Confirmation of Disability in Germany: Do Ukrainian Documents Apply?

Introduction

The issue of recognizing disability and obtaining corresponding benefits and services is extremely important for many Ukrainians, both those remaining in Ukraine and those who have moved abroad, particularly to Germany. This becomes especially relevant in the context of the ongoing war and mass migration. Are Ukrainian disability documents valid in Germany, and what steps need to be taken for their recognition?

Germany, like many other developed countries, has its own system for social protection and determining disability categories. This system is based on national legislation and medical criteria that may differ from Ukrainian ones. Therefore, automatic recognition of Ukrainian disability documents in Germany is, unfortunately, not provided for.

However, this does not mean that Ukrainians with confirmed disability in Ukraine are left unprotected. There are procedures that allow for medical examination in Germany and obtaining the relevant status, which will enable them to use social benefits and services. A crucial step in this process can be the correct preparation and translation of necessary Ukrainian documents.

Ukrainian Disability Documents: What You Need to Know

Various medical and rehabilitation documents are used to confirm disability and health conditions in Ukraine. These include:

• a decision of an expert team assessing a person's everyday functioning on the establishment of a disability status;

• an Individual Rehabilitation Program (IRP);

• medical certificates, medical reports, examination results, and medical records;

• documents issued by the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC), if the disability was established under the previous system.

Since January 1, 2025, Ukraine has operated a new system for assessing a person's everyday functioning, which replaced the MSEC system. Decisions on establishing disability are now made by medical expert teams.

If Ukrainian documents are to be used in Germany, they may need to be translated into German. Translation requirements depend on the institution to which the documents are submitted. In some cases, German authorities accept translations prepared by sworn or officially authorized translators.

Ukrainian medical documents may be useful when applying for a disability assessment in Germany, as they provide information about the diagnosis, course of the condition, examination results, treatment, and rehabilitation. At the same time, the final assessment of a person's health condition is carried out according to German criteria.

Is an Apostille Required?

Whether an apostille or another form of document authentication is required depends on the type of document and the requirements of the specific German authority. Therefore, before submitting the documents, it is advisable to check whether legalization, an apostille, or additional authentication is required.

Requirements for certifying translations may also vary depending on the institution. In some cases, a translation prepared by an authorized translator may be sufficient, while other authorities may have additional requirements.

German Legislation on Disability Recognition:

The main legislation governing social protection, rehabilitation, and participation of people with disabilities in Germany includes:

• Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) — the German Social Code. In particular, SGB IX (Book Nine of the Social Code) regulates rehabilitation and participation of people with disabilities and contains provisions concerning the determination of disability and the degree of disability (GdB).
• Bundesteilhabegesetz (BTHG) — a legislative reform aimed at strengthening the participation and independence of people with disabilities. As part of this reform, SGB IX was substantially revised and opportunities for rehabilitation and social participation services were expanded.
• Versorgungsmedizin-Verordnung (VersMedV) — a regulation containing the medical criteria used to determine the degree of disability (GdB).

In Germany, the degree of disability is determined using the Grad der Behinderung (GdB) system. It is assessed according to German legal and medical criteria and may serve as a basis for certain rights, compensatory measures, and social services.

Procedure for Disability Recognition in Germany

If you are a Ukrainian citizen with a disability confirmed in Ukraine, to obtain German disability status, you generally need to follow these steps:

1. Contact the relevant authorities: The application for determining the degree of disability (Grad der Behinderung, GdB) is submitted to the competent authority responsible for assessing disability in the respective federal state. The name of the authority may vary depending on the region; it may be, for example, the Versorgungsamt or another authorized body.
2. Submit an application: You will need to fill out the appropriate forms and provide documents confirming your identity and health condition.
3. Medical examination: The most crucial step is undergoing a medical examination by German medical institutions. Doctors will assess your health condition according to German criteria.
4. Receive a decision: Based on the examination results, a decision will be made regarding the degree of disability (GdB) and the allocation of relevant benefits.

Role of Ukrainian Documents:

While Ukrainian documents are not automatically recognized, they play an important role. Translated and, if necessary, legalized medical findings, examination results, and medical history from Ukraine can be used by German doctors as supplementary information during the examination. This can speed up the process and help doctors better understand your medical history.

Important to remember: The procedure can be complex and require patience. It is advisable to seek consultation from social workers, lawyers, or organizations that provide assistance to refugees and migrants in Germany.

Social Benefits and Services for People with Disabilities in Germany

After obtaining German disability status, you may be entitled to a wide range of social benefits and services, including:

• Financial assistance (e.g., disability pension – Erwerbsminderungsrente, or social assistance – Sozialhilfe).
• Concessions for public transport.
• Assistance with employment and vocational rehabilitation.
• Special conditions for housing and living arrangements.
• Tax benefits.
• Access to rehabilitation measures and assistive devices (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.).

The list and scope of benefits depend on the established degree of disability (GdB) and individual circumstances.

Conclusion

Using Ukrainian disability documents in Germany is possible; however, obtaining a German degree of disability (GdB) requires following the relevant procedures under German law. Ukrainian medical documents can provide important information about a person's health condition, diagnosis, examination results, and previous treatment.

Before submitting the documents, it is advisable to check the requirements of the relevant German authority regarding translation, certification, and possible legalization. Since these requirements may vary depending on the authority and federal state, confirming them in advance can help avoid delays in the application process.

Proper preparation of medical documentation and compliance with the applicable procedures can help provide a clearer picture of the person's health condition and facilitate access to the rights and social services available under German law.

ObriSoft can assist with the translation and preparation of documents for their subsequent use in accordance with the requirements of the relevant authority.