and language courses.

In addition, the German labor market in 2026 is actively in need of workers in the fields of logistics, production, elderly care, construction, service and IT.

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Yes, Ukrainians can change their country of residence and apply for temporary protection in Germany. However, it should be remembered that according to EU rules, it is impossible to use temporary protection in two countries at the same time.

In practice, Germany continues to accept Ukrainians who have previously been in Poland, but the process requires additional verification. In some cases, migration authorities may ask to confirm the reason for the move - for example, employment, residence of relatives or the need to improve living conditions.

Before moving, it is recommended to:

- Clarify the current rules with the German migration authorities;

- Check the status of documents in Poland;

- Prepare confirmation of residence or contacts of relatives in Germany.

How to organize a move to Germany and what to consider at each stage, read this article.

It is financial support that often becomes a key factor for moving. In Germany, Ukrainians with temporary protection status can receive basic social assistance, housing rental compensation, and health insurance.

As of 2026, the amount of payments is approximately:

- Children under 5 years old - 357 euros;

- Children 6–13 years old - 390 euros;

- Teenagers 14–17 years old - 471 euros;

- Married adults - 509 euros each;

- Single adults - 563 euros.

Separately, the state may cover the costs of renting social housing and utilities. Ukrainians also gain access to the state health insurance system.

We explain in detail about in-demand professions, resources for finding vacancies, and requirements for foreign candidates in this article.

It is recommended to go through the deregistration procedure to avoid problems with double registration. It is worth considering several important points:

- After moving, the Polish temporary protection status will be canceled;

- In Germany, a new registration procedure will need to be completed;

- If a person received separate targeted payments or grants in Poland, questions may arise regarding their termination.

Sometimes Ukrainians submit a separate request to the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) with a request to allow a change in the country of residence. Consideration of such an application may take some time.

Upon arrival in Germany, you must contact the local migration authority or refugee reception center. The procedure usually includes:

- Submitting an application for temporary protection.

- Registering your place of residence.

- Obtaining a tax number and health insurance.

- Applying for social assistance.

- Finding or obtaining housing.

In large cities, particularly in Berlin, finding affordable housing is more difficult due to high demand. That is why many Ukrainians are offered options in the suburbs or smaller cities.

Despite social support, most Ukrainians strive to find a job as soon as possible and adapt to a new life. Integration programs, language courses and refugee assistance centers are actively operating in Germany.

For successful adaptation, it is important to:

- Start learning German;

- Take integration courses;

- Prepare a resume according to the European model;

- Check the possibility of confirming a diploma or qualification.

Knowledge of the language significantly increases the chances of official employment and helps to integrate into society faster.

Moving from Poland to Germany in 2026 remains a real option for Ukrainians, especially for those looking for more stable social conditions, work and prospects for long-term residence. At the same time, such a step requires careful preparation: from checking your migration status to collecting documents and undergoing a new registration.

Before making a decision, it is important to familiarize yourself with the current rules, assess your capabilities and prepare in advance for adaptation in a new country.

Applying for temporary or permanent residence abroad is often accompanied by complex legal procedures, especially when it comes to moving between different EU countries. Each country has its own rules for submitting documents, requirements for applicants, processing times and features of migration legislation.

The “Immigration Guide” from Visit World contains step-by-step instructions for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship, a list of required documents, current requirements, processing costs and useful tips for adapting to a new country. The guide also contains information about migration authorities, rules for submitting questionnaires and features of integration for expats. This is a practical tool that will help you avoid common mistakes and better prepare for moving.

Use the “Immigration Guide” from Visit World and get all the necessary information for legal residence abroad in one document.

Reminder! The German state health insurance system allows you to include close relatives in the policy of the insured person at no additional cost. The Familienversicherung program applies to spouses, children and other family members, provided that certain requirements regarding age, income and employment status are met. Read here who is entitled to free family insurance in Germany and what restrictions should be taken into account.

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