Can I relocate to Lithuania or Poland after getting Paragraph 24 temporary protection in Germany?

Question

Hello,

I am a Ukrainian citizen who moved to Germany in March 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine. I have the Paragraph 24 temporary protection.

I am continuing to work remotely for the company that employed me in Ukraine. I pay taxes to Ukraine every month. I am considered a freelancer in Germany since I submit invoices to the company, which complicates things with taxes.

I have seen some information online that Lithuania and Poland allow Ukrainian freelancers to continue to do their remote Ukrainian jobs and only pay taxes in Ukraine. As I understand, Ukrainian freelancers also don't have to register as freelancers in those countries (I am not sure about this).

This makes me interested in relocating to either of those countries. I would like some advice on how to get temporary protection in Lithuania or Poland given that I already have Paragraph 24 in Germany. I understand that I need to de-register from Germany, but can I try to secure temporary protection from either of those countries first and then de-register, or do I have to de-register first? I am concerned that if I de-register from Germany first and then am denied temporary protection in Lithuania or Poland, I would be in a bad situation.

Also, am I actually allowed to travel to another Schengen country since I have stayed in Germany for over 90 days in a 180-day period? I am not sure how that rule works.

Looking forward to hearing back!

Answer 1

Hi @Anastasia I,

Unfortunately, I only have information about the reverse situation, i.e. if someone has temporary protection in Poland and then comes and applies for it here in Germany. The German authorities have made clear that this is possible.

I recommend you contact organisations working in this area in Poland or Lithuania

This organisation provides free legal aid in Poland:

https://***.pomocprawna.org/en/special-law-for-people-fleeing-ukraine---a-short-guide

For Lithuania you could contact this organisation:

https://***.refugeeslt.***/

I advise you to clarify this before leaving Germany and trying to register there. Once you apply for temporary protection in another EU country, your residence permit here becomes invalid.

With your residence permit, you are entitled to travel throughout other countries of the Schengen Zone for 90 days. Germany is your place of residence and does not count as travel in the Schengen Zone. Here it is also answered on a governmental website:

https://***.germany4ukraine.de/hilfeportal-en/entry-residence-and-return/entry

Best,

Éanna