Latvia to reduce support for Ukrainians in 2026: what will change

Latvia has revised the amount of aid it will provide to Ukrainian refugees in 2026. Find out which benefits are being canceled, what is changing in terms of access to healthcare, transportation, and employment, and what rights Ukrainians will retain

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On December 3, 2025, the Latvian Parliament adopted amendments to the law on support for Ukrainian citizens. According to rus.delfi.lv, the changes provide for a reduction in financial assistance, a review of support programs, and the transition of Ukrainians to the general conditions that apply to Latvian citizens.

The decision is related to the optimization of expenditures and the assessment of the real integration of Ukrainians in the country. According to official data, in 2025, some Ukrainian citizens lost their temporary protection status due to late submission of documents, and the total number of new applications was 500-600 per month — significantly less than in the first years of the war.

As of October 1, 2025, there were 31,152 Ukrainians in the Latvian Register of Natural Persons, of whom almost 7,000 were children.

Improvements in the labor market are one of the reasons for the review of support

The Latvian Ministry of Finance reported that in 2025, the number of Ukrainians working legally increased significantly. In June, 9,909 people were in employment, with a steady increase in income over recent years.

As a result, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, some types of targeted support no longer correspond to the real situation and need to be updated.

What types of support for Ukrainians are being abolished?

1. One-time assistance for starting employment or self-employment. This was a payment equal to one minimum monthly wage. It will no longer be provided. Reason: Ukrainians are sufficiently integrated into the labor market, and national employment programs are available to them on equal terms with Latvian citizens.

2. Exemption from patient co-payments in the healthcare system. In the future, Ukrainians will pay patient co-payments in the same way as Latvian citizens and permanent residents. At the same time, access to public medical services will be maintained — to the same extent as for insured persons in the compulsory health insurance system.

3. Payment for mandatory veterinary procedures for pets. Latvia will no longer cover the costs of registration and mandatory veterinary measures for Ukrainian pets.

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What remains available to Ukrainians?

1. Services of the State Employment Agency. All Ukrainians living in Latvia can receive support in finding work, retraining, and vocational education — on the same terms as citizens of the country.

2. Access to public health services. Despite the cancellation of the exemption from patient co-payments, Ukrainians continue to be entitled to all services compensated by the state.

3. Discounts on regional routes. Ukrainians will receive the same benefits as those provided for categories of passengers who are entitled to discounts under Latvian law.

Why is Latvia reviewing the amount of assistance?

The Latvian government has allocated €65 million to support Ukrainians in 2025 and around €40 million in 2026. In view of the reduction in funding, the government is reviewing the programs, retaining those that contribute most to integration.

In fact, the new decisions are aimed at bringing the living conditions of Ukrainians into line with the general rules in force in the country — without privileged status, but also without restricting fundamental rights.

Reminder: for trips to Latvia and any EU country in general, a Green Card — an international car insurance policy — is a mandatory requirement. It can be quickly obtained online on the Visit Ukraine platform without queues or complicated procedures. This is especially convenient for those who are leaving urgently or planning a route through several countries.

We remind you! From September 1, 2025, Latvia has changed the entry procedure for Ukrainian citizens, introducing mandatory online registration for certain persons. The new rules apply to both tourist trips and transit. Read about who is affected by the changes, how to fill out the form, and what information you need to provide.

Photo: LETA

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