The European Union has hosted more than 4m Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Despite the large number of displaced people, EU countries continue to accept citizens in need. Find out more about which countries still provide temporary residence on their territory and what conditions are offered there

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Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, the European Union continues to host Ukrainians who have decided to flee their homes because of Russian aggression. We are going to tell you which countries are ready to host IDPs in 2024 and what local authorities are offering as assistance.

It should be noted that refugee privileges are available only to those citizens who have officially obtained temporary protection status. Such people are easily assisted and provided with all the services for a comfortable life.

In which EU countries can I get re-protection in 2024? Conditions and required documents.

International protection vs temporary protection. What is the difference and how to get it?

Poland for refugees

Poland has been one of the main destinations for Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war. Ukrainians can stay in Poland without a visa and apply for temporary protection, which gives them the right to reside here for up to 18 months.

Please note! Currently, Poland has somewhat complicated border crossing for children under the age of 13.

Entry of Ukrainian refugees to Poland

Ukrainian refugees can enter Poland without a visa using temporary protection (PESEL UKR). This status allows them to legally stay, work and receive social services until the end of 2024, with the possibility of extension.

Earlier we wrote about changes for Ukrainian refugees in Poland in 2024

What kind of assistance does Poland provide to refugees?

Refugees are entitled to financial assistance in the amount of about PLN 300 one-time after registration. Child benefits are also paid and social support for large families is available.

Free housing for refugees in Poland

The state provides temporary free housing for refugees, although many rent apartments on their own. Currently, Ukrainians are entitled to:

- free housing for 120 days under;

- free housing for vulnerable categories: large families, people with disabilities, pensioners, pregnant women and mothers with babies;

Partial compensation of rent is also available for registered persons.

Financial assistance to refugees in Poland

Ukrainian refugees (subject to certain requirements) receive a monthly allowance for the cost of living and maintenance of children aged 12 to 35 months under the Aktywny Rodzic program.

Medical services for refugees in Poland

Refugees have access to free medical care within the framework of the National Healthcare System of Poland (NFZ). Medical services include medical consultations, medicines and emergency care.

The right to employment for refugees in Poland

Refugees with temporary protection can work in Poland without additional permits. Official employment requires a PESEL UKR issued within 30 days of arrival in Poland;

Employment programs and language courses are also available in Poland.

Education for refugee children in Poland

Ukrainian children are entitled to free education in Polish schools, as well as access to language and integration programs.

Important! School education is compulsory in Poland, including for refugee children. Starting from September 1, 2024, a fine will be imposed for refusing to attend school in Poland.

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Germany for refugees

Germany remains the main temporary place of residence for Ukrainian refugees in Europe. Today, more than 1.2 million Ukrainians live in Germany, but despite such a large number of refugees, the country continues to accept people in need.

You can enter Germany without a visa, but to stay in the country, you need to apply for temporary protection for 90 days. Earlier, the German government extended this status for Ukrainians until March 2025.

Ukrainians who fled their homes after the start of the full-scale invasion, i.e. after February 24, 2022, can apply for temporary protection in Germany.

In our previous article, you can find up-to-date information about the states in Germany that continue to accept Ukrainian refugees.

What kind of assistance does Germany provide?

Germany provides financial assistance to refugees in the amount of EUR 563, which is paid monthly to Ukrainians who are independent persons (without family) and registered with the German Employment Center. For other categories of refugees, the amount of unemployment benefits varies. For example, the German government offers separate payments for children and pensioners.

Free housing for refugees in Germany

After being distributed in a refugee center, the German government, on behalf of the federal states, provides refugees with an apartment, a room in a dormitory, or a permanent place in a refugee shelter. Partial compensation is also possible.

Financial assistance for refugees in Germany

The regular payment of unemployment benefits in Germany is called Bürgergeld, and

it has increased by 12% since January 1, 2024. Now the amounts of payments to refugees in Germany are as follows:

- 563 euros for single persons (instead of 502 euros);
- 506 euros for partners in married couples (451 euros);
- 451 euros for adults in institutions (402 euros);
- 471 euros for adolescents aged 14-17 (420 euros);
- 390 euros for children aged 6-13 (348 euros);
- 357 euros for children under 5 years old (318 euros).

We described what Bürgergeld payments in Germany depend on in our previous article.

Medical services in Germany

Ukrainians in Germany can take advantage of free health insurance, but German medicine can be problematic for Ukrainians in some cases.

The right to employment for refugees in Germany

Ukrainians in Germany with temporary protection can look for a job on their own online or contact the nearest Job Center. Only those who know German will be able to find a skilled job in Germany.

Education in Germany for refugees

Children attend German schools free of charge.

We wrotemore about the rules for obtaining temporary protection in Germany in our previous article

Canada for refugees

Canada continues to actively accept Ukrainian refugees under the so-called quantitative programs and offers them several options for both temporary and permanent residence. The main resettlement program for Ukrainian refugees in Canada is the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program.

Entry to Canada for Ukrainian refugees

Ukrainian refugees can enter Canada without a visa thanks to the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program, which we explained in detail. It allows for temporary protection and stay in Canada for up to three years. Thanks to this program, refugees can apply for work or study permits immediately after entry.

What kind of assistance does Canada provide to refugees?

Canada provides support to refugees through social programs, including health insurance, as well as job search and adaptation assistance. The housing program for newly arrived refugees in Canada has been canceled!

We described the rules of entry and residence in Canada in 2024 in our previous article

Free housing for refugees in Canada

Canada offers temporary housing through local organizations and programs that help refugees. However, most Ukrainians look for housing on their own.

Financial assistance for refugees in Canada

As of September 2024, Canada does not provide financial support to refugees.

Healthcare for refugees in Canada

Ukrainians have access to healthcare services through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which covers basic healthcare, including emergency care.

Employment rights for refugees in Canada

Thanks to the CUAET program, Ukrainians are eligible for employment in Canada and receive a work permit immediately upon entry and completion of the necessary documents.

Education for refugee children in Canada

Refugee children are eligible for free education in Canadian public schools, and there are programs available for integration and learning English or French.

Is it possible to cross the Ukrainian border without a passport in 2024? Find out here.

USA for refugees

The United States provides Ukrainian refugees with special legal status through the Uniting for Ukraine program, which allows them to obtain temporary protection and work permits in the United States.

Entry to the United States by Ukrainian refugees

Ukrainian refugees can apply for the Uniting for Ukraine program, which provides temporary entry for 2 years with the right to work. To do this, you need to have a sponsor in the United States who will cover part of the refugee's expenses.

Earlier, we gave some recommendations on how to get to the United States on the Uniting for Ukraine program

What kind of assistance does the United States provide to refugees?

The United States offers medical support to refugees, as well as employment assistance.

Non-governmental organizations help with finding housing and preparing the necessary documents.

Free housing for refugees in the United States

Housing is usually provided by a sponsor or volunteer organizations. Temporary housing is provided by the government only in rare cases, so most refugees look for options on their own.

Financial assistance for refugees in the United States

Financial assistance for refugees in the United States is available through local governments and migrant support programs, but these are all separate individual programs that are usually not directly related to refugee status in the United States. The amount of social benefits depends on the state and personal circumstances.

Medical services for refugees in the United States

Refugees have access to medical services through Medicaid or special programs for those without income. To do this, you need to apply for participation in the program.

Employment rights for refugees in the United States

The Uniting for Ukraine program gives the right to legal employment immediately after entry. Refugees receive a work permit for 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Education for refugee children in the United States

Refugee children can attend public schools in the United States for free. Programs are also available to help them learn English and integrate into the American education system.

Great Britain for refugees

The UK has a program called Homes for Ukraine , which provides Ukrainians with temporary protection. The program allows Ukrainians to live with British families or rent accommodation on their own.

Entry of Ukrainian refugees to the UK

Ukrainian refugees can enter the UK through the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine), which allows them to enter without a visa if they have a sponsor. Refugees are granted permission to stay in the country for 3 years, which includes the right to employment, access to education and medical services.

What kind of assistance does the UK provide to refugees?

Refugees are supported through social programs, including access to free medical care, financial assistance for settling in, as well as assistance with employment and adaptation.

Free housing for refugees in the UK

The Homes for Ukraine program allows Ukrainians to live with sponsors who provide free housing for up to 6 months. After that, many refugees look for rental options on their own, sometimes with government subsidies.

Financial assistance for refugees in the UK

Ukrainian refugees are entitled to a one-time allowance of £200 upon arrival and can also apply for Universal Credit, a social support system that covers basic living and housing costs.

Medical services for refugees in the UK

Refugees have access to the National Health Service (NHS), which provides free medical services, including emergency care, medical consultations and vaccinations.

Refugees' right to work in the UK

Refugees with permission to stay in the UK can be officially employed. State and non-governmental organizations help with job search and organization of language courses for adaptation.

Education for refugee children in the UK

Children of Ukrainian refugees can attend UK state schools for free. There are also programs available to help them learn English and adapt to the British education system.

France for refugees

Ukrainian refugees can enter France without a visa for 90 days. For a long-term stay, it is necessary to apply for temporary protection in France, which will be valid until March 2025.

What kind of assistance does France provide to refugees?

Refugees in France are entitled to social assistance and access to healthcare services. They receive a living allowance of EUR 204 per adult, plus additional payments for children.

Please note! Social benefits for refugees in France are transferred to a special grocery card that can be used only in local supermarkets.

Free housing for refugees in France

The French government provides free housing or helps with rent. Local governments also provide shelters and social housing under programs, but due to the large number of refugees, housing programs face challenges in certain regions.

Financial assistance to refugees in France

Monthly payments can be up to 204 euros per adult, and separate payments for children are provided, which are calculated individually by local governments in France

Medical services for refugees in France

Ukrainian refugees have access to health insurance, which includes emergency care and basic medical services.

Refugees' right to employment in France

With the status of temporary protection, Ukrainians can work legally without additional permits.

Education for refugee children in France

French schools accept refugee children free of charge and offer integration and French language programs.

Sweden for refugees

Sweden is known for its loyal policy towards refugees, including Ukrainians. In 2024, Ukrainians continue to receive temporary residence permits in Sweden, medical care and financial support from the country.

Entry to Sweden for Ukrainian refugees

Ukrainians can enter this Scandinavian country without a visa, as well as other EU countries, for up to 90 days. During this time, you should apply for temporary protection in Sweden, which gives you the right to residence and social assistance.

What kind of assistance does Sweden provide to refugees?

Refugees can receive financial assistance in the amount of 71 SEK (approximately €6) per day for adults and 37 SEK (approximately €3) for children.

Free housing for refugees in Sweden

Sweden offers free temporary housing by providing shelters or rental assistance.

Financial assistance for refugees in Sweden

Financial support can be up to SEK 71 per day for adults. The government also provides separate payments for children.

We recently told you that Ukrainian refugees in Sweden can receive up to $34 thousand to return to Ukraine

Medical services for refugees in Sweden

Sweden offers free medical care to refugees, including consultations and emergency care.

The right to employment

With temporary protection status, Ukrainians have the right to work legally in Sweden without the need for additional permits.

Education for refugee children in Sweden

Children can attend public schools free of charge and Swedish language courses are available.

Spain for refugees

Ukrainians can enter Spain without a visa for 90 days. For further stay, they are issued temporary protection in Spain, which is valid until March 2025 and provides refugees with certain social support.

What kind of assistance does Spain provide to Ukrainian refugees?

Spain provides financial assistance, depending on the region of residence and legal status of the refugee, ranging from €300 to €500 per month.

Free housing for refugees in Spain

The Spanish government provides free temporary housing or rental payments.

All about applying for temporary protection in Spain

Financial assistance for refugees in Spain

Monthly payments range from €300 to €500, depending on the place of residence and personal circumstances.

Medical services for refugees in Spain

Refugees have access to the public healthcare system, which includes free health insurance.

Refugees have the right to work in Spain

Ukrainians with temporary protection can legally work in Spain without the need to obtain permits.

Education for refugee children in Spain

Refugee children are entitled to free education in Spanish schools and can participate in special language programs for integration

Czech Republic for refugees

This country is also among the top most popular among Ukrainian refugees. According to a recent decision of the Czechs, Ukrainians who have temporary protection will be able to extend it for another year, until 2025. However, this can only be done by switching to a new, special type of residence permit in the Czech Republic.

In addition, as of January 1, the Czech Republic amended the system of housing benefits for Ukrainians with temporary protection.

Entry to the Czech Republic for refugees

Ukrainians can enter the Czech Republic without a visa, but for further residence they need to obtain temporary protection status. This status is granted for a year with the possibility of extension until March 2025.

What kind of assistance does the Czech Republic provide to refugees?

According to the new definitions, the amount of compensation for accommodation is 6,000 CZK (244 EUR) for registered housing and 4,800 CZK (195 EUR) for unregistered housing. For families of five members or more, the maximum payments are CZK 30,000 (EUR 1,222) and CZK 24,000 (EUR 978), respectively.

Free accommodation for refugees in the Czech Republic

Refugees are entitled to free or subsidized housing through government programs. Many find accommodation on their own.

Financial assistance for refugees in the Czech Republic

Monthly payments of 5,000 CZK (approximately €200) per person, with the possibility of additional payments for families with children.

Medical services for refugees in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, temporary protection status also allows Ukrainian refugees to access public health insurance. Refugees have access to free medical care, which includes emergency care, medical consultations and vaccinations.

Refugees' right to employment in the Czech Republic

Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection can work without the need to obtain additional permits.

Education for refugee children in the Czech Republic

Czech schools accept Ukrainian children free of charge, and language courses are provided to facilitate adaptation.

Rules for men raising one or more children on their own: list of documents for crossing the border.

The list of countries accepting refugees from Ukraine in 2024 has not become smaller, but the level of assistance to refugees in some countries has decreased. However, this does not affect the loyalty of European countries to Ukrainians, so refugees also continue to actively arrive in Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey

Take care of safety when traveling abroad

It's also worth remembering that any trip abroad does not guarantee you complete safety. To feel comfortable during your trip, we recommend taking out an insurance policy that will save you from unforeseen expenses and help you in case of sudden health problems or other situations. You can familiarize yourself with the services and purchase insurance in two clicks on the Visit Ukraine portal .

Just a reminder. As previously reported, Eurostat data reflects the interest of Ukrainians in seeking temporary asylum in Europe. Read our article to find out where Ukrainian refugees go most often and which EU countries are losing popularity.

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