Arrival in Leipzig

The days listed below are public holidays in Saxony.

This means that on these days there is a basic rule prohibiting employment in accordance with § 9 ArbZG. As a result, most shops are closed on these days and important purchases should be made in advance. However, there are some exceptions that are not affected by this regulation, such as for emergency and rescue services, fire brigades, hospitals and restaurants (§ 10 ArbZG).

Day-care centres, schools and universities are also closed on these days, but in the case of day-care centres there may be exceptions, for example if they are for children of parents who work in the hospital.

Most restaurants will be open on these days, so it makes sense to make a reservation for these days.

Most book halls and libraries are also closed on these days, but there are exceptions, such as the Campus Library and the Bibliotheca Albertina of Leipzig University. However, these two facilities are usually open with adjusted hours on these days and there is no library service on site.

The facilities of Leipzig’s sports pools (indoor and outdoor pools and sauna) are also open on these days. In the case of the outdoor pools, however, it may not be possible to operate as usual due to weather conditions. A look at the weather app or a call on site is recommended if you are unsure.

Most cinemas are also open on these days, but you should check the website beforehand.

Most museums (Grassi, MdBK…) are also open on public holidays, but usually with adjusted times and shorter than normal.

The shops for travel needs in the Promenaden Hauptbahnhof have shops open on public holidays from 1 – 6 pm.
Unfortunately, the website does not clearly define what counts as a travel needs shop.
For example, REWE at the main station is not open on 18 and 29 May.
Again, it is worth trying to find information about opening hours on the website of the main station beforehand.

Furniture stores such as IKEA are also closed on 18 May and 29 May, but Höffner in Leuna is open on these days.

Furthermore, it may also happen that due to bridge days some establishments remain closed for one day longer. However, this depends on the employer/ facility, but should usually have been communicated early enough.

Public Holidays Leipzig/ Saxony

People who live in Germany must register with the relevant authorities. This means that they must tell the Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) who they are and where they live. 

As displaced persons from Ukraine may only legally remain in Germany and the EU for a maximum of 90 days in a period of 180 days, they must apply for a residence permit by the end of this period at the latest. At present, this is usually residence pursuant to section 24 (1) of the Residence Act.

A temporary residence permit (in this case generally the probationary certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung)) is a prerequisite to claiming benefits such as basic security benefits pursuant to Social Code II (SGB II) or Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (AsylbLG). 

After receiving the temporary residence permit, other applications to receive financial support must then be made and forms filled in. This takes some time and is often not easy for German citizens and native speakers to understand.  

As ever, there is one condition for registering in Leipzig: accommodation. You need to be able to prove that you have a home in Leipzig. 

This proof is provided via an accommodation provider confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung). You can obtain this from your letting agent/landlord. You then take this and your passport to the Welcome Centre.

NOTE: 

There is currently an immigration freeze for displaced persons in Saxony. This means that no Ukrainian displaced persons can be accepted in Saxony. Therefore, registration from a reception centre is no longer possible. 

If you do travel to Saxony seeking refuge in a reception centre, you must expect to be transferred to another federal state.

In order to be accepted in Leipzig, you currently need a permanent residence in Leipzig.

Unfortunately, there is no magic formula. Nevertheless, we have attempted to draw up a short checklist for successful registration in Leipzig:

Before you arrive

• Check the entry and registration requirements (e.g. Stadt Leipzig).
  • Passport/valid identity document
  • Accommodation provider confirmation
• Contact other displaced Ukrainian persons in Leipzig (e.g. via LHU Telegram chats) and keep relatives informed about your own whereabouts and contact persons.
• Currently required for registration in Leipzig: organise private accommodation so that you can remain in Leipzig.
  • Rental agreement in place?
  • Communicate deadlines and expectations
• Make copies of all the required documents and take them with you
• Seek contact with assistants (e.g. via LHU or various sponsorship programmes)

After you arrive

• Have your letting agent/landlord complete the accommodation provider confirmation
• Attach your name to your letterbox
• Make a registration appointment
• If entering the country with animals: make a vet appointment and contact the veterinary office [internal LINK: Animals]
• Start independent accommodation search

After registration

• Complete Job Centre main application (or: Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act)
• Apply for Leipzig-Passport (Leipzig-Pass)
• Apply for health insurance membership
• If entering the country with children: register with daycare centre and/or school
• Find an integration course
• Have your driving licence endorsed
• Have qualification certificates translated
• Conduct accommodation viewings and possibly have rental agreement checked before signing it
• If necessary, organise help for day-to-day dealings with and visits to the authorities
• Once the initial stress is over: start job search

The Welcome Centre is a facility of the city of Leipzig whose aim is to help displaced persons and migrants to navigate the administrative process after arriving in Germany and Leipzig: registrations, applying for a residence title, looking for accommodation, etc. You will find all the first points of contact here in one place or near the Welcome Centre.

The Welcome Centre is currently located at Prager Straße 128, Haus B, 04317 Leipzig. It is open on weekdays between 8 AM and 4 PM.

Important: Currently, an appointment is required.

LINK map

In principle, displaced persons are entitled to apply for benefits pursuant to the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz).

Since 1st June 2022, displaced persons aged between 15 and 65, who are able to work at least 3 hours a day and hold a valid residence document, can apply for basic security benefits pursuant to Social Code II (SGB II). The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and the relevant Job Centre are responsible for this. In Leipzig, this is the Jobcenter Leipzig. Pensioners can apply for old age security benefits. There is also the possibility of claiming additional needs from the respective benefits authority. Additional needs may include increased auxiliary costs, maternity wear, basics, and daycare and school fees.

First of all, you can register at the Welcome Centre. This means you can register your place of residence and receive a registration certificate, which you can use to apply for your residence title and work permit at the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde).

Depending on requirements, certain services, for example those provided by the Foreigners’ Registration Office or Migration Assistance, as well as other counselling services, are transferred to the Welcome Centre. 

There is currently an immigration freeze in place for Saxony. This means that fewer people are now going to the centre compared to the numbers seen in May. Find out about the current offers and services of this facility here. 

The various authorities for initial registration and initial application for titles and benefits are located quite close to each other in Leipzig:

The Foreigners’ Registration Office is located right next to the Welcome Centre at Prager Straße 118-136, 04317 Leipzig. You can make an appointment with this office over the phone: 0341 123 3310. Alternatively, you can use the contact form. Ask the staff member who carries out your registration at the Welcome Centre for more information.

Generally, municipal services can be requested at the Welcome Centre. This might concern, for example, the care of relatives who are ill or in need of care, childcare, psychosocial help, debt advice or much more. The staff members will then refer you to the appropriate authorities and advisory centres.

People who are not covered by the legal framework of Social Code II and have received a rejection letter from the Job Centre can find information here. Pensioners, for example, can obtain information on old age security benefits. Benefits pursuant to the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act are applied for at the Social Welfare Office of the city of Leipzig. This can also be found on Prager Straße:

Address:

Migration Assistance

Prager Straße 21

04103 Leipzig

Phone: 0341 123 9241

Email: migrantenhilfe@leipzig.de

You can also find out about the Leipzig-Passport and ask where you can find advisory centres.

To find out about the advisory centres, authorities, points of contact and support services, you can also use the city map from afeefa. 

In addition to a valid identity document from your home country, the city of Leipzig only has one prerequisite for registering in Leipzig: a residence. 

For this, you must be able to prove that you have somewhere you can live for an extended time in Leipzig. You can prove this to the authority by presenting an accommodation provider confirmation. You will find the form here.

If you have children, they also require a valid identity document or at least a birth certificate. If it was not possible to bring these with you, the child will be registered through the parent for the time being. Further steps will be discussed during the consultation.

If these documents have expired, this won’t be a problem for the initial registration. Further steps will be discussed during the consultation.

It is not possible to register in Leipzig without identity documents. Until the situation is resolved and you have new documents, you will be able to live in a reception centre. There are two facilities of this kind in Leipzig: on Graf-Zeppelin-Ring and Max-Liebermann-Straße.

You can apply for new documents at the embassy or at consulates.

With a valid identity document and accommodation provider confirmation, you can register in Leipzig. First, make a registration appointment at the Welcome Centre. 

Bring your ID card and accommodation provider confirmation to your appointment at the Welcome Centre, currently located at Prager Straße 128, Haus B, 04317 Leipzig. 

LINK map

First, you will register your residence here and receive a registration certificate. After that, you go to the Foreigners’ Registration Office counter/room, where you will fill out an application for a temporary residence title and have your photograph and fingerprints taken. You will then receive a probationary certificate with a provisional work permit. Please ask whether a residence requirement is associated with the document and what this means for you.

The EU has decided to apply temporary protection (Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 adopted by the Council on 4th March 2022, establishing the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine) to persons arriving from Ukraine after 24th February 2022 as a result of the Russian military invasion. They can apply for a residence permit at any Foreigners’ Registration Office pursuant to section 24 (1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

According to the regulation of the Ministry of the Interior, they can be granted temporary protection status until at least 4th March 2023.

Pursuant to section 24 of the Residence Act, Ukrainian citizens with a biometric passport may continue to travel within the European Union and the Schengen Area or remain in the EU for 90 days during a 180-day period. Travel to Ukraine after being granted temporary protection, i.e. receipt of a temporary title (e.g. probationary certificate), is still possible. However, you must re-enter Germany within six months at the latest and clear the journey with the competent authorities if there is a residence requirement and/or you are in receipt of benefits pursuant to Social Code II.

Citizens of Ukraine who were domiciled or permanently resident in Ukraine on 24/02/2022 but were temporarily staying outside Ukraine and entered the Federal Republic of Germany before 31/08/2022 do not require a temporary residence permit until 31/08/2022. This means that their stay in the Federal Republic of Germany is legal after 90 days of entry until 31/08/2022 at the latest.

In other words, there is only an obligation for displaced persons and non-EU citizens to register after 90 days, i.e. three months.

People who wish to remain in Germany for longer than 90 day and/or wish to receive benefits pursuant to the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act or Social Code II apply for a temporary residence permit (initially: probationary certificate) at the Foreigners’ Registration Office responsible for them in the town/city of their choice if they previously had private accommodation there (e.g. Leipzig) or in the town/city to which they were allocated according to their allocation notice, following their stay in a reception centre or emergency accommodation. The possibility and requirements of other residence titles can be discussed with the responsible case worker.In Leipzig, the Foreigners’ Registration Office is located in the Welcome Centre for displaced persons and immigrants at Prager Straße 128, Haus B. 

If you move within Germany, are not receiving benefits and your residence title does not contain any restrictions such as a residence requirement, you can simply move and do not have to inform the Leipzig authorities. 

The only thing that have to remember is that in Germany you must report to the new Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within two weeks. You can do this at any Citizens Advice Bureau in your new town/city of residence, you can show your new rental contract and accommodation provider confirmation along with your ID, and then you are registered in your new town/city.

However, if you are in receipt of benefits and leave the jurisdiction of the authority you are receiving those benefits from, you must apply to the relevant authority (e.g. Job Centre or Social Welfare Office) for relocation and re-registration. Currently, this can be done by sending an informal email to the relevant case worker. The authority in your new town/city of resident will then send the essential information to the authority in your former town/city. This simplified process will probably change soon, so it is always a good idea to discuss any intention to move with your case worker in person.

If you would like to leave Germany but you are already registered here and/or receiving benefits, it is necessary to deregister with the registration office. There is a specific form for this. Fill it in and send it with a copy of your ID by email to meldewesen@leipzig.de. If you receive benefits, you should also inform the relevant authority about your situation. This means, for example, that you should let the Job Centre or Social Welfare Office that you are leaving Germany.

If you are not registered and do not receive any social benefits, you only need to observe the entry regulations of your destination country.

This is for employment and integration: the probationary certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung) pursuant to section 81 of the Residence Act is a document issued by the Foreigners’ Registration Office during the processing of an application for a residence permit. This allows foreigners in Germany to demonstrate the existence of a provisional right of residence. 

It is called a ‘probationary’ certificate because it is a document that shows that, while residence rights are enjoyed in accordance with an assumed residence title, this title is only probationary, i.e. temporary and merely assumed. 

Upon receipt of a probationary certificate, it is possible to pursue employment in Germany subject to social security contributions.

It is important that an application for the extension of the probationary certificate is always submitted on time.

The Federal Printing Office wasn’t able to print probationary certificates fast enough. Therefore, replacement documents were issued: so-called substitute probationary certificates (Blattfiktionen). These are identity documents printed on A4 paper that are valid for the time being until the date indicated (yellow).

For those whose probationary certificates are only valid for three months:

• you will either receive a written reminder to attend the Welcome Centre, or the person in question will attend of their own accord.
• In all likelihood, a regular probationary certificate will be able to be issued by this point. Until then, it should be noted that substitute probationary certificates are often misused. This must be avoided. These are official replacement documents. You should always keep the originals with you.

For those whose probationary certificates are valid for six months:

• A decision has not yet been made, but there is a possibility that residence may be possible as early as this autumn. You will be informed about this by post in good time. Otherwise, the same applies here: keep the expiry date in mind and, if you do not receive a reminder, take autonomous action and contact the Foreigners’ Registration Office (currently still in the Welcome Centre at Prager Straße 128, Haus B).

Furthermore, the probationary certificate is the prerequisite for entry into the scope of Social Code II and entitles the holder to participate in an integration course (purple).

The probationary certificate states whether or not travel to non-EU countries is permitted. Travel is not permitted if the probationary certificate was issued pursuant to section 81 (3). If it is pursuant to section 81 (4), travel is possible (green).

The Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz) is generally there to regulate benefits for persons in need of material assistance who are in the process of obtaining asylum or a residence title. These state benefits are intended to cover the minimum subsistence level for the period of a person’s stay in Germany. This includes financial benefits, housing, basic services and emergency medical care. 

The standard rates are very low and really only just cover basic needs. The allocated housing is also only intended for a transitional period and usually offers little comfort.

From 01/06/2022, displaced persons from Ukraine receive benefits pursuant to Social Code II. In Germany, this is also known as ‘Bürgergeld’ or citizens’ allowance. It is regulated by the relevant Job Centre. This gives displace persons quicker and easier access to basic security benefits.

Sections 12a and 24 (5) of the Residence Act require anyone entering Germany as a beneficiary of protection to stay in the place where they are registered for the duration of the admission procedure. 

In Germany, each federal state and municipality receives funds from the state for the care and support of asylum seekers and displaced persons. It is only possible for a city or municipality to provide displaced persons with adequate housing and basic needs up to a certain point. In addition to medical care and financial aid, this also includes language courses and integration classes for children. 

Therefore, people without private accommodation, for example, those staying in reception centres and hotels in Leipzig, are distributed to other municipalities in Saxony. 

There, the person is registered and automatically required to have their habitual residence (domicile) in the respective town/city for the duration of the permanent residence title application process.

This obligation ceases at the end of the admission procedure. If no benefits are claimed at all, this obligation also ceases. In general, it is possible to apply for a change of residence.

The Residence Act in Germany regulates the conditions of the residence of migrants in Germany. Citizens of some countries, e.g. Ukraine, are allowed to remain in Germany and the EU for 90 days without a visa. After this period, you need a residence title, which you have to apply for. 

Displaced persons from Ukraine have been granted a simplified process pursuant to the mass influx directive [2001/55/EG]: they enjoy special protection in the EU. In Germany, displaced persons receive a residence permit in accordance with section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). From 01/06/2022, this provides access to basic security benefits pursuant to Social Code II. 

Further information can be found here:

https://www.leipzig.de/jugend-familie-und-soziales/auslaender-und-migranten/migration-und-integration/ukraine-hilfe/haeufig-gestellte-fragen

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__24.html

(Residence Act in full: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/)

A good place to make contact with other people is ‘Space’ Leipzig, where you can receive donations, get information, meet other displaced persons and take your first steps in Leipzig together with other people and helpers.

Furthermore, you can find information and network on the Leipzig Helps Ukraine website and the individual Telegram chats.

In principle, it is always possible to request a linguist when visiting the authorities. The Social Welfare Office and Job Centre cooperate with the service Sprint, among others, for this purpose. 

You can also request translation support in the university hospital. 

You do this over the phone or by email when making an appointment with the respective authority. 

This generally means that it takes longer to find an appointment. Therefore, many people seeking help turn to external services for translation and interpreting. You can also make use of these services if you need help at private doctor’s appointments or at daycare centres and schools.

You can also use apps or organise translation support by phone.

Furthermore, there are programmes that arrange sponsors to help you with your day-to-day dealings with the authorities.

You can also turn to the Translation Team at LHU at any time.

The following apps have proven helpful:

Google Translate

Say Hi

DeepL

iTranslate

Voice Translate (Apple)

Speak & Translate (Apple)

You can contact the Translation Team at any time for further information.

These two providers can currently still be used for free:

• ukraine-dolmetscher.de
• Translate for Ukraine (translation4ukraine.de)

Displaced persons applying for benefits at the Social Welfare Office are advised at the Social Welfare Office, specifically by the Migration Assistance Office, on the necessary applications to the authorities. Currently, their workload is enormous and it may take days or weeks to get an advice appointment. It is therefore advisable to look elsewhere for help and to find out about the bureaucratic possibilities and challenges.

Caritasverband Leipzig e. V.

Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (DRK) Kreisverband Leipzig Stadt e. V. (German Red Cross Leipzig City District Association)

Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (DRK) Akademischer Kreisverband Leipzig e. V. (German Red Cross Leipzig Academic District Association)

Mosaik Leipzig – Kompetenzzentrum für transkulturelle Dialoge e. V. (Centre of Excellence for Transcultural Dialogue)

Verband binationaler Familien und Partnerschaften e. V. (Association of Binational Families and Partnerships)

In addition, there is the option of approaching volunteer sponsorship programmes. 

Sponsorship programmes match displaced persons with volunteers who support them in their day-to-day dealings with the authorities. For example, as translators and linguists who accompany them to doctor’s appointments, etc.

You will find an overview of the advisory centres for displaced persons living in decentralised accommodation and sponsorship programmes at the following link on leipzig.de:

https://www.leipzig.de/jugend-familie-und-soziales/auslaender-und-migranten/migration-und-integration/willkommenszentrum/beratungsangebote-und-informationen.

The best-known sponsorship programmes are:

• Ankommen in Leipzig. Paten für Geflüchtete (Johanniter Unfallhilfe)
• Helfen mit Freude – نساعد بكل سرور (Wir sind Paten Leipzig)
• Malteser Integrationsdienst
• Start with a friend

Migration advisory centres are facilities run by various agencies that provide targeted advice to displaced persons on issues of integration and coming to Germany.

For example:

German Red Cross (DRK) Leipzig

Phone: 0341 3035 122 and 0341 3035 128

Appointments by phone only.

Amnesty International Leipzig:
https://amnesty-leipzig.de/asylgruppe/

Arbeit & Leben e. V., advice mainly on jobs, further education, qualifications and access to the labour market for migrants:
https://www.arbeitundleben.eu/projekte/detail/faire-integration-68/

Mosaik Leipzig e. V. (only displaced persons, or training programmes for helpers with Ukrainian/Russian language skills):
https://mosaik-leipzig.de/mbe/

Sächsischer Flüchtlingsrat:
https://www.saechsischer-fluechtlingsrat.de/de/projekte/asylberatung/

Verband binationaler Familien und Partnerschaften, iaf e. V. / Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zuwanderer (MBE):
http://binational-leipzig.de/index.php/angebote.html 

Phone: 0341 6880022

‘SALVE’ contact and advisory centre for migrants

Odermannstraße 19, 04177 Leipzig

Phone: 0341 4206097

Email: salve@raa-leipzig.de

Initiativkreis Menschen.Würdig:

https://www.menschen-wuerdig.org/infobus/

Internationale Frauen Leipzig e. V.

Konradstraße 60A, 04315 Leipzig
Contact persons: Nasnas Sedik Rashid, An Ngo Thi Minh
Phone: 0341 6888940
Mobile: 0151 75078775 or 0179 4463364
Email: frauenverein-leipzig@hotmail.de
Consultation hours (by phone only):
Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Languages: German, Arabic, Turkish, Kurdish
By appointment: Russian, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese

Caritasverband Leipzig e. V. I

Ruth-Pfau-Straße 2, 04107 Leipzig
Contact persons: Enrico Noack & Marcel Brettschneider
Phone: 0341 9636125
Email: migrantenhilfe@caritas-leipzig.de
Consultation hours (by phone only):
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon
Monday to Thursday: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Friday: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Languages: German, English, Spanish
Upon request: Arabic, Persian, Russian, Georgian, Albanian, Serbian, Turkish and more

Caritasverband Leipzig e. V. II

Stuttgarter Allee 30, 04209 Leipzig
Contact persons: Johanna Hutzel & Frederike Bensien
Phone: 0341 9636165 or 0157 58743461
Email: migrantenhilfe@caritas-leipzig.de
Consultation hours (by phone only):
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon
Monday to Thursday: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
and by appointment and email
Languages: German, English, French, Serbo-Croatian, Arabic
Other languages on request

RAA Leipzig e. V. I

Odermannstraße 19, 04177 Leipzig (‘Salve’ advisory centre)
Contact person: Souad Sahraoui
Phone: 0341 4206626 or 0178 3096508
Email: dezentral@raa-leipzig.de
Consultation hours (by phone only):
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
and by appointment and email
Languages: German, French, Arabic
By appointment: Bulgarian, Russian, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian

Johanniter-Akademie

Riebeckstraße 36, 04317 Leipzig
Contact persons: Eman Aissa, Sandra Haufe, Aria Eskandari
Phone: 0341 22476040
Email: integrationsberatung.akademie@johanniter.de
Consultation hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
By appointment only (by phone and email)
Languages: German, English, Persian, Arabic
Other languages on request

RAA Leipzig e. V. II

Kochstraße 14, 04275 Leipzig
Contact person: Ms Grafe
Phone: 0163 2654546
Email: queer@raa-leipzig.de
Target group:
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex displaced persons (LGBTIQ+)
Consultation hours: by appointment only (by phone and email)
Languages: German, English, French, Spanish
On request: Russian, Farsi, Arabic and more

Arrival, first steps and offers of help, registration
https://www.leipzig.de/jugend-familie-und-soziales/auslaender-und-migranten/migration-und-integration/ukraine-hilfe

Free social counselling on residence, work and training
https://www.leipzig.de/jugend-familie-und-soziales/auslaender-und-migranten/migration-und-integration/willkommenszentrum/beratungsangebote-und-informationen

Here you can find information about the risks of trafficking in human beings and support mechanisms for refugees from Ukraine.
https://www.kok-gegen-menschenhandel.de/en/news/news/kok-news/protection-against-trafficking-in-human-beings-and-exploitation-of-refugees

Flyer of the Independent Commissioner on Child Sexual Abuse (UBSKM) with offers of help in cases of violence, abuse, exploitation and trafficking in human beings (GER/UA).
Link

Information only in German and Ukrainian.

UA: Information in Ukrainian language
DE: Information in German language

On this page you will find offers for refugees from Ukraine as well as offers of help and donation possibilities for Ukraine.

https://www.leipzig.de/jugend-familie-und-soziales/auslaender-und-migranten/migration-und-integration/ukraine-hilfe

If you are looking for advice for queer refugees, please contact us here:

Übersicht für Geflüchtete aus der Ukraine (PDF)