Taking in refugees: What do helpers have to consider?

Thousands of refugees from Ukraine are coming to Germany every day. Lots of people want to help. Private accommodation also plays an important role. But which rules apply?

Am I allowed to take in refugees from Ukraine privately without further ado?

Yes. The situation is different from the refugee crisis of 2015. Refugees from Ukraine are allowed to enter Germany without a visa – and stay there. The European Union has created the prerequisites for this by activating the so-called mass influx directive.

The regulation means that refugees from Ukraine do not have to go through a lengthy asylum procedure. They can therefore live wherever they want, whether in an initial reception center or in private accommodation. According to German law, this applies not only to Ukrainian nationals, but to all people who were in Ukraine when the war began, for example also to asylum seekers or foreign students. Important: There are special protective regulations for unaccompanied children and young people. The Youth Welfare Office is responsible for their admission.

How important is it that refugees report to the authorities?

Registration is particularly important if refugees want to stay in Germany for more than three months. Then you have to apply for a residence permit at the responsible immigration office. However, due to the “mass influx directive” this is a purely formal act. The refugees receive the residence permit quickly and unbureaucratically. This is then initially valid for one year, but can be extended by two years.

By registering with the authorities, those seeking protection also receive state benefits and are covered by health insurance in Germany.

Do I have to let my landlord know if I want to take people in?

If you plan to let someone live in your rented apartment, you need permission from your landlord. This also applies to refugees. There are two exceptions to this: On the one hand, close family members are always allowed to move in without permission. On the other hand, this does not apply if the visitors are only accommodated temporarily.

How long you are still legally considered a visitor cannot be said with certainty. From a period of six to eight weeks, however, one must assume that the stay in the apartment is no longer just temporary. Then you can no longer appeal to your landlord for visitation rights. This means that you can take in refugees in your apartment for a few weeks without further ado. For a longer period you should consult the landlord.

Who can I contact if I want to take in refugees?

Federal states and municipalities have set up central offices for this purpose. In most cases you will find what you are looking for on the website of your federal state, your home town or district administration or the district office. Caritas, Diakonie and Pro Asyl have also set up offers of help.

In addition, there are already numerous special organizations that you can turn to. People who want to offer refugees accommodation can find out about accommodation-ukraine.de or airbnb.org register – especially if you only want to take someone on for a period of two weeks. Both organizations cooperate with the Federal Ministry of the Interior.

Who pays for the costs of the refugees?

So far there has been no state support for helpers who take in refugees. However, even with the residence permit, refugees receive benefits from the state if their own means are not sufficient. You will then also have health insurance in Germany.

However, there is no state liability insurance for refugees. Any damage caused must therefore be paid for by you yourself. This can be relevant for tenants who make their apartment available to refugees. As a tenant, you are liable to your landlord for your guests.

What else should I consider before offering accommodation?

Far from the legal: The people who are currently forced to leave their home country so abruptly have often experienced terrible things. They often worry about family members they had to leave behind during the war. You should feel up to dealing with a possibly severely traumatized person.