Germany Extends Ukraine 90-Day Residence Waiver; New Military Compliance Rule Applies
Germany prolongs a special 90-day entry waiver for foreign nationals based in Ukraine, extending it through December 2027 while adding a new military compliance condition for Ukrainian men of conscription age.
Germany has prolonged a special arrangement that lets certain foreign nationals who were living in Ukraine when the full-scale invasion began enter the country without first securing a residence permit, with the waiver covering the first 90 days after arrival.
The extension runs until December 4, 2027, giving eligible individuals roughly fourteen additional months to enter Germany under the scheme. However, a new condition has been attached to the scheme.
New Military Compliance Requirement
From October 9, 2026, those who owe military service duties under Ukrainian law must show they are meeting those duties before they can rely on the waiver. This follows a European Council decision stating that temporary protection should go only to people who are complying with their military obligations in Ukraine.
The 90-day waiver has been a lifeline for third-country nationals (including employees, students, and family members) who were resident in Ukraine before the 2022 invasion and needed rapid access to German territory. This extension confirms that pathway remains open through at least end-of-2027. However, the military compliance rule now applies: if you are a Ukrainian male of military age, you will need to demonstrate you are meeting your military duties in Ukraine (or have a valid exemption) to use the waiver. If you are a non-Ukrainian foreign national or a Ukrainian woman or older adult, this change does not affect your eligibility.
Sources
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