Information on everyday life

The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure and the federal states have agreed on a uniform procedure to issue exemptions for Ukrainian vehicles. The owner of a vehicle registered in Ukraine, who is a recognised refugee and is in possession of registration documents entitling him/her to international traffic, may apply for temporary continued use of the Ukrainian registration plate.

The requirements for granting the exemption are:

• An existing insurance for the vehicle (green card or frontier insurance)
• Certificate indicating a positively completed safety inspection of the vehicle and
• Declaration that no regular base in Germany is established for the vehicle.

In the Free State of Saxony, the application must be submitted to the State Office for Road Construction and Transport (LASuV). In order to simplify the procedure, it should be possible to submit the application for exemption by post or by email. A personal visit to the LASuV in Dresden is not required. 
The corresponding application forms are available on the LASuV website.

The Saxon registration authorities were asked to advise Ukrainian refugees as well, if possible, and to accept applications for exemption for vehicles used only temporarily in Germany and forward them to the LASuV. 

The issued permit must be kept in the vehicle at all times. The vehicles must obtain German registration plates by 1 April 2024 at the latest. Driving in Germany will not be allowed without a German registration plate after the exemption expires. 

The current exemption for Ukrainian vehicles in the Free State of Saxony ends on 30 June 2023.

Re-registration of Ukrainian vehicles

Further information on driving in Germany, the authorisation of Ukrainian vehicles and validity of Ukrainian driving licenses 
website of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure

Information on driving private vehicles in Germany 
website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community

If you are bringing a pet dog, cat or ferret with you, you must inform the local veterinary authority of this immediately. A list of veterinary authorities is given below. Please use the linked forms for notifying the authority.

Mitteldeutsche Rundfunk (MDR) (Central German Broadcasting) now produces a range of programmes in Ukrainian for Ukrainian refugees. Details on service information from Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia available on www.mdr.de/ukraine. All the latest news from the three states is also available. Information is regularly updated.

Music and culture

Firm in the belief that education and culture play a key role in developing our societies, the Sächsischer Musikrat music association works with partners to ensure a vibrant music scene. 

During these very difficult times for Ukrainians, the aim is therefore to provide support to ensure musicians, music teachers and children interested in music can integrate smoothly into German life. They receive assistance with contacting instrumental ensembles, choirs and music schools, or with searching for musical instruments.

Contact: Torsten Tannenberg

Email: tannenberg@saechsischer-musikrat.de

Mobile: 0049-172-35 35 437 (via Signal, Telegram, Threema, WhatsApp)

The following download provides you with concrete tips for communicating with German native speakers without being able to speak their language. The suggestions can help you to prepare for an appointment, for example, where no interpreter is present.