The Swiss government provides Ukrainians who have been granted asylum in the country and now want to return home with money for their return. Find out more about the amount of money refugees can expect and how to receive it

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Refugees from Ukraine continue to return home from abroad. In March 2023 alone, more than 100,000 Ukrainians in Europe lost their temporary protection status.

In particular, the Swiss government decided to support the refugees during their return home and reimburse them for the cost of tickets, accommodation, and food during the move.

Money to return to Ukraine from Switzerland: how much to expect

There is no single amount that refugees can receive. The migration service of each canton assesses the individual situation and determines the amount of assistance.

On average, the country pays about 500 Swiss francs for an adult and 250 francs for a child, but no more than 2000 francs for a family.

For example, Maryna Gomeniuk, a refugee from Ukraine, said that she received 1650 francs for two adults and two children. She also noted that the canton can additionally reimburse the cost of tickets.

As you know, return payments are not new. They were in effect last year. According to the IDP, last year her friend received 750 francs for herself and her child from the canton of Fribourg.

Who can receive return payments in Switzerland?

Only Ukrainians with S status can receive financial assistance for returning home. First, they must renounce this status. The procedure is simple, as you only need to fill out a special application. After doing so, the applicant must sign the application and send it to the Staatssekretariat für Migration SEM, Quellenweg 6, 3003 Bern-Wabern.

For more information on how to change canton or renounce S status in Switzerland, please read here.

All 26 cantons of Switzerland are ready to ensure a comfortable return home for Ukrainians, so you should not worry about your place of residence. 

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Where to apply for the payment?

Refugees need to contact the Migration Service (SEM). Employees will tell you what to do and provide the services required by law.

Please note! The names of the services responsible for paying benefits may differ from canton to canton. Usually, people contact their social workers and get advice on the next steps. 

You can also go to return counseling centers. They can help you organize your departure. 

A significant number of refugees have settled in the canton of Zurich. The cantonal information office provides advice on return payments.

Information can be obtained by calling +41796813087 and +41432595295 or by sending an email to [email protected]. A personal visit to the institution is also possible at: Schaffhauserstrasse 78, Rückkehrberatung, 8090 Zürich.

Do Ukrainians want to leave Switzerland?

Data shows that Ukrainians are refusing temporary protection and returning to Ukraine. The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration published statistics: in early May, 65,619 people with S status were in the country. At the same time, 11,626 refugees canceled their status. 

The institution notes that about 1000 Ukrainians refuse temporary protection every month. However, new refugees seeking asylum are arriving in the country, about a thousand a month.

Since it is impossible to return to Ukraine by plane, land transportation remains the only option for long journeys. To make your trip comfortable and safe, choose reliable carriers and buy tickets here.

We remind you! Ukrainians who are currently abroad can issue a power of attorney for their loved ones to allow them to dispose of their property in Ukraine. Read more about how to issue a power of attorney and what is required for this in our material.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.