Section 24 AufenthG Ends in 2027 – Transitioning to a Permanent Residence Permit in Germany

Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, millions of Ukrainian nationals have found protection across the European Union. In Germany, they were granted temporary protection under Section 24 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz – AufenthG), based on the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive. This arrangement provided straightforward access to the German labor market and social benefits, without the need to go through a formal asylum procedure.

More than 1.1 million people from Ukraine currently hold a residence permit under Section 24 AufenthG in Germany. Unlike standard residence titles, which are tied to a specific purpose such as work or study, the Section 24 permit exists solely to provide temporary protection. How long this protection remains in place depends on an annual decision by the Council of the European Union. As things currently stand, Section 24 protection for Ukrainian nationals will expire on March 4, 2027.

For those affected, an increasingly pressing question is: what comes next? What options exist for remaining lawfully in Germany once the temporary protection period ends?

Which Residence Permits Are Available to Ukrainians After Section 24 AufenthG?

Once the Section 24 AufenthG residence permit expires, Ukrainian nationals will need a different residence title in order to remain lawfully in Germany — this applies regardless of any future acquisition of German citizenship. German immigration law offers several options, though each comes with its own requirements and not all pathways are equally accessible.

Skilled Worker Residence Permit (Sections 18a and 18b AufenthG)

For Ukrainians who are already working, the skilled worker route is often the most straightforward. German law distinguishes between skilled workers with vocational qualifications (Section 18a AufenthG) and those with academic qualifications (Section 18b AufenthG).

The key requirements include a recognized qualification (certified by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Chamber of Skilled Crafts, or a comparable authority), a concrete job offer in a role that matches the qualification, adequate housing, and sufficient means of financial support.

Applications should be submitted in good time — ideally three months before the permit expires — to the relevant immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde). Documents typically required include: a valid passport; an employment contract or written job offer; proof of qualification (with official recognition where applicable); evidence of health insurance; proof of income; and, where relevant, proof of accommodation. During the processing period, continued lawful residence is secured by a fictional certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung) under Section 81(4) AufenthG.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card under Section 18g AufenthG, which is available to highly qualified professionals meeting a minimum salary threshold, is explicitly excluded as a transition option from temporary protection status.

Self-Employment

Entrepreneurs and freelancers — such as artists or IT professionals working on a freelance basis — may be able to obtain a residence permit for self-employed activity under Section 21 AufenthG, provided the relevant conditions are met. This permit is issued for a limited period, but can serve as a stepping stone toward a permanent settlement permit.

Vocational Training and Study

For Ukrainian nationals who wish to remain in Germany after their Section 24 permit expires, the residence permit for vocational training under Section 16a AufenthG offers a solid option with a clear path toward long-term status. It creates a structured route from training through job-seeking to qualified employment.

A transition from Section 24 AufenthG to a Section 16a permit is possible where an apprenticeship place is available in a state-recognized or equivalently regulated training occupation with a minimum duration of two years, and where financial support for the duration of the training can be demonstrated. Part-time work of up to ten hours per week is permitted alongside the training.

By contrast, access to Section 16b AufenthG (study) and Section 17(2) AufenthG (applying for a study place) is explicitly excluded for those transitioning from temporary protection status.

Family Reasons

Family reunification under Sections 28–36 AufenthG is an option, particularly where a Ukrainian national is married to a German citizen or a foreign national with a permanent right of residence in Germany.

Can Ukrainians Transition to a Settlement Permit After Section 24 AufenthG?

The permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) under Section 9 AufenthG is the long-term goal for many Ukrainians in Germany and represents the most secure form of residence status. Unlike a time-limited residence permit, it grants an indefinite right to remain, unrestricted access to the labor market, and broad protection against immigration enforcement measures.

A direct transition from Section 24 AufenthG to a settlement permit is not possible. However, once a person has changed their residence title, they may subsequently apply for a settlement permit. Importantly for Ukrainians holding Section 24 status, the time spent under that permit can, in certain circumstances, count toward the qualifying period required for a settlement permit.

The general requirements for a settlement permit include:

• Five years of holding a residence permit
• Sufficient means of financial support without reliance on social benefits
• German language skills at least at the B1 level
• Basic knowledge of the German legal and social system
• 60 months of contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme
• Adequate housing
• No grounds for expulsion

It is worth emphasizing that time spent holding a Section 24 AufenthG residence permit is counted toward the qualifying period for a settlement permit. Ukrainians who have lived in Germany for several years under Section 24 protection and then transition to, for example, a skilled worker permit can therefore generally carry that time forward when applying for a settlement permit.

How to Prepare for the End of Section 24 Protection in 2027

A successful transition to long-term residence status begins with timely, structured preparation. The expiry of Section 24 of the AufenthG on March 4, 2027, may seem some way off, but experience shows that recognition procedures, language examinations, and administrative processing times can take several months. Taking early action reduces time pressure and improves the prospects of a successful outcome.

The following steps should be addressed as soon as possible:

• Take stock: Document your qualifications, professional experience, family ties in Germany, and integration efforts to date.
• Seek recognition: Have any foreign qualifications officially recognized by the relevant authorities.
• Invest in language skills: Enroll in German language courses and take the necessary proficiency examinations.
• Seek advice early: Contact the immigration authority or a specialized immigration lawyer.
• Apply in good time: Submit applications three to six months before your current permit expires.

Schlun & Elseven: Professional Support for Transitioning from Section 24 AufenthG to a Permanent Residence Permit

The expiry of Section 24 AufenthG in 2027 calls for timely, proactive steps. German immigration law offers a range of routes to permanent status — through skilled worker provisions, family reunification, or vocational training. The time remaining should be used to have qualifications recognized, strengthen German language skills, and prepare the necessary applications.

Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte provides tailored advice on your individual options and supports you throughout the application process. Do not hesitate to seek professional legal advice at an early stage.