Ukrainian Refugee Reception Centers in September: Open Federal States, Tegel Transit Hub, and Allocation Rules

In mid-September 2026, Germany’s distribution system for newly arriving refugees continues to operate under rigorous regional quotas. Due to heavy strains on municipal housing and social infrastructure, most local authorities remain closed to direct independent registration. Initial shelter and regional placement are coordinated strictly through central initial reception facilities (Erstaufnahmeeinrichtungen).

For Ukrainian citizens newly arriving in Germany or seeking relocation across federal state borders, maintaining up-to-date awareness of open initial reception hubs, understanding the Königsteiner Schlüssel quota distribution model, and complying with the three-year statutory residence restriction (Wohnsitzauflage under § 12a AufenthG) is essential.

Below is an overview of active facility addresses, the current operating status of the Berlin-Tegel hub, and key administrative requirements.

1. Open Federal States and Reception Center Addresses (September 2026)

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and state justice ministries continuously monitor capacity levels. Currently, initial reception and formal processing for Ukrainian nationals are primarily handled by the following centers:

Please Note:
Previously active reception centers in Baden-Württemberg (Ulm, Meßstetten, Ellwangen, Sindelfingen) have ceased initial processing for Ukrainian citizens. Arriving at a closed facility will result in referral to Karlsruhe or Munich at the traveler’s own expense.

2. Status of Berlin: Why You Cannot Settle at Tegel Airport

Terminal C of the former Berlin-Tegel Airport remains active as a large-scale reception center; however, direct independent registration in Berlin is closed.

Operating Policy for Tegel Hub:
Tegel operates exclusively as a transit and screening center. Newly arrived individuals are registered in the nationwide FREE database and transferred within a few days via bus or rail to other federal states with available quota capacities (most frequently Saxony, Thuringia, or North Rhine-Westphalia).
Exceptions for Permanent Placement in Berlin:
Direct placement within Berlin is granted strictly in two circumstances:

1. Family reunification with nuclear family members (legal spouse or minor children already officially registered and housed in Berlin);
2. An open-ended employment contract in Berlin with sufficient earnings to fully cover local rent without recourse to Jobcenter citizen’s benefit (Bürgergeld).

Unsanctioned attempts to remain in Berlin without approval from the State Office for Refugee Affairs (LAF) lead to the forfeiture of claims to state-provided housing and social benefits.

3. The Wohnsitzauflage Rule (§ 12a AufenthG): Risks of Unauthorized Relocation

Under § 12a of the Residence Act (AufenthG), all individuals granted temporary protection (§ 24) who receive support from the Jobcenter (SGB II) or social welfare are legally bound to live in an assigned city or district for three years from the date their residence permit was issued.

This mandatory residence condition is recorded on the electronic residence permit (eAT) or supplemental sheet as: «Wohnsitznahme beschränkt auf den Landkreis…».

Consequences of Unauthorized Moves:

• The immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in the destination municipality will reject address re-registration;
• The local Jobcenter will deny housing costs (Kosten der Unterkunft) and suspend baseline benefit disbursements;
• Uncovered rent liabilities accrue, presenting legal risks of lease cancellation and eviction.

4. Lawful Procedure for Lifting the Residence Restriction

The law establishes clear exemptions under which the residence restriction can be terminated early. An applicant must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

1. Employment:
   Execution of an employment contract involving at least 15 hours per week subject to mandatory social insurance contributions (sozialversicherungspflichtige Beschäftigung), provided total household net income exceeds Jobcenter benefit entitlement thresholds;
2. Vocational Training (Ausbildung) or Higher Education:
   Enrollment in recognized vocational training or full-time study at a state-accredited university;
3. Family Reunification:
   Relocation to join a spouse or minor child residing in another municipality.

Step-by-Step Relocation Process:

1. Secure qualifying employment or school admission in the destination city;
2. Submit a formal application to lift the residence restriction (Antrag auf Aufhebung der Wohnsitzauflage gem. § 12a Abs. 5 AufenthG) to the current Ausländerbehörde;
3. Await written concurrence from both the current and receiving authorities;
4. Sign a lease agreement and complete local registration only after official written clearance is granted.

Information Sources

• Visit Ukraine: Current Ukrainian Refugee Reception Centers in Germany
• Ministry of Justice Baden-Württemberg: Initial Reception Procedures and Distribution
• BAMF: Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
• Gesetze im Internet: § 12a AufenthG — Residence Restriction (Wohnsitzauflage)
• Gesetze im Internet: § 24 AufenthG — Temporary Protection in Germany
• Make it in Germany: Official Residence and Registration Regulations