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 countries of the European Union continue to accept Ukrainians who have decided to leave their homes because of russian aggression. We tell you which countries are ready to shelter migrants in 2024 and what local authorities offer as assistance.

Note that the privileges for refugees can be enjoyed only by those citizens who have officially formalised the status of temporary protection. Such people are easily assisted and provided with all services for a comfortable life.

Take care of safety

It is also worth remembering that any trip abroad does not guarantee you complete safety. And to feel comfortable during the trip, it is recommended to take out an insurance policy, which will save you from unforeseen costs and help you in case of sudden health problems or other situations. 

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So, let's consider a few of the main countries that this year can become a temporary place of residence for citizens of Ukraine.

Poland

In Poland, at least until March, there is a temporary protection programme for Ukrainians. However, it is still unclear whether the local authorities plan to extend these services until 2025. Preliminarily, this decision should be taken in the coming months.

In Poland, the rules for receiving some assistance for Ukrainians have changed from 2024 (read here). Ukrainians are now entitled to:

- free housing for 120 days under the 40+ programme;

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

- official employment (provided that PESEL UKR is issued within 30 days of arrival in Poland);

- free medicine and education.

Polish authorities also help Ukrainians with children by paying a monthly allowance of 800 PLN for each minor child.

Germany

Germany became the main temporary place of residence for Ukrainian refugees after the outbreak of full-scale war. Today, more than 1.2 million Ukrainians live there. However, despite the considerable number of refugees, the country continues to accept people in need.

It is possible to enter Germany without a visa, but to stay in the country, temporary protection must be issued for 90 days. The German government has extended this status for Ukrainians until March 2025.

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

What kind of assistance does Germany provide?

● Free accommodation - a flat, a room in a hostel, a place in a refugee shelter. 

● Financial assistance - a regular payment of €502 per month as part of unemployment benefit. If a Ukrainian lives with a family, the amount will be slightly less - €451 per person. Depending on their age, children receive from €318 to €420. 

● Medical services - free assistance of doctors. 

● Employment rights - you can look for a job yourself on the internet or go to the nearest Jobcentre. 

● Education - children attend a German school free of charge. 

● German language courses for adults.

For more details on the rules for obtaining temporary protection in Germany and some legal advice, click here.

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Czech Republic

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 one more year, until 2025.

In addition, as of 1 January, the Czech Republic introduced changes to the system of housing payments for Ukrainians with temporary protection. 

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

In the Czech Republic, temporary protection status also allows Ukrainian refugees access to public health insurance, education and the labour market.

In addition, legal asylum entitles them to financial and social assistance in the country.

Netherlands

Temporary protection in this country is granted to Ukrainians until March 2024. However, it is expected to be extended for another year.

Here, in addition to hospitality, Ukrainians will be able to receive as assistance:

- temporary housing;

- food (in refugee centres)

- financial assistance in the amount of 260 euros per month.

- Free medical care and education.

Norway

Temporary protection status in Norway can be obtained by all citizens of Ukraine and their family members. Since the country is not a member of the European Union, the rules for obtaining the status are somewhat different from the European ones.

Ukrainian refugees who have obtained temporary protection status in Norway are entitled to free housing, medical care, financial payments (Monthly payments for the first six months during the integration programme are about 1,800 euros per adult. Then - about 650 euros per adult and from 250 to 350 euros for each child). 

Also Ukrainian children have the right to free education in this country.

Read more about temporary protection in Norway and how to get it here.

As previously reported, Eurostat data reflect the interest of Ukrainians in seeking temporary asylum in Europe. Where Ukrainian refugees go most often and which countries of the European Union are losing popularity, read in our material.

Photo: Unsplash

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