Re:MatchRe:MatchIcon
For Ukrainians2026-03-19T13:53:51+01:00

We match you to a German city that suits your needs and preferences

Re:Match is a project which pilots holistic, data-driven relocation. The project follows a unique algorithmic approach that take into account your needs, preferences and competences, matching them to the capacities and profiles of welcoming cities for relocation.

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

Re:MatchJob (2025-2026)

Re:MatchJob (2025-2026) is the third and current phase of the Re:Match project that builds on the experience from the earlier phases, by adding additional labour market criteria to the algorithm.

At the moment, registration is open. 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 answered in online Q&A sessions. Only after these Q&A sessions you can schedule an interview appointment, necessary to participate in the program. The interviews are conducted by R2P Poland. It is mandatory to sign-up for an info-session if you wish to participate in the relocation!

2. INTERVIEW

The interviews are the basis of the data on which matches between protection seekers and cities are made. During your interview with R2P, you will discuss your needs and priorities in-person or online. You will also be asked to provide relevant information about yourself (and any family members you want to be relocated with). Meanwhile, participating cities are also asked about their capacities and needs.

3. MATCHING

Based on the information provided by you and the cities, the Re:Match algorithm computes the best match for you. We will inform you about the result and provide you with more information on the matched city. You have the final say on whether you’d like to accept the match.

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 apply for a temporary protection status, financial support and help you with your first steps in the city. 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 their Facebook and Instagram pages. If you have questions about the sessions or need support, you can contact the Re:Match team or R2P directly.

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)

Disclaimer:

This section answers the most frequently-asked questions about the Re:Match project.

For questions about general arrival and reception in Germany, please find the links to the official pages of the Federal Government below.

  • For details about the processes in Germany for Ukrainian refugees, please refer to the official website of the German Interior Ministry.
  • Here you can access comprehensive information about all the aspects of arriving, settling in and integrating in Germany.
  • General information about life in Germany can be found here in Ukrainian.

If you don’t find an answer to your question in the following section or in any of the above official sources, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

 

What is the timeline for the interview, matching and relocation?2026-03-18T15:11:21+01:00

Here is a broad overview of the timeline for the interviews, matching and relocation:

IMPORTANT: This is a tentative plan. Dates may change depending on various factors, including preparation and legal requirements.

April 2026:
Week 1 to Week 4:
Detailed interviews will be conducted by R2P to gather information about your situation, needs, and preferences. The cities share their respective information too. This information is then processed and transformed to run the matching algorithm.

May 2026:
Week 1 to Week 2:
The algorithm creates the best possible participant-city matches based on the available information.

End of Week 2:
The match result and information about the city will be shared with you.

Week 3:
You will have exactly one week to decide whether you wish to accept the match. The final decision to accept or reject the match is entirely yours. Please note that while you have the option to reject the match, doing so will disqualify you from the project.

June 2026:
Week 1 to Week 2:
You will prepare for relocation to Germany. We will share the next steps with you, including the travel plans and the city arrival guides. We and our partner R2P will be present to support you along the way.

Week 2 to Week 3:
You relocate to Germany, to the city you are matched with. Please note that the city becomes your main contact after arrival.

I am a refugee from Ukraine. Can I participate in this project?2026-03-18T14:55:04+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 is eligible to participate?

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 and have never held Temporary Protection in any EU country
  • do not have a work visa/residence permit in any country other than Ukraine (e.g., EU, USA, Canada, UK, etc.)
  • 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?2026-03-18T14:44:40+01:00

To participate in Re:Match, you must follow these steps:

  • Please take this eligibility quiz to know if you are eligible for the project.
  • If you are eligible, please register yourself for the project with Right to Protection (R2P) using this registration form.
  • Once you fill the form, you will be required to attend an online info-session by R2P which will explain the project in detail. The link to join the info-session will be shared with you via email. Please note that it is mandatory to attend an info-session to be considered eligible for further participation.
  • Once you complete the above steps, you will be asked to take part in a detailed interview with R2P.
Will I get medical insurance in Germany?2026-03-18T14:49:23+01:00

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

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?2026-03-18T14:25:55+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, 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?2026-03-18T15:03:21+01:00

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 interview. The information you provide 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 preferences 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 and relocation showed, that participants were very likely to be highly satisfied even in smaller towns, as their other preferences were better covered there. Public transport is well developed in Germany and each of the Re:Match cities, even the smaller ones, are very close to neighbouring cities, and their services, universities etc.

Where will I live upon arrival?2026-03-18T14:34:11+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, in case you have special 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

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?2026-03-18T15:06:20+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 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?2026-03-18T15:18:56+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 can enter Germany without a visa under the EU’s Temporary Protection framework.

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

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 can 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 or another EU country?2026-03-18T15:29:16+01:00

Unfortunately, you are not eligible to participate in the project.

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 receive Temporary Protection in Germany anymore.

Under current EU and German regulations:

Temporary Protection can be held only in one EU country

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

Re:Match can only involve participants who do not hold or have previously held Temporary Protection in any EU country.

Eligibility is assessed step by step and depends on the applicable legal framework – check your eligibility here.

For individual legal questions, we strongly recommend consulting official government sources or qualified legal advisors. Further information can be found here.

How will I get to Germany?2026-03-18T16:53:03+01:00

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 will 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 and trains.

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?2026-03-18T16:58:22+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. 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 matched 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?2026-03-18T14:43:20+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.

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 requirements.

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.
Please note that we are not matching you to a job but instead to a city where there is a general need for your skills and profile. Learning German and getting your credentials/work experience approved will be necessary first steps.

How can I apply for financial benefits in Germany?2026-03-18T14:29:57+01:00

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.
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?2026-03-18T15:16:46+01:00

Please refer to the official website of the Federal Government for information about all the aspects of social benefits and work in Germany which are not directly linked to the Re:Match project.

As a general rule, for Ukrainian refugees who are registered with the authorities and are in financial need (that is, are unemployed or do not earn enough money), the German government will provide them with social benefit payments and medical/care insurance. You can find detailed information in Ukrainian about this here.

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 [enrollment 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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