The number of Ukrainians with temporary protection in the EU has grown to 4.35 million: which countries have the most refugees

The number of Ukrainians with temporary protection in EU countries continues to grow. Find out which countries have the most refugees, where the highest growth has been recorded, and what is the concentration of Ukrainians per thousand population

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As of December 31, 2025, 4.35 million Ukrainians had temporary protection status in European Union countries. Compared to the end of November 2025, their number increased by 24,675 people, or 0.6%. This is evidenced by official data from Eurostat.

These are Ukrainian citizens who have obtained the right to legally reside in the EU due to russia's full-scale war against Ukraine and are benefiting from the temporary protection mechanism introduced in March 2022.

Where in the EU are most Ukrainians with temporary protection?

The largest number of temporary protection recipients are traditionally registered in three countries:

● Germany,

● Poland,

● Czech Republic.

These countries have accepted the largest share of Ukrainian refugees since the start of the full-scale invasion and continue to be key destinations for relocation.

According to Eurostat, Ukrainians account for over 98.4% of all persons who have received temporary protection in the EU. Among them:

● 43.6% are adult women,

● 30.5% are minors,

● 25.9% are adult men.

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Which EU countries are seeing the fastest growth in refugee numbers?

Among the 26 EU countries for which data has been published, 22 have seen an increase in the number of people under temporary protection.

The largest increase in December 2025 was recorded in:

● Germany — +9,620 people,

● Spain — +2,235,

● Romania — +2,160.

At the same time, the number of Ukrainians decreased in four countries. The largest reductions were in:

● France — –1,250 people,

● Estonia — –470 people.

These data reflect the current dynamics of the movement of Ukrainians between EU countries, as well as possible changes in labor migration or conditions of stay.

Where is the highest concentration of Ukrainian refugees per capita

Eurostat separately analyzes the concentration of persons with temporary protection per thousand local residents.

The highest rates are recorded in:

● Czech Republic — 36.0 persons per thousand population,

● Poland — 26.6,

● Cyprus — 25.8,

● Slovakia — 25.8.

For comparison: the average rate for the European Union is 9.7 persons per thousand population.

The increase in the total number of persons with temporary protection indicates that the displacement process is continuing and that EU countries continue to provide Ukrainians with the opportunity to stay legally.

At the same time, the rules for residence, status extension, access to work, and social guarantees may vary from country to country. Therefore, Ukrainians who are planning to move or change their country of residence within the EU should check the migration requirements and procedures in advance.

On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can get advice from migration lawyers on applying for temporary protection status, extending your residence permit, changing your country of residence, or switching to other legal grounds for residing in Europe.

We remind you! From the end of 2026, Ukrainians will have to pay for entry into EU countries through the ETIAS system. Read how much the permit costs, how to obtain it, who does not have to pay, and what risks should be considered before traveling.

Photo: Halfpoint/Shutterstock

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