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Due to high demand, the 2nd information event "Welcome to stay - residence and prospects for Ukrainians in Chemnitz" was held by the Welcome Centre Chemnitz on 02.03.2026. Participants received detailed information on the options for securing long-term residence in accordance with Section 24 AufenthG.

• Which residence titles are possible and which one is best suited to which situation?
• Which documents need to be submitted and where?

All these and many other questions were answered during the event.

The event was in high demand, which is why capacity had to be increased again. The Welcome Centre staff are delighted with the great interest in this topic and the success of the fully booked event.

Once again, special thanks go to Ms Schröder, Head of the Residence Permit Department at the Immigration Office, who was on hand to answer the many questions, and to everyone involved for the organisation and smooth running of the event.

The Welcome Centre is pleased to inform you that in addition to the consultation hours on Thursday afternoons, Russian/Ukrainian advice is now also available on Monday and Tuesday mornings. You are therefore welcome to use the consultation hours in the morning.

Drop by without booking an appointment:

• Monday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Tuesday: 9 am to 12 pm
• Thursday: 2 to 5 pm

Consultation in English and German is also possible during all opening hours and by prior appointment.

The Welcome Center Chemnitz took part in the Chemnitz University of Technology career fair on 12 November 2025.

It was a great exchange with many international students who were interested in the wide range of advice offered by the Welcome Centre and got to know the staff personally.

The team is delighted with the great interest and looks forward to helping even more students with the free counselling service in the future - especially those who were previously unaware of the service.

The team at the Welcome Centre Chemnitz would like to once again expressly draw attention to the support options for refugees from Ukraine who are living here in Chemnitz in accordance with Section 24 of the Residence Act and still require assistance with the various procedures. The staff are available to advise you and provide support in clarifying residence prospects, applications and other step-by-step procedures.

Take advantage of the open consultation hours and drop by without an appointment:

• Monday: 9 am to 12 pm
• Tuesday: 9 am to 12 pm
• Thursday: 2 pm to 5 pm

Note: Counselling on Thursdays is also available in Ukrainian.

The online quick check provides additional guidance. Check in advance which requirements are met for which residence permit and which documents may be required. The quick check is non-binding and serves as an initial orientation. You will receive further information on the requirements and how to apply in a personal consultation at the Welcome Centre.

You can also contact the Welcome Centre by telephone or email:

Mail: welcome-center(at)stadt-chemnitz.de
Tel.: 0371 488-3390

On 20 September 2025, the opening of the Intercultural Weeks in Chemnitz was celebrated with great enthusiasm and the Welcome Center Chemnitz was there up close. It was a wonderful day full of inspiring encounters, open dialogue and lively discussions. The Welcome Centre team met many wonderful people - curious, warm and committed - and was able to get to know exciting perspectives and opinions on the offer.

The Welcome Centre Chemnitz was delighted to be there - it was a really great experience. The feedback after the meetings, regardless of whether the programme was already known or not, was open, honest and fantastic.

There is still an extensive intercultural programme to experience during the Intercultural Weeks until 5 October.

Starting a new life in Chemnitz just got a little easier. Since July 2025, the Welcome Centre Chemnitz has once again been offering advice in Ukrainian, Russian and English.
Every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., you can receive personal counselling in these languages during office hours. It is not necessary to book an appointment - just drop by!

Consultations in German and English are also available on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and by prior appointment.

Thanks to the multilingual counselling service, language barriers are broken down for new arrivals, making it easier for them to start their new life in Chemnitz.

Many Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection under Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) due to the war in Germany are wondering: Are they allowed to use their Ukrainian driving licence and how long is it valid?

If the person has a residence permit according to § 24 AufenthG

The Ukrainian driving licence is recognised in Germany. Anyone who has a residence permit for temporary protection in accordance with Section 24 AufenthG can use their Ukrainian driving licence in Germany. There are no special restrictions. It is only important that the document is valid and in the correct format (Latin script or with translation).

If the person changes the residence permit

In the event of a change of residence title (e.g. from Section 24 of the Residence Act to another section of the Residence Act), it is necessary to submit the documents for exchanging the Ukrainian driving licence for a German one in good time. Please note: The Ukrainian driving licence only needs to be exchanged if the residence permit under Section 24 AufenthG ceases to exist. The procedure may take some time, as a confirmation and possibly new tests may be necessary. It is therefore advisable to have your driving licence exchanged in good time before changing your residence permit.

There are also cases in which a person receives two different legal bases for residence at the same time (e.g. § 24 AufenthG and a residence permit for gainful employment or training). In such a situation, the status stated as the main reason in the residence permit is decisive. The same rules apply to driving licences: The Ukrainian driving licence remains valid as long as the residence permit allows temporary use.