Re:MatchRe:MatchIcon
For Ukrainians2026-02-25T17:09:09+01:00

We help you to find a German city that matches your needs and preferences.

Re:Match is a small project piloting needs-oriented relocation. The project follows a very unique approach as it takes into account your needs and preferences as well as the capacities and profiles of welcoming cities in the question of distribution and relocation.

In 2023 and 2024, Re:Match matched Ukrainian protection seekers directly with German cities. On this page you can find out more about our project and how it works.

Re:Match Job – current phase (2025-2026)

Re:Match Job is an active project that builds on the experience from earlier Re:Match pilot phases. We are currently working with German municipalities and project partners to prepare the next steps of the process, including improving matching criteria and coordination for relocation and integration.

At the moment, registration is open for Phase III (2025-2026). Updates about information sessions will be shared on the Facebook and Instagram pages of Right to Protection (R2P). If you are unsure about your eligibility for the program, please take the quiz below!

If you have any questions about the program, feel free to get in touch with our team!

How it works – Step by Step

1. INFORMATION AND CONTACT

On this page, you can find detailed information about the project. Further questions are asked and answered in digital Q&A sessions (the available dates are announced at the bottom of this page). Only during these Q&A sessions you can schedule an interview appointment, necessary to participate in the programme. The interviews are carried out by our project coordinator in Poland. Thus, you should definitely sign-up for one of these sessions if you’re interested in participating in the relocation!

2. INTERVIEW

The interviews are the basis on which matches between protection seekers and cities are made. During your interview with our project coordinator, you will discuss your needs and priorities in person or digitally. You will also be asked to provide relevant information about yourself (and other people you want to be relocated with). Meanwhile, participating cities are also asked about their capacities and needs.

3. MATCHING

Based on the information you provided, the Re:Match algorithm calculates the best match for you. We will inform you about the result and provide you with more information on the proposed city. You have the final say on whether you’d like to accept the match. The matched city cannot reject you.

4. RELOCATION & TRAVELLING

After informing the city, we will organise your relocation together with you: we help you arrange your trip and provide you with information about the city and the local support structures.

5. ARRIVAL

Upon arrival, the local authorities will provide guidance for registration and other paperwork for you to receive a temporary residence permit, financial support and so on. Now you can start to settle in your new city.

Requirements

To participate you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • you are fleeing from the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.
  • you are a Ukrainian national who had their residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022 or a Ukrainian national’s family member.
  • you have not applied for or received a temporary residence permit in Germany or any other EU country yet.
  • you do not hold any other work visa or residence permit in Germany, EU or other countries.

Information sessions with Right to Protection (R2P)

Re:Match Job is currently coordinating with our partner Right to Protection (R2P) Poland to host regular information sessions for people interested in the project.

➡️ Info sessions are held every second Monday in cooperation with R2P.

These sessions provide up-to-date information about the Re:Match approach, answer questions about relocation and integration, and explain how the process currently works.

For more details and updates, you can follow R2P on social media:

• Facebook

• Instagram

If you have questions about the sessions or need support, you can contact the Re:Match team or R2P directly.

Disclaimer2025-04-08T17:27:01+02:00

This Q&A answers all questions concerning the Re:Match project. For questions about general arrival and reception in Germany, please find links to the official information pages of the Federal Government below.

For details about the processes in Germany for Ukrainian refugees, please refer to the official information website of the German Interior Ministry.

Here you can access very comprehensive information about every part of arriving, settling in & integrating for Ukrainian refugees in Germany. Further down the page by Handbook Germany, you can select the themes that you want information on with the orange button.

General information in Ukrainian about life in Germany can be found here .

If you could not find an answer to your question in this Frequently Asked Section or in other official information sources, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

I am a refugee from Ukraine. Can I participate in this project?2026-02-06T17:46:23+01:00

Participation in Re:Match is possible for Ukrainians who meet the legal eligibility requirements and are willing to take part in the project process. The first step to participate is an interview with our project partner Right to Protection (R2P).

At this stage, participation is not guaranteed, and relocation depends on eligibility, matching, and project capacity.

Who can potentially participate

In general, Re:Match is open to Ukrainians who:

were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022, and their family members

have a valid passport or ID document

are legally able to travel and relocate

do not have Temporary Protection in any EU country at the time of participation

are willing to take part in interviews and information sessions

Important:

Ukrainians who are currently living in Ukraine must be willing and able to travel to Poland first. Relocation to Germany within the project takes place from Poland, not directly from Ukraine.

Eligibility is assessed step by step during the process.

Legal note

Re:Match operates within the framework of EU and German law, including the Temporary Protection Directive and related national regulations. These legal rules cannot be changed by the project, and no exceptions can be made. For legally binding advice on your individual situation, please consult official government sources or qualified legal advisors.

How can I participate in this project?2026-02-06T17:39:23+01:00

To participate in Re:Match, the first step is to take part in an interview with Right to Protection (R2P).
April – Interview helps us understand your situation, needs, and preferences

The information is prepared for matching

May – Matching results are shared

The participants decide within one week whether to accept the match

After acceptance – The city prepares for the arrival

Travel planning and Arrival Guide are provided

June – You move to Germany

The city becomes your main contact after arrival
Dates may change depending on preparation and legal requirements.

Will I get medical insurance in Germany?2026-02-06T18:08:51+01:00

For legally binding information, we refer you to official German government sources. The information below is a general overview and does not replace individual legal or medical advice.

In general, once you are registered in Germany and apply for social assistance, you will receive access to the public health care system. This usually includes a health insurance card issued through a state-run health insurance fund, which allows access to medical care and most doctors without direct costs. Medical expenses are covered by the responsible welfare office.

The registration process and timing vary by city, and it may take several weeks until health insurance is fully issued.

If you require urgent medical care or have serious medical needs, it is important to mention this during the interview with Right to Protection (R2P). This information can be taken into account during the matching process so that a city is identified that can realistically support your situation. However, the project cannot guarantee immediate access to specific medical services.

I need special medical care or assistance. Can persons with special medical needs participate in your project?2026-02-06T18:06:27+01:00

Yes. If you or a family member you wish to relocate with have special medical needs or require additional support, this information can be taken into account during the Re:Match process.

During the interview with our project partner Right to Protection Poland (R2P), you will be asked to share relevant information about your situation and needs. This may include medical conditions, mobility limitations, or specific housing requirements.

If applicable, it is important to provide supporting medical documentation (for example, a doctor’s letter explaining the need for certain medication, care, or accessible housing).

Documents can be provided in Ukrainian or Polish, together with an English or German translation. Official translations are not required.

This information helps the project assess whether participation is possible and whether a suitable match with a city can be considered.

While the project will try to take medical and support needs into account, participation and relocation cannot be guaranteed, and immediate relocation may not be possible.

Will I be placed into a small town or a big city?2024-04-25T16:38:10+02:00

Our partner cities are of different sizes. The population, size and location as well as your other needs and priorities will be discussed with you in-depth during the in-person interview. The information you provided during the interview will serve as a basis for the matching algorithm to determine which participating city suits most of your needs and priorities. Please note that the algorithm will match you with a city based on all data and priorities you provide during the interview. Size of city is just one out of many priorities you will be asked for in the interview.

Note: while one city can match your size and location preferences, another city can cater for your other needs in a better way. The reasons why you are matched to a city and what this city does and does not offer in relation to your indicated preferences, will be explained to you when you learn about the match.

Our past experience of matching & relocation in 2023 showed, that participants were very likely to be highly satisfied even in smaller towns, as their other preferences were better covered there. And another very important factors is, that Germany is very well developed in terms of public transport. Each of the Re:Match cities, even the smaller ones, are very close to neighboring cities, and their services, universities etc.

Where will I live upon arrival?2026-02-06T18:11:54+01:00

After arrival in Germany, the standard process of registration and housing begins. Re:Match works closely with the participating cities and shares relevant information about your housing needs with them.

The receiving city will arrange accommodation for you in local refugee housing.

This will not be emergency accommodation such as gyms or tents.

Housing conditions vary depending on the city. For example:

in some cities, accommodation may be a private room with shared kitchen and bathroom

in others, it may be small residential units within shared accommodation, sometimes with a private bathroom or kitchen

Only in exceptional cases can a city provide private housing upon arrival.

In many cases, you will receive general information about the accommodation before relocation. However, detailed information (such as exact address or photos) cannot always be guaranteed in advance.

You are not required to stay in public accommodation if you are able to arrange private housing independently.

Why should I participate, if the registration and housing process is the same as without Re:Match?2026-02-06T17:59:55+01:00

It is true that people who arrive in Germany generally go through the same registration, housing, and administrative processes, whether they participate in Re:Match or not. Re:Match does not change these local systems.

What Re:Match does differently is what happens before relocation.

Without Re:Match:

people are usually distributed to cities based on allocation quotas

personal preferences and needs are rarely considered

information about the assigned city is typically received only after arrival

With Re:Match:

you can share your priorities and needs before any relocation decision

you receive information about the matched city in advance

you can make an informed decision about whether to accept the match

Another important difference is that Re:Match partner cities are informed in advance. They know who is coming and can prepare for arrival, which helps make the first steps more predictable.

Re:Match also provides information materials, such as the Arrival Guide, to help you understand local conditions and navigate daily life.

While the project cannot change administrative procedures after arrival, it helps you prepare for them. Please note that settling in Germany can still be bureaucratic and challenging, even with Re:Match.

Participants go through the same post-arrival processes as other Ukrainian newcomers.

Feedback from previous participants shows that, despite these challenges, many valued the opportunity to be informed, prepared, and involved in the decision before relocating.

What kind of legal status can I get if I relocate to Germany?2026-02-06T17:30:28+01:00

We kindly refer you to official information from the German authorities for legally binding advice. The information below is a general explanation and does not replace individual legal assessment.

Ukrainian nationals may enter Germany without a visa under the EU’s Temporary Protection framework.

However, Temporary Protection can only be granted in one EU country at a time.

Re:Match can only involve participants who do not have Temporary Protection in any EU country or have had at any point in the past.

If a participant relocates to Germany through the Re:Match process and meets the legal requirements, they may apply for a German residence permit under the applicable legal framework at that time.

The exact legal status depends on individual circumstances and the regulations in force when the application is made.

Re:Match itself does not grant legal status and cannot guarantee which residence permit will be issued.

Will I get a German residence permit if I already have one in Poland and receive welfare benefits there?2026-02-06T17:25:43+01:00

We kindly refer you to official information from the German authorities for legally binding advice. The information below is a general explanation and does not replace individual legal assessment.

If you currently hold Temporary Protection or another residence permit in Poland (or any other EU country), you cannot automatically receive a German residence permit at the same time.

Under current EU and German regulations:

Temporary Protection can be held in only one EU country at a time

Holding Temporary Protection in Poland generally prevents participation in Re:Match

Welfare benefits received in another EU country do not transfer to Germany

Re:Match can only involve participants who do not have Temporary Protection in any EU country at the time of participation.

Eligibility is assessed step by step and depends on the applicable legal framework.

For individual legal questions, we strongly recommend consulting official government sources or qualified legal advisors.

How will I get to Germany?2024-04-25T20:00:29+02:00

The transport will be booked and paid for by Re:Match.

After you have received and confirmed a match with a German city, the Re:Match project team in Germany and Poland begin coordinating the travel details for your relocation.

The details and modes of travel will depend on where you are located, size of your family and number of people going to each city. For the move, we will organize your transport and provide you with all necessary information in sufficient time. Most likely, you will travel via commercial or private bus.

It usually takes about 2-3 weeks between your confirmation of the match and the journey.

We do book an extra luggage slot for each person – this means, everyone is entitled to bring two large suitcases and hand luggage with them.

Please only bring what you can carry/transport yourself, as you might have to change bus or train on your long journey to your destination in Germany.

If you wish to travel with your own car, please let us know.

I would like to be relocated together with my children. What kind of school will they attend and is it free of charge? Will daycare be provided and is it free of charge?2026-02-06T18:02:52+01:00

We kindly refer you to the official information websites from the Federal Government when it comes to all aspects which are not directly linked to the project Re:Match. The information given below are just a brief overview. Here you find helpful information in Ukrainian about everything concerning Ukrainian children in Germany – from school to financial support.

All children from the age of six are generally required to attend school in Germany. There are private and public schools in Germany. Public school attendance is free of charge.

For children under the age of six, daycare/pre-schools are available free of charge. However, how long it takes until your child or children can access these, varies from city to city.

Upon arrival in the matched city, local authorities will advise you on how to arrange daycare for children under the age of six and school attendance for children from the age of six.
When a new school year starts depends on the federal state your match city is located in but is usually between July and September.

Am I allowed to work in Germany as a person fleeing from Ukraine? And do I need to speak German to work?2024-04-25T20:00:55+02:00

We kindly refer you to the official information websites from the Federal Government when it comes to all aspects which are not directly linked to the project Re:Match. The information given below are just a brief overview.

The process of entering the work force in Germany requires patience. Some guidance on working as a Ukrainian in Germany can be found here and on German language courses here .

As soon as a provisional residence document is issued, you are entitled to work. You can then undertake, in principle, any kind of employment in Germany or begin vocational training. Please note that there are certain labor market access restrictions for some professions under German law (e.g. doctors, teachers, educators) in terms of language proficiency, recognition of foreign higher education qualifications and such.

You are also able to start your own business or work as a freelancer. Every industry has specific requirements that need to be taken into account when starting a business. These may include professional law regulations, special licenses and insurance law issues.

Upon arrival in the matched city, local authorities will advise you on how to arrange for work permit and if needed recognition of documents such as diploma, certificates, references.
However, it is important to note, that in Germany it is very important that you possess at least a basic level of German language skills to be able to enter the workforce. This means, that a first step will almost always be to attend language courses.

If finding employment or language courses are your most important preference, you will indicate this in your interview. And if the algorithm finds a city that is looking for workers with your background, we will let you and the city know of this match.
Again, this does not mean that the city will provide you with work immediately. But, it shows that there is a perspective and a general need for your skills in that city. Learning German and getting your past credentials/work experience approves will be necessary first steps.

How can I apply for financial benefits in Germany?2024-04-25T20:01:07+02:00

Upon arrival in the matched city, local authorities will advise you on how to register and receive financial support.

If you need financial support, the first thing you need to do is register with the local authorities. This process looks different in each city. Upon relocation, we will provide you with details of the local process and addresses.
Here, it is important to note, that some time will pass until you receive your residence permit and the entitlement to regular financial benefits. This time can span from only a few days to a few (2-3) weeks.
It is best to be financially equipped to pay for your own food for the initial period after arrival, as we cannot definitively say how each local authority handles this procedure.

If you do not possess the financial means to pay for food in the first few days, please let the project team know and we will inform your match city of your special need and they will try their best to accommodate this.

What financial benefits can I receive in Germany?2024-04-25T20:01:22+02:00

We kindly refer you to the official information websites from the Federal Government when it comes to all aspects which are not directly linked to the project Re:Match. The information given below are just a brief overview. Please find detailed an reliable information in Ukrainian about this here.

As a general rule: Ukrainian refugees who are registered with the authorities and are in financial need (i.e., do not earn money or not enough money), the German government will provide you with social benefit payments and medical/care insurance.

Everything was very fast and almost without any problems with the documents and paperwork. I mean, I was told where I need to go today and tomorrow. Everything was quickly arranged. As I hear from other people here, they suffered so much with the documents and the [enrolment to integration] courses.

 

Participant matched to Braunschweig, Cohort 2 in 2023

Everything was very fast and almost without any problems with the documents and paperwork. I mean, I was told where I need to go today and tomorrow. Everything was quickly arranged. As I hear from other people here, they suffered so much with the documents and the [enrolment to integration] courses.

 

Participant matched to Braunschweig, Cohort 2 in 2023

There is an 80 percent chance that I would not have gone on my own through a camp to a country where I don’t speak the local language. I’m with a small child and three suitcases. […] The project helped me a lot to realise certain desires in my child’s education and provided opportunities for further career development. I would not have made it here on my own.

 

Participant matched to Rottenburg am Neckar, Cohort 1 in 2023

Rottenburg and Tübingen have everything we need. We lived in Kyiv and when we didn’t have what we needed in our neighbourhood, we took the subway to the next one. It’s the same here. We went around the whole of Tübingen and went to Reutlingen. We found additional German courses for the child there. On vacation, we went to Stuttgart to the zoo. Everything is pretty close here. There is a very good transport interchange. In Kyiv, we have the subway, but here we have a train station instead…Even a small city can meet my needs and I recommend people to go and not be afraid. It (Rottenburg a.N.) is innovative. It is modern. It is touristy.

Participant matched to Rottenburg am Neckar, Cohort 1 in 2023

I can’t [yet] tell you about the Re:Match programme in terms of full integration. At the stage I’m at now, I’m very satisfied with everything […] I definitely would participate in Re:Match again. I ended up in the city I wanted. […] I know where to go, with whom to communicate, and I am given clear instructions on how and what to do.

 

Participant matched to Salzgitter, Cohort 3 in 2023

What compositions of people were matched and relocated in 2023 & 2024?

23x single mothers with child(ren) 10x more than two adults 9x single persons 4x single mothers with child(ren) and grandmother 9x mobility restrictions 6x couples with child(ren)

Which cities participated in Re:Match in 2023?

A better EU-relocation is possible.

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