Return to Ukraine Payments in 2026: How Much EU Countries Pay Ukrainian Refugees to Go Home

Ukrainians abroad can receive financial assistance for voluntary return to their homeland. Find out what the Ukrainian and EU leadership is working on, which countries are already paying up to 2,500 euros for the decision to return, and how the AVRR program works

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Millions of Ukrainians who found themselves abroad after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion are now facing a difficult choice. To return or to stay is a question that for many depends not only on the security situation, but also on practical conditions: the availability of housing, work, financial support. And here the topic of monetary payments for voluntary return to their homeland is starting to play an increasingly active role.

Ukraine and the EU agree on return programs

Official negotiations between Ukraine and its European partners on mechanisms for the voluntary return of citizens have been going on for several months. In particular, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga recently confirmed that Ukraine is negotiating with European partners on financial support for refugees who decide to return home. This is reported by Relocate.to.

The Head of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, Natalia Naumenko, in turn, emphasized that this is not about forced decisions, but about finding mechanisms that would allow people to return with understandable conditions and support. According to her, Ukraine is consulting with European politicians and state bodies of various EU countries, as it is interested in the return of its own citizens - after the end of the active phase of the war, the country will need people for reconstruction, development of the economy, education, medicine and local communities.

According to preliminary data, we are talking about possible payments of several thousand euros per person. It is expected that the countries that accept refugees will take on the financing of these payments.

Read also, Kyiv School of Economics launches the Come Back Home grant program for Ukrainians abroad who are considering returning through education. What does the grant cover, who can apply and what specialties are available for the 2026–2027 academic year, read here.

According to the European Commission, the total costs of EU countries to support Ukrainian refugees have already exceeded 80 billion euros since the start of the full-scale war. That is why the issue of a gradual transition from the emergency support regime to more structured solutions – including voluntary return programs – is becoming increasingly relevant for both sides.

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AVRR program: up to 2,500 euros for the decision to return

While the bilateral framework agreement between Ukraine and the EU is still being formed, there is already a working financial support instrument for those who have decided to return. The Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program is implemented with the support of the International Organization for Migration and operates in most European Union countries. The amount of payments under the program can reach up to 2,500 euros, depending on the country of residence.

The program provides not only a cash payment, but also assistance with organizing a trip and reintegration support after return. The International Organization for Migration emphasizes that assistance is not provided if return could lead to repression, discrimination, or violation of the procedural guarantees of the program participant.

In 2026, Europe is intensifying the deportation of migrants. Read here which states most often expel foreigners and why they are not allowed at the border.

Where and how much are paid to Ukrainians who decide to return home?

The conditions of support vary significantly depending on the country of residence. Here are the current data for 2026:

- Ireland - up to 2,500 euros, including road coverage, consultations and assistance depending on personal circumstances.

- Norway - from 1,500 to 1,700 euros with an organized transfer.

- The Netherlands - up to 1,400 euros plus individual payments and assistance with moving.

- Czech Republic - up to 1,400 euros, the amount is calculated individually, taking into account the number of children and documented needs.

- Austria – up to 1200 euros with full coverage of travel expenses.

- Belgium – up to 1000 euros, buses to Ukrainian cities.

- France – from 300 to 650 euros per adult once and up to 2500 euros for reintegration in the form of payment for goods or services in Ukraine.

We have examined in this article whether Europe is preparing a mass deportation of Ukrainian conscripts.

It is worth mentioning Switzerland separately, which also has its own incentive program: there, Ukrainian citizens who decide to return home can receive a one-time financial assistance of up to 4,400 US dollars.

Also in May 2026, Ireland began talking about developing a special financial incentive and reintegration program for those who decide to return to their homeland. In particular, citizens who do not have the financial means to pay for their way home will be fully reimbursed for their travel expenses after their arrival in Ukraine.

Details of the new program for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland are in this article.

Will it be possible for those who receive payments to return to Europe in the future?

After participating in the program for receiving return payments, a Ukrainian will be able to reapply for a work or study visa or issue a Blue Card on general grounds, but only on condition that the temporary protection status is correctly closed.

At the same time, information will remain in the SIS II system that a person received return assistance.

Return is a personal decision with real consequences

Ukraine's position is clear: the country wants citizens to return home, but this must be a voluntary and conscious decision. Security remains the key factor.

Ukrainians who currently live in EU countries have become part of local labor markets, school systems and communities. Many already work, rent housing, educate children and make long-term plans abroad. That is why any return programs should not be administrative pressure, but a system of incentives and clear opportunities.

So far, there is no single pan-European program with clear rules and launch dates. At this stage, Ukraine and European countries are discussing possible mechanisms - safe return, support after arrival, housing, work, children's education, medicine and social adaptation. Negotiations are ongoing, the specific parameters of the program should be agreed in the coming months.

The decision to return to Ukraine or continue your stay abroad is one of the most important in your life. And it is inextricably linked to legal details: the correct closure of the temporary protection status, participation in financial assistance programs, and the processing of documents after arrival. Any mistake here can result in a refusal to pay, complications with future visas or legal uncertainty.

A migration lawyer from Visit Ukraine is a specialist who knows the legislation of a specific country from the inside and will accompany you from the first consultation to the final step: whether it is the closure of the status and receiving payment for return, or the processing of a new residence permit. Entrust legal issues of migration to someone who understands them – and make a decision consciously, without risks and surprises.

Order a consultation with a migration lawyer at Visit Ukraine today.

Reminder! Social benefits in Germany are a significant help for Ukrainians seeking temporary protection. However, to receive them, you must follow the established rules. We have already told you what violations can lead to a reduction in benefits.

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