Temporary protection in Ireland for Ukrainians in 2025: how to apply and basic rules for refugees

Ireland remains one of the countries that actively supports Ukrainians during the war. Learn about the conditions of temporary protection for Ukrainians in Ireland in 2025: entry rules, obtaining status, access to housing, medicine, education and work

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In July 2025, the Council of the European Union officially approved the extension of temporary protection until March 2027. The corresponding regulatory decision also applies to Ireland. At the same time, in August 2025, it became known that Ireland was changing its approach to supporting Ukrainian refugees, in particular regarding free housing.

Temporary protection ensures the following rights of Ukrainians in Ireland in 2025: residence, work, medical care, education and financial assistance. Read about the features of temporary protection for Ukrainians in Ireland in 2025 in this article.

Learn more:

➤ features of tourist trips to Ireland;

➤ work for Ukrainians in Ireland;

➤ obtaining a student visa in Ireland;

➤ obtaining a residence permit in Ireland.

Not sure how to proceed in your situation? Contact the solicitors at Visit Ukraine and get answers to all your questions!

Rules for entering Ireland in 2025

Ireland has completely abolished visa requirements for all Ukrainian citizens, so there is no need to obtain a separate permit before traveling.

According to the Irish government website, the main document for Ukrainians to come to Ireland is a biometric passport of a Ukrainian citizen.

At the same time, Ukrainian refugees in Ireland who intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days must apply for temporary protection status.

Important! Ireland continues to provide Temporary Protection to citizens of Ukraine. At the same time, the Irish side DOES NOT GUARANTEE the provision of free housing upon arrival in the country to date.

Therefore, when planning a move to Ireland, please consider all the risks of being left WITHOUT temporary housing in the near future!

In addition, we advise you to consider that renting housing on a paid basis is extremely problematic in Ireland, given the lack of offers on the real estate market.

Earlier we wrote that entry to Ireland is prohibited without a biometric passport!

There are currently no restrictions in connection with the Covid-19 epidemic in Ireland.

Traveling to Ireland with pets is allowed. However, as of November 9, 2022, Ireland does not provide free accommodation for temporarily displaced persons arriving with pets. Border crossing is possible on a general basis. If you are missing documents (e.g. vaccinations), you should inform the Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine in advance.

How to obtain temporary protection in Ireland and who can benefit from it?

Temporary protection status in Ireland, which gives you the right to live, work and study in the country, is valid until March 4, 2027, as in most other European countries. You can obtain protection status in Ireland upon arrival in the country by submitting an application. The protection applies to the following categories of people

a) citizens of Ukraine who resided in Ukraine before February 24, 2022;

b) citizens of a third country (other than Ukraine) or stateless persons who intend to use international protection (for example, refugee status) or equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and resided there before February 24, 2022

c) family members of persons covered by the conditions in paragraphs a) and b), if such family resided in Ukraine before February 24.

Family members are considered to be the spouse, unmarried minor children of either of them and other close relatives who were with them as part of the family before February 24, 2022.

A letter of authorization from the Department of Justice of Ireland granting temporary protection in accordance with the EU Directive is all that is required for immediate access to state support in Ireland.

Please note! Anyone who has not yet registered for and received an Irish residence permit (IRP Card) can contact the Department at tpregistration@justice.ie.

Temporary protection in Ireland provides access to the labor market, as well as access to social security income support, accommodation and other state support.

Please note: If you apply for international protection, you will not be able to access the workplace for up to 6 months after submitting your application.

Where to apply for temporary protection in Ireland?

Assistance is provided directly at the airport upon arrival at Dublin Airport.

The Irish government has also identified three cities in which centers for providing assistance to displaced persons from Ukraine will be located: Dublin (Cork Street), Cork (Hanover Quay) and Limerick.

Ukrainian citizens who are in Ireland can seek assistance in obtaining social benefits and processing documents at Intreo administrative service centers.

How to get an Irish Personal Public Services (PPS) number

In order for a Ukrainian to gain access to healthcare, the labor market and education, it is necessary to have a PPS number issued by the Department of Social Protection. You can get it directly at the Ukrainian assistance center at the airport or at your local Intreo center.

A PPSN is a unique identification number with 7 digits and two or three letters at the end. Every adult and child needs to get it. The application for a number is submitted in person. You must have with you: a Ukrainian passport, a national identity card (ID-card) or other document confirming your citizenship.

After obtaining a PPS number, you will receive a plastic PSC (Public Services Card) with your PPSN and photo on it. You will need this card to register with the Irish government and to identify and confirm your PPS number.

After receiving your PPSN, you will be able to:

- receive social benefits;

- immediately work without the need to obtain an additional work permit and gain access to the labor market at the level of EU citizens;

- children will have the opportunity to study in Irish schools without hindrance from the date of arrival in the country.

How to extend temporary protection in Ireland?

You must renew your permit online on the website of the Irish Migration Service. While your application is being processed, your old permit remains valid. 

Social support for Ukrainians in Ireland in 2024

On March 14, 2024, the decision of the Government of Ireland of December 12, 2023, on changing the conditions of stay of Ukrainian citizens in Ireland came into force:

1. The state will provide temporary housing for up to 90 days.

2. During their stay in social housing, refugees will be provided with food, laundry and other services.

3. Among the latest changes is the reduction of social benefits starting in September 2024, which we wrote about in detail here. From now on, for those who live in state-provided housing on a full board basis and are not working, the amount of social security per week will be 38.80 euros for an adult and 29.80 euros for a child.

4. During the first 90 days, Ukrainians will be assisted in finding alternative housing, as well as provided with information support on the functioning of the healthcare system, labor market, educational and integration programs, etc.

For more information on why refugees in Ireland are entitled to live in public housing for only 3 months, please read here.

After a Ukrainian moves from public housing to another, he or she will be entitled to receive social security on an equal footing with Irish citizens.

Ireland also has an ARP program that provides support to citizens of the country who host Ukrainian refugees. However, in 2025, the amount of assistance was significantly reduced and now amounts to 600 euros, more details at the link.

Important! There is an acute housing problem in the country, and the Irish side cannot guarantee the provision of free housing. Renting a house for a fee is also extremely problematic in Ireland, given the lack of offers on the real estate market. Therefore, be sure to take this into account when planning your move to Ireland.

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Housing in Ireland: how to find and why you can't save money

The amount of available housing in Ireland is currently very limited, so you will need to stay where there is affordable housing at the time of your arrival.

Rental prices in the country are quite high. A private room in a shared apartment will cost about €950 per month, a house in a small town €1500, and in the capital about €2500 per month. In addition, you should expect to pay for utilities - from €100 per month.

You can find accommodation here.

Medical services in Ireland

Access to healthcare, provision of necessary medicines, including visits to general practitioners, is provided immediately after obtaining a PPSN. All services are free of charge for Ukrainians who have obtained temporary protection status.

If you are sick and need medical advice, you should visit your family doctor (GP). You usually need to make an appointment before visiting. You can find your family doctor here. If you do not have a medical card, the cost of an appointment is between €50 and €60.

In case of emergency, call 999 or 112 and call an ambulance.

Where to look for work in Ireland?

Temporary protection in Ireland gives you the right to work immediately without the need to apply for an additional work permit. You will have access to the labor market at the level of EU citizens.

You can look for a job through Intreo, a local social service, where you can find a job according to your experience or access qualification courses.

Ireland is most in need of construction workers and programmers. Of course, knowledge of English will make it easier to find a job. You can work on farms, factories, supermarkets, etc. without English.

Ireland has a minimum hourly rate for employees of €10.5 per hour. The average salary in Ireland is about 3 thousand euros.

In general, employment in Ireland is organized in such a way that you have to look for a job yourself. However, the presence of volunteers greatly simplifies this process. They help with resume writing and other issues, often leading you directly to the employer. It is also worth noting that many companies in Ireland provide jobs specifically for Ukrainian refugees.

Knowledge of English significantly increases the chances of finding a job in Ireland with a high salary.

Education in Ireland for Ukrainian children

Ukrainian children have the opportunity to study in Irish schools from the moment they arrive in the country.

Education in schools is free of charge. In addition, schools provide free textbooks and uniforms. Children are enrolled at the age of 4-5 years.

Kindergartens in Ireland are private and paid, with an hour of education costing about €12.

However, you can apply for the state ESSE program, which compensates the kindergarten for three hours of education per day.

Assistance for Ukrainian refugees from Visit Ukraine

The extension of temporary protection in the EU in 2025 is an important step. The Visit Ukraine team provides comprehensive support to Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their country due to military action. You can receive:

➤ Consultations on documentation and rights.

➤ Assistance in obtaining insurance for travel or residence.

➤ Legal advice in difficult situations.

➤ Access to online services (e.g. ticket booking) that simplify your stay in the EU.

Reminder! If you are travelling to Europe in your own car, be sure to have a ‘Green Card’ motor insurance policy. Without it, in the event of an accident in another country, you will not only have to pay for the damage, but also a hefty fine.

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;

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