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Paragraph 24 is ending: a step-by-step plan for switching to another residence permit in Germany
Today, more and more Ukrainians in Germany are asking: Paragraph 24 is ending — what should I do next?. The temporary protection mechanism under which §24 AufenthG, was extended until March 4, 2027, but it is already known that after this date the program will cease to apply.
This means that people who are currently in the country under Paragraph 24, it is necessary to plan in advance switching from Paragraph 24 to another residence permit. Temporary protection status itself does not automatically grant the right to long-term residence or permanent residence.
That is why the question is coming up more and more often: how to stay in Germany after Paragraph 24 and what legal routes to regularize their stay are available. Germany offers several options: work-based immigration, education, entrepreneurship, family reunification, or humanitarian grounds.
In this article, we will review the main options for switching from §24 to another residence permit, applicant requirements, the document list, and the application procedure.
Important: every situation is individual. Before making a decision about changing from Paragraph 24 it is recommended to consult a migration law specialist.
What Paragraph 24 is and why it is important to think about changing status now
The essence of temporary protection under §24 AufenthG
Paragraph §24 AufenthG was introduced as part of the European temporary protection program for Ukrainians in Germany. This status allows Ukrainian citizens to live in Germany and use basic social rights.
It allows you to:
- live in Germany
- work without an additional permit
- receive health insurance
- access social benefits
- attend integration courses Germany B1
However, it is important to understand that temporary protection is not a long-term immigration status. That is why many people are starting to look for an answer to the question: Paragraph 24 is ending in Germany — what comes next? and how to stay in the country.
Validity periods and the latest legislative changes
Currently, Paragraph 24, its extension has been granted repeatedly, up to 2027, but after this date the temporary protection mechanism will cease to exist.
This means that people who plan to continue living and working in Germany will need to switch from Paragraph 24 AufenthG to another type of residence permit.
Why you should not postpone the decision
Switching to a new status takes time. For example:
- diploma recognition in Germany for Ukrainians can take several months
- finding an employer can take a long time
- review of applications at the Ausländerbehörde also takes time.
That is why changing from Paragraph 24 is better planned in advance.
Basic requirements for switching to any other paragraph
Financial self-sufficiency (Lebensunterhaltssicherung)
To obtain a new Aufenthaltserlaubnis, you must prove financial self-sufficiency.
Income may come from different sources:
- salary under a contract
- business activity
- scholarship during studies.
Bürgergeld usually ends after receiving the new status — changing paragraph.
Housing requirements
To obtain a residence permit, you must prove that you have housing. A rental agreement is usually required.
Health insurance
Having health insurance is a mandatory requirement.
No criminal record
Serious violations of the law can lead to refusal of a residence permit.
Path 1. Switching to a work residence permit (§18a, §18b, §18g, §19c)
One of the most popular options is switching from §24 to a work-based residence permit in Germany.
Residence permit for specialists with vocational education (§18a)
This paragraph is intended for specialists with vocational education.
To obtain it, you need:
- recognition of qualifications
- employment contract in Germany, which opens a direct path to a residence permit.
This is how switching from §24 to §18a.
Residence permit for specialists with higher education (§18b)
Paragraph §18b is intended for specialists with higher education.
This is a typical switch from §24 to §18b for engineers, programmers, and other specialists.
Blue Card EU (§18g)
Many people consider the Blue Card EU as one of the best immigration options. You can often see the search query “Blue Card Germany Ukrainians”, because this status allows you to obtain Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit) and Ukrainians make use of this advantage.
Residence permit for work without qualification requirements (§19c)
Sometimes it is possible to switch to §19c AufenthG if the profession is in demand on the labor market and approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit for foreigners to work.
Step-by-step plan for switching to a work residence permit
- Find an employer
- Sign an employment contract
- Prepare documents
- Submit an application to the Ausländerbehörde
- Receive a new Aufenthaltserlaubnis.
Document list for a work residence permit
- passport
- employment contract
- diploma
- health insurance
- proof of residence.
Path 2. Residence permit for study and vocational training
Ausbildung — vocational training (§16a)
Many people view switching from Paragraph 24 to Ausbildung as one way to regularize their stay in Germany.
After a person finds a training place and signs an Ausbildung contract, they can apply to the Ausländerbehörde to change status.
In this case, it is possible to switch from Paragraph 24 to §16a, which regulates the residence permit for vocational training.
University studies (§16b)
Another option is admission to a German university. In this case, switching from §24 to §16b is possible — a student residence permit issued for university studies.
To obtain it, you need proof of admission (Zulassung) and proof of financial security for the study period.
After graduating from university, graduates can stay in Germany and switch to a work residence permit if they find a job in their field.
Qualification courses (§16d)
This option is suitable for those who need to complete the process of diploma recognition in Germany.
In some cases, authorities require additional qualification courses or an internship.
For this, you can obtain a residence permit under §16d, which allows you to complete the required preparation and confirm professional qualifications.
Language and integration courses (§16f)
In some cases, you can obtain a residence permit under §16f for studying German.
This status allows you to attend long-term language courses and prepare for study or work in Germany.
However, this type of residence permit is usually issued for a limited period and does not always grant the right to work.
Path 3. Residence permit for entrepreneurs and freelancers (§21)
Selbstständige Tätigkeit — business in Germany
Paragraph §21 is a business visa in Germany intended for entrepreneurs.
In short, you need:
- business plan
- investment
- economic benefit of the project.
Freiberufliche Tätigkeit — liberal professions
Freelancers can obtain a residence permit as members of the liberal professions. This category usually includes self-employed specialists such as designers, programmers, consultants, journalists, or teachers.
To obtain this type of residence permit, you must prove professional qualifications and the presence of clients or contracts in Germany.
Path 4. Family reunification (§27–§36)
Another possible option is family reunification in Germany (§27–30 AufenthG). This path is suitable for those whose close relatives already have legal status in the country.
Marriage to a German citizen or holder of a residence permit/permanent residence
If the spouse is a German citizen or has a valid residence permit or permanent residence, you can apply for a residence permit on family grounds.
In this case, the applicant receives the right to reside and, as a rule, access to the labor market.
Restrictions for relatives
Stricter requirements apply to other family members, such as parents or adult children. Authorities may consider income level, available housing, and other conditions confirming the possibility of living together in Germany.
Path 5. Humanitarian grounds (§25)
§25 Abs. 2 — refugee status (Asyl)
This status may be granted to people who have proven that they face persecution or serious danger in their country of origin. The decision is made after the asylum application is reviewed.
§25 Abs. 5 — special humanitarian circumstances
In some situations, it is possible to obtain a residence permit for humanitarian reasons. For example, if leaving Germany is impossible for legal or factual reasons and the person has already been in the country for a long time.
§25b — integration after 3 years of residence
This paragraph applies to people who have lived in Germany for several years, are well integrated into society, have basic language skills, and can prove social and economic stability.
Warning about fraudulent schemes
Be careful with intermediaries who promise a “guaranteed residence permit” or fast solutions for money. Immigration matters are resolved only officially through government authorities, and no intermediary can guarantee a positive decision.
Application procedure for changing paragraph
Where to apply
The application is submitted to the Ausländerbehörde at your place of residence.
Processing times
The processing time depends on the workload of the immigration authority. In some cases, a decision is made within a few weeks, but sometimes the procedure can take several months.
What happens in case of refusal
If the applicant is refused a residence permit, they can use the right to appeal the decision or submit a new application after correcting the documents.
Important nuances and practical tips
What happens to benefits after changing paragraph
Bürgergeld usually ends after changing paragraph (after receiving the new residence permit).
Does time under §24 count toward permanent residence?
In many cases, time spent under §24 does not count toward obtaining permanent residence.
Can you return to §24 after changing paragraph?
As a rule, returning to temporary protection is not possible.
Special considerations for people over 45
Additional requirements may apply for some work visas.
Checklist: your action plan for the next 12 months
Step 1. Assess your options
Analyze possible options for switching from Paragraph 24.
Step 2. Choose the best path
Work, study, business, or family.
Step 3. Start preparing documents
Prepare diplomas, translations, and confirmations.
Step 4. Find a job or training place
An employment contract significantly simplifies switching from Paragraph 24 to a work residence permit.
Step 5. Submit the application
Submit the document package to the Ausländerbehörde.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can you have §24 and another paragraph at the same time?
In most cases, when a new residence permit is issued, there is a change of status, and the person switches from §24 to another paragraph. However, in some situations, temporary protection may continue in parallel if the person has not officially given it up. Practice may differ depending on the federal state and the decision of the Ausländerbehörde, so it is better to clarify this issue with the authority before submitting the application.
What happens if I lose my job after changing paragraph?
Usually, several months are given to look for a new job.
Do I need a lawyer to change paragraph?
Not always. In many cases, an immigration specialist or consultant who works with such matters can help with the status change procedure. However, everything depends on the specific situation.
How much does changing paragraph cost?
The government fee for issuing a new residence permit is usually around 100–150 euros, although the exact amount may vary slightly depending on the federal state and type of residence permit. If you seek help from an immigration specialist or lawyer, these services are paid separately, and their cost depends on the complexity of the situation and scope of work.
Can I travel to Ukraine after changing paragraph?
Yes, if you have a valid residence permit.
Will time under §24 count toward citizenship?
Temporary protection status under §24 is considered temporary, so in most cases time spent under this paragraph is not automatically counted when applying for citizenship. Usually, the required period starts after obtaining another residence permit. However, specific rules may depend on the circumstances and the authority’s decision, so this should be clarified individually.
Conclusion
Although Paragraph 24 only ends in 2027, it is not worth postponing the decision. It is already important to plan the switch from Paragraph 24 to another residence permit.
The main options are:
- work residence permit
- study
- entrepreneurship
- family reunification
- humanitarian grounds.
The earlier preparation begins, the higher the chances of successfully completing the change from Paragraph 24 and continue living legally in Germany.
If you want to understand how to stay in Germany after Paragraph 24 and which status change option is right for you, it is better to discuss your situation with Blue Card Agency specialists in advance.
During the consultation, we will review your case and possible options for switching from Paragraph 24 to another residence permit, and we will also explain which documents need to be prepared for the application.
You can rely on specialists who have guided this process many times. We constantly monitor current legislative changes and help find solutions even in complex immigration situations.
Book a consultation to prepare for changing paragraph in advance and avoid mistakes when submitting documents
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