Legal services in Berlin
Comprehensive legal services in Berlin cover extension of residence permits under Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), arrangement of social benefits, family reunification, and business support. All of this can be handled through a single representative office without collecting certificates from different authorities on your own.
International Law Firm "Zahist" has a representative office in Germany and has for several years been assisting Ukrainians in Berlin on legalization and rights protection matters. Our experience shows that clients who seek legal support immediately after relocating face refusals and delays less often than those who try to resolve matters on their own.
Legalization and extension of status under Section 24 AufenthG
Residence permits issued to Ukrainians under Section 24 AufenthG and valid as of 1 February 2026 have been automatically extended until 4 March 2027 without filing a separate application or visiting the foreigners authority.
Automatic extension preserves all rights associated with the status: work, study, social benefits, and the ability to leave the country and subsequently return.
Nevertheless, some clients face individual difficulties—a change of address, expiry of a foreign passport, or the need to switch to another type of status—so reviewing one’s personal situation before March 2027 remains a sensible step.
Social benefits: Bürgergeld and the transition to the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act
From 1 April 2025, Ukrainians arriving in Germany receive not Bürgergeld but benefits under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (AsylbLG), the amount of which is noticeably lower than the standard rate.
| Category | Monthly payment (approximate) |
| Bürgergeld, standard rate | EUR 563 |
| AsylbLG for those who arrived after 1 April 2025 | EUR 455 |
The reform under discussion envisaged transferring all Ukrainian refugees to AsylbLG regardless of arrival date from 1 July 2026; however, as of the update of this article, the relevant law remains blocked in the Bundesrat.
Our experience shows that it is precisely during such periods of legal uncertainty that it is especially important for clients to receive up-to-date explanations rather than rely on outdated information from general sources.
Family reunification for Ukrainians in Germany
Section 29(4) AufenthG governs family reunification for holders of status under Section 24 and removes some of the standard requirements, including proof of sufficient income.
- Spouses and partners in stable relationships recognized before the start of the full-scale invasion.
- Minor unmarried children of the applicant or of his or her spouse.
- Other close relatives who were dependent on the applicant in Ukraine.
The main condition is that the family was separated specifically because of military action and that the arriving relatives themselves need protection; if this condition is met, income and housing do not need to be confirmed in advance.
Business support and recognition of Ukrainian qualifications
Status under Section 24 AufenthG grants immediate access to employment and opens the possibility of registering one’s own business through Gewerbeanmeldung or establishing a GmbH for a larger project.
Recognition of a Ukrainian diploma through the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen helps with employment in one’s field. For regulated professions—doctors, lawyers, engineers—a separate recognition procedure with the competent authority is required.
Our experience shows that entrepreneurs who check the form of business registration and tax consequences in advance avoid costly corrections after operations have already started.
Court representation and protection of Ukrainians’ rights
Refusals by the foreigners authority, disputes with social benefit providers, or conflicts with an employer can be challenged in an administrative or labour court with the support of a lawyer familiar with local practice.
We have helped close hundreds of such cases, and our experience shows that clients who seek representation immediately after receiving a refusal, rather than after the appeal deadline has expired, achieve a review of the decision significantly more often.
Health insurance when the legal regime changes
Recipients of Bürgergeld are insured through regular health insurance funds on equal terms with German citizens, which provides access to the full range of medical services without additional restrictions.
For recipients of AsylbLG benefits, limited medical assistance applies during the first years of stay—primarily for acute illnesses, pain, and in certain cases, including pregnancy.
Our experience shows that when the legal regime changes, it is advisable to clarify in advance which fund will continue coverage and on what terms, so as not to be left without cover during the transition period.
Specifics of dealing with the Berlin foreigners authority
In Berlin, immigration matters are handled by the Landesamt für Einwanderung, and appointments are often booked through an online system with a limited number of available slots.
Due to the high workload on the authority, waiting times for appointments in Berlin often exceed those in smaller German cities, so filing documents for extension or change of status should be planned in advance.
Our experience shows that preparing a complete set of documents before booking an appointment significantly reduces the risk of the review being postponed to a later date.
School, kindergarten, and social adaptation of children
Children of Ukrainian refugees in Berlin have the right to attend school and kindergarten on equal terms with German children, including preparatory classes for learning German before moving into a regular class.
Enrolment in school or kindergarten is handled through the district education authority, and due to a shortage of places in certain districts of Berlin, the wait may take several months.
Our experience shows that filing an application immediately after registering a place of residence, rather than after resolving other everyday matters, noticeably shortens the waiting time for a place.
Typical mistakes when handling matters independently
The most common mistake is assuming that automatic extension of status resolves absolutely all issues, including changes in family composition or employment situation.
Another frequent problem is seeking legal support too late, after the deadline for filing a complaint or application has already expired, when some options are formally closed.
Our experience shows that clients who seek advice before filing documents complete the procedure more quickly. The number of additional requests from authorities in such cases is noticeably lower.
Transition to a permanent residence permit after status under Section 24
For those who plan to remain in Germany long term, status under Section 24 is not the end point. With stable employment and a sufficient level of German, one may apply for a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
Standard conditions include a certain period of lawful residence, German language proficiency of at least B1, and the ability to support oneself without state benefits.
Our experience shows that clients who start collecting evidence of employment history and language courses in advance complete the transition to permanent status significantly faster than those who postpone preparation until the current status expires.
Which documents should be prepared in advance
Regardless of the specific matter—extension of status, arrangement of benefits, or family reunification—certain documents are required in almost all cases.
- A valid foreign passport and the current residence permit marked under Section 24 AufenthG.
- Proof of registered address (Anmeldung) in Berlin.
- Documents on family composition—marriage and birth certificates with a German translation.
- Income statements or an employment contract when applying in connection with work or business.
A translation of documents prepared in advance with an apostille, where required, saves weeks of waiting already at the stage of filing with the authority.
An expert view on choosing a legalization strategy
An analysis of our cases shows that clients with stable employment and the prospect of long-term stay in Germany benefit from an early transition to a regular residence permit rather than endless extension of status under Section 24.
We recommend assessing your situation at least once a year, especially in light of the discussed changes to the social benefits system and possible adjustments to the rules after 2027.
International Law Firm "Zahist" has a representative office in Germany and provides legal services in Berlin across the full range of matters—from extension of status to court representation and business support.
Each situation has its own particularities — family composition, source of income, plans for long-term residence in Germany — therefore a preliminary consultation helps to choose the right strategy from the outset.
The earlier a client seeks legal services in Berlin, the less time is spent correcting mistakes and making repeated applications to German authorities.
