If you would like to use your good language skills in Ukrainian or Russian to translate for Ukrainian-speaking people when needed, please get in touch via integration@mkk.de.

If you would like to donate money, you can find information here: >>Help for the people in Ukraine | tagesschau.de (Hilfe für die Menschen in der Ukraine/tagesschau.de)

If you can offer jobs in your company or are willing to get in touch with us, please contact us via this >> online form or via arbeit@mkk.de. The KCA has also compiled brief information for employers (Schnellinfos für Arbeitgeber/PDF).

The respective towns and municipalities are responsible for renting apartments. Details of how to contact the town halls can be found on this page: MKK - Towns and municipalities (MKK – Städte und Gemeinden).

What is being looked for?

• apartments
• house / houses
• vacation apartments
• hotels or apartments

Ukrainian displaced persons who are subject to Social Code II (Municipal Center for Employment - KCA) or Social Code XII (Office for Social Promotion and Participation, Social Welfare Office) must provide the KCA or Social Welfare Office with proof of their rental requirements (costs of accommodation: basic rent + additional costs) by submitting a copy or scan of the rental agreement. In general, authorities pay the rent to the beneficiaries, who then transfer it to their landlords. With the consent of the benefit recipient, the offices may make rent payments directly to landlords. Due to the exceptionally high volume of applications and obligations to provide evidence, a delay in processing is unfortunately unavoidable. We ask for your understanding and assure you that we will strive to find a speedy and agreeable solution in all cases.

If you have any questions about the necessary registration steps, accommodation, health insurance and other matters, you are welcome to contact the Main-Kinzig-Kreis via ukraine@mkk.de. However, all war displaced persons from Ukraine will also receive more detailed information in the accommodation centers and by postal mail on what steps to take once they have been accommodated.

If a person or a group of people on their way from Ukraine to the Main-Kinzig-Kreis does not yet definitely know where they will find private and permanent accommodation, they must contact the Hessian initial reception center, regardless of the group size: Ankunftszentrum Gießen, Lilienthalstraße 2, 35394 Gießen (more information here: News on the reception of refugees from Ukraine | Regierungspräsidium Gießen (hessen.de))

General information on entry, residence, health, work and much more can be found on germany4ukraine (in German, Ukrainian, Russian and English).

The Consulate General in Frankfurt can be contacted by telephone on 069-29720920 and via gc_def@mfa.gov.ua

A picture dictionary for free download, recommended by Duden-Verlag, can be found here.
>> Picture dictionary in Ukrainian by Carlotta Klee and the TüftelAkademie (tueftelakademie.de)

For a short transitional period, displaced persons from Ukraine are sometimes housed in large accommodations in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis. As long as the people live there, they are already legally entitled to benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. As their stay in these so-called emergency shelters is only temporary, they are not registered with the local Residents Registration Offices. No fictional certificates (temporary residence permit/Fiktionsbescheinigung) are issued and no bank account can be opened. As a result, access to benefits in accordance with the provisions of Social Code II or XII is excluded - at least for as long as they live in these emergency shelters. People living in emergency accommodation receive the standard benefit in accordance with the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act in cash.

The entitlement to these benefits, i.e. in accordance with the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, ends when the displaced persons from Ukraine can be placed in other, permanent accommodation or apartments.

Please note: Residents of emergency shelters cannot choose the place of residence and the apartment to which they are placed. This applies as long as they claim assistance for living expenses. At the time of moving into permanent housing, the displaced persons receive a fictional certificate which legitimizes their stay for a further 6 months. They also receive more detailed information on how to apply for benefits in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code.

People who have fled Ukraine and have moved into permanent accommodation in a town or municipality in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis must first register at the town hall of their new place of residence. After registering with the relevant Residents Registration Office, an appointment must be made with the Immigration Office. This can easily be done online via the following link: Appointment at the Immigration Office

The Immigration Office will then send an appointment to the email address provided.

If you are a refugee from Ukraine and have already been issued a residence permit, you do not need to go to the Immigration Office to extend it. A law in Germany has made it much easier to extend the permit: the permit is automatically extended until 4 March 2026.

However, anyone who returns to Ukraine and therefore no longer needs protection in Germany must report this immediately. All those concerned will also be informed directly about the further procedure.

Required identity documents - What do you need to do if...

You or your child/children have a biometric Ukrainian national passport that has expired or will expire soon?

• Biometric national passports are renewed by the Ukrainian Consulate General, Vilbeler Str. 29, 60313 Frankfurt am Main.

You only have a Ukrainian national passport?

• Your personal details will be confirmed by the Ukrainian Consulate General, Vilbeler Str. 29, 60313 Frankfurt am Main.
• Alternatively, you can submit a certified translation of this domestic passport.

Your child/children are only in possession of a Ukrainian birth certificate?

• The Ukrainian Consulate General, Vilbeler Str. 29, 60313 Frankfurt am Main will register your child/children in your own biometric passport.
• You will also be asked to submit a certified translation of the birth certificate, whereby the above-mentioned entry in your own biometric passport is to be given priority.

You fled to Germany before completing the official entries after the marriage?

• Please submit a certified translation of your marriage certificate - especially if you have different family names, so that we can correctly identify your family relationship.

If you are a Ukrainian war displaced person in Germany and need help with living expenses, you can apply for this using an >> online form. This link can also be used to upload documents for an application that has already been submitted.

A German bank account is required in order to transfer funds. The Main-Kinzig-Kreis therefore recommends that you open a bank account and also take out health insurance.

Application for further benefits for persons over 65 years of age according to SGB XII (PDF form in German and Ukrainian)

It is possible to open a bank account at a bank of your choice on presentation of a valid biometric ID or a residence permit with a photograph and the registration certificate of the municipality in which the person permanently resides. These bank details must be communicated to the Municipal Center for Employment (Kommunales Center für Arbeit, KCA) or the Office for Social Promotion and Participation (Amt für soziale Förderung und Teilhabe) so that benefit claims can be paid quickly.

Recipients of benefits under SGB II (at the Municipal Center for Employment – KCA) or SGB XII (Office for Social Promotion and Participation) are generally covered by health insurance in Germany. As soon as they have submitted an application for benefits under SGB II or SGB XII, they will be contacted and any uncertainties regarding health insurance cover will be discussed. Health insurance contributions are paid by the local employment center (Kommunales Center für Arbeit, KCA) or the Office for Social Support and Participation.

War displaced persons from Ukraine can exchange up to 10,000 hryvnia for euros in Germany at any participating German bank or savings bank. The exchange can be made in several installments and should be free of charge. Banknotes of 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 hryvnia of the currently valid banknote series of the National Bank of Ukraine will be accepted. Exchange into euros will be made at the exchange rate published on the Bundesbank's website (www.bundesbank.de/wechselkurseuah )

The exchange is documented in an online application provided by the European Central Bank to ensure that the individual maximum exchange amount is not exceeded. The identity of every adult refugee who wishes to participate in the exchange is recorded and verified. The documents that are also accepted for the opening of a basic account by refugees from the Ukrainian war zone are accepted (see FAQ list "Bank account/Health insurance"). The exchange is possible for an initial period of three months.

Further information can be obtained from all banks and savings banks participating in the exchange program.

Anyone who registers as a Ukrainian war displaced person in Germany after 1 June 2022 must apply directly for benefits if they do not have their own financial resources. For this purpose, there is a joint >> online application from the Municipal Center for Employment (Kommunales Center für Arbeit, KCA) and the Office for Social Support and Participation (Amt für soziale Förderung und Teilhabe) designed specifically for those from Ukraine who are concerned, i.e. regardless of age and individual background. People do not have to specify which legal group they belong to - a simple application is sufficient. The responsible authority then takes care of it automatically. Ukrainian war displaced persons who already received benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act before 1 June 2022 will be contacted by the office responsible for them and informed about all further necessary steps.

Health insurance and bank details: In order for the Municipal Center for Employment (Kommunales Center für Arbeit, KCA) and the Office for Social Support and Participation (Amt für soziale Förderung und Teilhabe) to provide benefits for Ukrainian war displaced persons, it is strongly recommended that those affected open a German bank account. If the KCA is responsible, individuals must choose a statutory health insurance so that they can benefit from full medical care without financial risk. The choice of health insurance company is completely free, and the KCA - Job Center will provide lists of possible health insurance companies on request. If the Office for Social Support and Participation is responsible, people can be automatically registered with a health insurance company.

Support: The Municipal Center for Employment (Kommunales Center für Arbeit, KCA )has mobile support teams for Ukrainian war displaced persons in the municipalities and offers one-to-one meetings on site. In this context, an initial assessment is made in which KCA employees find out what professional and other skills each person has and what their wishes, expectations and interests are.

Measures / support: The Municipal Center for Employment (Kommunales Center für Arbeit, KCA) is currently working with the district's own company for employment, qualification and training (Gesellschaft für Arbeit, Qualifizierung und Ausbildung, aqa) to develop orientation courses and further training specifically for Ukrainian refugees. You can find out more by talking to your contact person at the KCA.

Taking up employment: In general, Ukrainian war displaced persons have unrestricted access to the German labor market. For example, they can start an apprenticeship or take up employment with social security contributions without any special requirements. The Municipal Center for Employment (Kommunales Center für Arbeit, KCA) - Job Center provides advice and finds suitable jobs in the region. Companies that can fill vacancies specifically with Ukrainian displaced persons may contact Erika Kollmann via AMIP-Ukraine@kca-mkk.de und or by phone 06051 974141910.

Further offers of help: A wide range of additional, specialized assistance is available for Ukrainian war displaced persons, coordinated by the Municipal Center for Employment (Kommunales Center für Arbeit, KCA) and the Office for Social Support and Participation (Amt für soziale Förderung und Teilhabe). These services include trauma therapy, addiction counseling, childcare counseling, care counseling and much more.

Documents, applications or inquiries about a person's individual situation should preferably be sent by email. The Municipal Center for Employment (Kommunales Center für Arbeit, KCA)- Job Center can be contacted via KCA.Ukraine@kca-mkk.de. The Office for Social Support and Participation (Amt für soziale Förderung und Teilhabe) can be contacted at Ukraine-65Plus@mkk.de.

Please note the following when moving to a new address:

• When moving within the Main-Kinzig-Kreis, it is essential to make sure that you re-register as required so that the Immigration Office always has your current address.
• When moving out of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis, it is essential to ensure that you register at your new place of residence so that existing files can be sent to the new Immigration Office in good time.
• If you are moving outside the state of Hesse, an informal application must be submitted to the Immigration Office before the planned move.
• If you are moving to the Main-Kinzig-Kreis, you must inform the Immigration Office of your previous place of residence of the change of residence before the planned move and submit any necessary applications there.

In order to receive care and support, it is necessary for war displaced persons from Ukraine to have health insurance. For this purpose, they receive a health insurance certificate when they first enter the Main-Kinzig-Kreis, which entitles them to necessary basic medical and dental care. If you receive benefits in accordance with SGB II or SGB XII, you must register with a health insurance company. Further information is provided during the registration process or is automatically sent by letter to all those who are already registered.

The Main-Kinzig-Kreis can help if you have any questions about medical care, it is best to send an email to ukraine@mkk.de. At short notice, advice can be obtained by calling 116 117. In urgent cases, the emergency number 112 should be dialed.

Medical consultations and initial consultations for people in the larger central accommodations are held on site. Further information is available at the shelters themselves.

>> Health information in several languages

People living with the HIV virus or undergoing opioid substitution therapy can find further information on the website of Deutsche Aidshilfe Aidshilfe (in German, Ukrainian and Russian).

>>Vaccination calendar (PDF)

You can be vaccinated against the coronavirus both in the initial accommodation and in doctors' surgeries. The required vaccination documents with information on vaccination in Ukrainian are available at >> Impfung - Dein Pflaster .

The vaccines CoronaVac from Sinovac, Covilo from Sinopharm or Covaxin from Bharat Biotech International Ltd. as well as Sputnik V from Gamelaya are not authorized in the European Union (EU). Anyone who has been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus with one of these vaccines (two vaccinations or a booster vaccination) is recommended by the German Standing Committee on Vaccination (Ständige Impfkommission, Stiko) to have a single vaccination with an mRNA vaccine at least three months after the last vaccination. The mRNA vaccines approved in the EU are Comirnaty from Biontech (also for children from the age of five) and Spikevax from Moderna (Stiko recommendation: from the age of 30).

If you have only received one dose of one of these vaccines, which are not approved in the EU, Stiko recommends a new vaccination series with basic immunization and booster vaccination. This also applies to people who have received another vaccine that is not authorized in the EU.

Further information in Ukrainian:

• Vaccination readiness leaflet
• Vaccination for children aged 5-11 years

New regulation for the entry of pets from Ukraine from 16 June 2023

The European Commission has decided that the facilitated import conditions created in Germany are to be lifted at the end of 15 June 2023, as the Ukrainian authorities have given assurances that the provisions of Regulation (EU) No. 576/2013 can be fully complied with again.

Since 16 June 2023, the generally applicable regulations for the entry of pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) must therefore be fully complied with again:

• Every animal must be identified by a microchip.
• A valid vaccination against rabies must be available. It is important to note that the vaccination must not be carried out before the microchip is placed and the first rabies vaccination must not be carried out before the animal is 12 weeks old.
• The animals must have undergone a blood test for antibodies against rabies before entering the country. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before entry into the European Union. The blood sample may only be taken by a veterinarian authorized in the respective third country. The blood test itself must be carried out in a laboratory approved by the European Commission.
• The aforementioned entry conditions must be verified with an animal health certificate issued by an officially authorized veterinarian. In addition, supporting documents such as a vaccination certificate or proof of the result of the blood test must be brought along.

Young animals can therefore be imported at the earliest at the age of seven months (rabies vaccination after 12 weeks + blood test 30 days after vaccination + 3-month waiting period).

No animals may be brought to Germany for sale.

All animals originating from Ukraine must be reported and registered with the Veterinary and Consumer Protection Office (Veterinary Office). For this purpose, there are corresponding papers to fill out: >> Registration form

Pets that do not meet the import requirements must be taken to an approved quarantine facility. The animals will remain in the quarantine facility until all the above import conditions have been met.

During their stay in the quarantine facility, the animals will be cared for, fed and, if necessary, given veterinary treatment.

Rabies is a disease that is always fatal and can affect both animals and humans. It is not curable. The incubation period (time from infection to the outbreak of the disease) can be very long, up to three months. The symptoms can be very mild until shortly before the animal dies, so that the owners of the animals are unaware of it, but are in great danger.

Unfortunately, Ukraine is not yet rabies-free like Germany. It can therefore never be ruled out that pets have been infected with rabies in Ukraine.

The Hessian state government helps to ensure that refugee Ukrainian children and teens receive schooling as quickly as possible: https://kultusministerium.hessen.de/schulsystem/unterstuetzung-fuer-gefluechtete-familien

To register your child or children to attend kindergarten, you must contact the responsible municipal or city administration of your current place of residence. The contact addresses can be found on the following page: Towns and municipalities in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis.

Measles vaccination: Children attending kindergarten or school must provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated against measles. Alternatively, they must provide a certificate proving that they have already had the disease.

Ukrainian children under the age of 6 whose vaccination protection is unclear or whose vaccination protection cannot be proven by a vaccination certificate should be vaccinated against measles at least once. Only then can they go to childcare facilities.

Ukrainian children of school age can go to school without a measles vaccination certificate, but they should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

Further information about measles and the measles vaccination is available from the Federal Center for Health Education in both German and Ukrainian

Basically, the payment of the monthly standard rates also covers private travel costs. However, additional costs can be reimbursed in the following cases:

• Anyone who receives basic income support for jobseekers under SGB II can be reimbursed for travel costs incurred for specific occasions. Travel costs can be covered by the Municipal Center for Employment (Kommunales Center für Arbeit, KCA) of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis if the KCA has arranged this appointment, for example for a meeting with the case manager or participation in a measure.
• Travel costs can also be reimbursed for compulsory appointments at the Immigration Office of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis.
• Anyone attending a language course (integration courses, job-related language support courses) run by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) can have their travel costs reimbursed after submitting a corresponding application. This usually comes in the form of travel allowances.
• Corresponding applications can also be submitted to the BAMF via the responsible course provider.
• Under certain conditions, pupils can be reimbursed for transportation costs to school. Applications can be downloaded online from the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (Rhine-Main Transport Association, RMV). These are forwarded via the schools to the Kreisverkehrsgesellschaft Main-Kinzig (Main-Kinzig-Kreis transport company, KVG) for processing. Pupils then receive an RMV annual ticket.
• If pupils do not receive a ticket from the KVG, they can apply to have their travel costs covered by the Hessian benefits for children's education and participation. Approval is subject to certain conditions and applies to children from families who receive certain social benefits or who only have a low income.
• If you have a severe disability with the "G" or "aG" mark, the Pension Offices decide on the requirements for public transport concessions and issue entitlements. Medical documents are required in order to be able to submit applications for severe disabilities. Most medical surgeries have the necessary applications.
• Local public transport itself offers special promotions and discounts for certain groups of people. RMV provides information about these online, at information desks or directly at ticket machines. Currently, war displaced persons from Ukraine can travel on public transport in Hesse at a reduced rate with the Hessenpass mobil. Eligible persons generally also receive the entitlement certificate when they first enter the Main-Kinzig -Kreis.
• If a person has to attend an interview with the judiciary or the police, these authorities decide whether or not to reimburse travel costs.
• If extraordinary travel costs are involved, for example because someone is taking part in a drug substitution program, the respective assistance system decides on a case-by-case basis and always before the journey begins whether costs will be reimbursed. It is not possible to apply afterwards with purchased tickets.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, many people from Ukraine have found refuge in Germany. Some of them have arrived in their own cars. The Registration Office and the Driving License Office of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis have summarized the most important information for Ukrainian refugees on the subject of driving licenses and vehicle registration in German and Ukrainian:

• Information for Ukrainian refugees on insurance cover, vehicle registration and driving licenses (pdf)
• Пам’ятки для українських вимушених переселенців щодо страхового захисту, допуску транспортних засобів та водійських прав (pdf)
• Application form for exemption according to § 76 para. 1 FZV Ukraine
• Fact sheets of the Federal Ministry of Transport on Ukrainian vehicles (German)
• Fact Sheet Part A for Ukrainian motorists (English)
• Інформація Частина А для українських водійок та водіїв, які вперше в’їжджають до Німеччини на своєму авто. (ukrainisch)

Insurance cover:

In view of the hardship faced by war displaced persons from Ukraine, German motor vehicle liability insurers have decided to cover any damage caused in Germany by an uninsured car registered in Ukraine until 31 May 2022. Settlement will be handled by the German Green Card Office (Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte). For the period after 31 May 2022, German motor vehicle liability insurers have agreed to offer owners of vehicles registered in Ukraine the opportunity to take out temporary insurance cover in accordance with the Foreign Liability Insurance Act (Auslandspflichtversicherungsgesetz) for up to a maximum of one year. The specific terms of the contract are subject to the freedom of contract and the decision of the respective insurer within the framework of the statutory provisions.

The Main-Kinzig-Kreis therefore recommends contacting an insurance agency of your choice immediately to secure insurance cover.

Registration of the vehicle in Germany:

According to § 20 Para. 2 FZV, vehicles with Ukrainian registration used by Ukrainian citizens to flee may temporarily participate in traffic in Germany if a valid Ukrainian registration certificate has been issued for the vehicles. A period of up to one year is considered temporary. The period begins on the day of crossing the border (Section 20 (6) FZV). Taking into account the particular situation of refugees from Ukraine, the period of one year may also be exceeded. This period was generally extended until 30 June 2023. After 30 June 2023, it is possible to obtain an exemption from the Darmstadt Regional Council (Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt) in individual cases. This exemption extends the deadline for registration in Germany again until 1 April 2024 at the latest. The contact details of the Darmstadt Regional Council are listed below:

Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt
Dezernat III 33.2 – Straßenverkehr
z. Hd. Herrn Vallentin persönlich
Wilhelminenstraße 1-3
64283 Darmstadt
Phone: 06151/12-0
Email: ausnahme.auto@rpda.hessen.de

If someone has not yet registered their vehicle in Germany after 30 June 2023 and has not applied for and received an exemption permit from the Darmstadt Regional Council, the vehicle must be regularly registered in Germany without delay. Prior voluntary registration is always possible.

As these are generally not vehicles that have European vehicle type approval, a corresponding certificate from an officially recognized expert is required to obtain the operating permit. This must then be sent to the Bundling Authority (Bündelungsbehörde) in Fulda to obtain the operating license. Only then can the authorization be issued on site.

The Main-Kinzig-Kreis recommends contacting zulassung@mkk.de in advance or if you have any questions about the procedure to check the required documents.

According to Art. 3 Para. 1 of Regulation (EU) 2022/1280, in force since 27 July 2022, valid Ukrainian driving licenses are recognized in the European Union.

Anyone who holds a valid Ukrainian driving license may drive motor vehicles in Germany within the scope of this authorization. It is not necessary to obtain a German driving license. Furthermore, neither a translation nor an international driving license is required.

This driving authorization is only valid for holders of a Ukrainian driving license who are granted temporary protection or adequate protection under national law.

The driving authorization is valid until the date when the protection status granted under EU law or national law ends; at the latest until 6 March 2025, unless it is terminated earlier by decision of the Council of the European Union.

For further questions and information, please contact the Driving License Office via fuehrerschein@mkk.de.