In which countries is protection in place for Ukrainians in 2025?

Temporary protection of Ukrainians 2025 continues to operate in most EU countries, ensuring the right to legally live, work, study and receive medical care. Find out which countries provide protection for Ukrainians abroad, what rights it guarantees, how to apply for documents and what features exist in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic and other countries

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Temporary protection of Ukrainians 2025 remains relevant, as the war continues, and millions of people need security and support. It is important both for those who are already abroad and for those who are just planning to leave.

Temporary protection status allows Ukrainians to legally live, work, study and receive medical care in EU countries, as well as in states that have joined the scheme, for example, in Norway and Switzerland. In this article you will learn about the countries where protection of Ukrainians is valid, what rights it guarantees and what features exist in different states.

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What is temporary protection for Ukrainians in 2025?

Temporary protection of Ukrainians 2025 is a special procedure that allows you to quickly provide assistance to a large number of people forced to flee from war. Unlike refugee status, it is granted automatically and does not require a long consideration of individual applications. The main document regulating the issue of granting temporary protection is the EU Directive 2001/55/EC 2001/55/EC.

Thanks to the temporary protection status, Ukrainians in 2025 will receive the right:

- to legally reside in the country of residence;

- to work or open their own business;

- to study and undergo professional retraining;

- to use medical care and social support;

- children have access to schools on an equal basis with citizens of the country.

Countries accepting refugees from Ukraine have different approaches to implementing temporary protection. Some offer generous payments and housing, while others focus on basic support through charitable organizations. The conditions depend on the economic capabilities of the country, its migration policy and the number of refugees it has already accepted.

Thus, temporary protection is an alternative to refugee status, but provides faster access to basic rights and guarantees. At the same time, it does not deprive Ukrainians of the opportunity to apply for asylum, if there are grounds for this.

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Which countries have extended protection for Ukrainians in 2025?

On July 15, the Council of the European Union (EU) adopted a final decision to extend temporary protection 2025 for refugees from Ukraine until March 4, 2027. The decision allows Ukrainians to continue to legally live, work, study and receive basic social assistance in EU countries without the need to apply for asylum. European countries also continue to accept refugees from Ukraine.

At the same time, each country has its own rules, documents and special statuses.

Temporary Protection Poland 2025

Poland has accepted almost 1.5 million Ukrainians and remains one of the most popular destinations due to its geographical proximity and cultural similarity.

The main document that Ukrainians receive in Poland is PESEL UKR (an analogue of ID for refugees). In order to register, you must apply within 30 days of arrival.

In 2025, the monthly financial assistance is about 500 PLN (approximately 120 euros) per person, while families with children can receive additional lump-sum payments. Ukrainians can also count on free housing in refugee centers or receive rental compensation, depending on the municipality.

Rules for entry and stay in Poland on the basis of temporary protection status in 2025 at the link.

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Temporary Protection Germany 2025

Germany is the undisputed leader in the number of Ukrainians accepted. The country offers generous social support, the opportunity to work and receive education.

Single adults receive monthly payments from 502 to 563 euros, children - from 357 to 471 euros, depending on age. Payments may be reduced if a person refuses the offered job. For accommodation, the state provides temporary housing in refugee centers, although dormitories or shared rooms are possible due to overcrowding; after employment, you can rent your own apartment.

Children have access to free schools and kindergartens, and adults - to German language courses, professional retraining and internships. Medicine is fully available, including emergency care and routine check-ups.

For a list of states and addresses of camps accepting Ukrainians in September, see the link.

Temporary Protection Czech Republic 2025

In 2025, the Czech Republic continues to provide temporary protection, focusing on the integration and support of newcomers.

Adults receive a monthly financial allowance of about 4,800 CZK (approximately 200 euros), children - 3,490 CZK. In addition, there are one-time housing payments of up to 1,200 euros or free accommodation in refugee centers, depending on local conditions.

Persons under temporary protection gain access to the labor market immediately after registration, with popular vacancies in the IT, medical and manufacturing sectors. Children can attend free schools, and adults can attend Czech language courses and vocational retraining programs, which helps them adapt faster in a new environment.

We tell you in detail about the new permit in the Czech Republic with temporary protection in this article.

Temporary protection in other EU countries 2025

Other EU countries (Lithuania, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, etc.) have also continued or adapted their national procedures: in most cases, it provides access to medical services, the possibility of official employment, social benefits or targeted assistance, as well as integration programs (language courses, assistance with finding housing).

Read about the procedure for obtaining temporary protection in Belgium in this article.

The conditions of the protection program for Ukrainians in the UK at the link.

Is it possible to leave the EU after applying for temporary protection and then return, read here.

Temporary protection in European countries outside the EU

In Norway, temporary protection can be issued at one of five national registration centers located in different cities. If a person is interested in obtaining asylum, the relevant request can only be submitted in the city of Rode.

Refugees are mainly accommodated in dormitories, with housing inspected by a special commission before settlement. Ukrainians are given the right to quickly find a job: the government offers various programs, internships, advanced training courses and familiarization packages for integration into the working environment.

Children from 6 to 16 years old have access to free education in local schools.

Switzerland also continues to accept refugees from Ukraine in 2025. Ukrainians and their family members can receive temporary protection under the “S” status, which allows them to legally reside in the country, receive benefits, medical care, access to education and official work.

Read more about the EU countries in which you can obtain temporary protection status in 2025 in this article.

Conditions of protection in different countries

Basic rights of Ukrainians under protection

Temporary protection provides the rights of Ukrainians in the EU 2025, which are generally repeated in most countries, although the details and scope of assistance differ:

- The right to legal residence - obtaining a certificate or record confirming the legality of stay; this gives the opportunity to officially find employment.

- Access to the labor market - Ukrainians can usually work without additional work visas or permits immediately after registration in the host country. This is one of the key advantages compared to waiting for an individual procedure for obtaining refugee status.

In which EU countries have the best employment conditions for refugees from Ukraine in 2025, read here.

- Health and social protection - access to emergency and often basic outpatient/inpatient care; in many countries, coverage is through the national system or special insurance/benefits for temporary protection holders.

- Education - children gain the right to attend public schools; Many countries also have programs for teenagers and adults (language courses, vocational training) to speed up integration.

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Features of documents in different countries

Although in general the conditions and benefits are similar in most European countries, the procedure may differ slightly.

Each country issues its own document or makes national marks in existing documents - it is important to know what it looks like in your place of residence:

- Poland - PESEL/certificate: PESEL UKR or entries in national registers serve as confirmation of legal status and provide access to services (healthcare, education, employment). At the same time, some procedures (application deadlines, renewal) are regulated locally.

- Germany - Aufenthaltstitel/§24: in Germany, persons under temporary protection are issued a residence permit based on §24; it is the basis for receiving social benefits and access to the labor market.

- Czech Republic - temporary protection card / visa: the Czech Republic has a special procedure for registration and issuance of cards, sometimes with biometrics; the deadlines for applying for renewal may be limited by national registration windows.

- Switzerland – S-status: in Switzerland, the “S-status” is issued under a simplified procedure and gives the right to reside, work and access to services, but has its own national rules (e.g. conditions of return/stay).

- Norway – collective protection: in Norway, a separate collective scheme operates, which provides for the simultaneous granting of permits to a large group of persons – the right to work, residence and social assistance.

Is it possible to change the country of residence while having temporary protection?

According to EU law (in particular Directive 2001/55/EC) and the national laws of the Member States, it is possible to change the country in which temporary protection has been granted, but under certain conditions.

Who can change the country of temporary protection?

The change is possible for any person who meets the criteria for temporary protection – mainly citizens of Ukraine and certain categories of persons who resided in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. This applies to both those who have already received temporary protection in one EU country and those who have not yet registered but are in the EU.

Conditions for changing the country of temporary protection

The fundamental principle is "one EU country - one protection". This means that temporary protection can only be used in one EU country at a time. When moving from country A to country B, your status in country A will be terminated or annulled after registration in the new country.

The European Commission recommends that you inform the authorities of the country where you are currently registered of your intention to move. This helps to avoid double registration and ensures that your status in the previous country is correctly terminated.

Each person has the right to choose the EU country where they want to benefit from temporary protection. The new country is obliged to register you and grant you all the rights in accordance with the Directive if you meet the criteria.

Changing country is at the initiative of the person themselves: Member States cannot transfer you to another country without your consent.

When moving, you will have to go through the full registration procedure in the new country - submit an application, undergo an interview and receive a new residence permit. This is similar to receiving temporary protection for the first time in this country.

Although the basic rights (access to housing, the labor market, education, healthcare and social assistance) are the same in all EU countries, the conditions for their provision may differ. The level of financial support, access to housing or ease of employment may vary, which often becomes the reason for Ukrainians to move from one country to another.

A list of countries that provide repeated temporary protection to Ukrainians in 2025 can be found at the link.

How long is temporary protection in the EU valid?

In 2025, temporary protection for Ukrainians in most EU countries was extended until at least March 4, 2027. This decision was made at the European Union level for all member states, which ensures uniform basic conditions of stay and protection.

Regarding further extension, the situation remains dynamic. Each EU country can independently determine the conditions and terms of extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians. It is recommended to regularly check official information on the websites of the migration authorities of a particular country to be sure of your rights and obligations.

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in 2025 continues to operate in most EU countries, granting the right to legally live, work, study and use medical services.

To avoid misunderstandings, always check the current rules and procedures in the country where you are or plan to move. This will help you take advantage of all the protection and integration opportunities.

Are you planning to move or obtain status in the EU? Our lawyers will provide full support: from consultations on the rights of Ukrainians abroad to support in all procedures for document processing, ensuring legality and peace of mind in a new country.

Reminder! The Polish government has approved a law that changes the rules for receiving social assistance for foreigners, including Ukrainians. More information in our previous article.

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