Voluntary Return of Ukrainians from the EU: What Programs Are Available, How Much Is Paid, and How Can You Leave Safely?

In EU countries, there are programs in place for Ukrainians to return home voluntarily, covering travel expenses and providing financial assistance. Find out how the AVRR works, how much you can receive, which countries are participating, and why it’s important to properly resolve your immigration status

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

GET

Ukrainians currently in EU countries under temporary protection can already take advantage of voluntary return programs. Such programs are available in most EU countries and provide not only for travel expenses but also financial assistance to help with the initial transition upon return. Relocate.to reports on this.

What is AVRR and who is eligible for this program?

AVRR stands for Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration, a program designed to assist with voluntary return and reintegration. It is coordinated by the International Organization for Migration, the EU, and national migration authorities.

For Ukrainians, this program operates on a distinct principle. It is not about forced return or deportation, but rather a person’s voluntary decision. If a Ukrainian man or woman decides to return home, the host country may cover transportation costs, provide a one-time payment, and assist in properly finalizing their immigration status.

According to Relocate.to, the European Commission’s 2025 recommendation stipulated that AVRR programs for Ukrainians should remain available until at least 2028 — that is, for some time after the expiration of temporary protection.

What do voluntary return programs include?

Despite differences between countries, the structure of assistance is similar in most cases.

First, the program covers the cost of travel home. This may include a plane ticket, bus, or train to the Polish-Ukrainian border. In some countries, particularly the Czech Republic, medical transport is even provided for people who cannot travel on a regular flight.

Second, participants receive a one-time cash grant. It is intended to help with settling in after returning, medical treatment, paying for courses, or even starting a small business. The amounts vary by country.

Third, the program may include additional support: psychological counseling, travel health insurance, assistance with paperwork, support for children, and consultations at specialized centers.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

How much money is paid out in different EU countries?

Poland offers the smallest amounts—from 500 to 1,000 euros. At the same time, logistically, this is one of the simplest routes, as people are transported in an organized manner to the border with Ukraine.

In the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, you can receive up to 1,400 euros. In Spain, basic support starts at 1,000 euros, and if a person has a specific reintegration plan, the amount may be higher.

According to the publication, Germany is the most generous. There, total support can reach 2,000 euros, and additional programs are available in certain federal states.

What is exploratory visits?

Another option is exploratory visits, i.e., fact-finding trips. They allow you to make a short trip to Ukraine, assess the situation on the ground, and return to the EU without losing your status.

As of 2026, such a mechanism was already in place or being launched in the Czech Republic, Austria, and the Netherlands.

Why is it important to return properly, rather than just leave?

Returning should be done in an organized manner. If a person simply leaves without closing their status anywhere, this can create problems in the future. Different countries revoke status in different ways, but a “pending” status in the system can complicate future visa applications or new attempts to legally enter the EU.

That is why formally ending temporary protection is not a minor bureaucratic formality, but a way to maintain a clean migration history. If you’re unsure how to properly close your status, which documents to keep, or whether the voluntary return program is right for you, it’s worth consulting with experts in advance. In particular, Ukrainians can access the services of immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine, who will help you navigate the procedure and avoid mistakes.

How to apply for AVRR?

In general, the process is as follows: contact the IOM in your country, fill out the application, prepare the documents, separately notify the immigration authority of your intention to leave, obtain tickets and assistance, and then keep the confirmation of your status closure.

This is especially important for those who do not rule out the possibility of wanting to legally return to Europe in the future—for example, for work, study, or a long-term visa.

We remind you! After temporary protection ends in 2027, the rules governing Ukrainians’ stay in the European Union may change significantly. Read about who risks losing their status without official employment, what alternative grounds for legalization exist, and why you should start preparing for these changes now.

Photo: maryanaserdynska / Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.