Germany extends Ukrainian temporary protection to 2028 but tightens rules for newly arrived men

In brief

• Germany has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028.
• Newly arrived men of conscription age must prove they met military obligations or are exempt, and that they crossed the border legally.
• Ukrainians already in Germany before the changes are not subject to the new requirements.
• Reports differ on the start date of the new rules, and it is not confirmed.

Protection extended to March 2028

Germany has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war until 4 March 2028 (Німеччина подовжила тимчасовий захист для українців, але є нюанс – TSN) (Німеччина до 2028 року продовжила захист для українських біженців, але ввела правила для чоловіків призовного віку – Espreso) (Німеччина змінила правила для українських біженців: кого можуть не прийняти – UNIAN). The change was published in the federal gazette Bundesgesetzblatt. The interior ministry amended the rules on residence for Ukrainians.

Who can be refused

The tighter rules apply to men of conscription age who have arrived recently. To obtain temporary protection, they must show they have fulfilled their military obligations, or hold documents proving they are exempt from mobilisation. They must also show they crossed Ukraine's border legally. German authorities may deny protection to men who cannot provide this proof.

Who is not affected

Ukrainians already in Germany before the new rules took effect are not covered by the restrictions. The extension of their status does not depend on these requirements. Special temporary stay rules without a residence document no longer apply to conscription-age men who cannot confirm their obligations.

Start date and EU context

Two reports say they apply from 9 October, while another says they take effect on 9 November. Germany is applying an EU decision from August that extended protection to 2028 but excluded newly arriving Ukrainians who cannot confirm military duty under Ukrainian law. Lithuania also extended protection to 2028 and introduced its own rules for conscription-age men.