Border control in Germany, assistance in Estonia and more: changes for Ukrainians abroad from 1 May

From 1 May 2025, Ukrainians abroad will face important changes in border control, social assistance and other aspects of life in Europe and beyond. It is important to keep track of these changes and be prepared for the new conditions. Find out what changes await Ukrainian citizens abroad

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From 1 May 2025, important changes will come into force in several countries concerning border control and social security for Ukrainians abroad. These changes will affect countries such as Germany, Estonia, Thailand, the Czech Republic and Romania. We explain what changes Ukrainians can expect so that they can be prepared for the new conditions.

Germany

From 6 May 2025, Germany will introduce significant changes to its border control system. New Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the aim of the changes is to strengthen border controls and effectively combat illegal migration. Here are the key changes:

▪️ Tighter border controls: This will primarily affect the borders with Poland, France and Austria. German police will actively check documents and stop attempts to cross the border illegally.

▪️ Returning migrants to the border: Now, anyone trying to enter Germany illegally will be sent back to the border instead of being sent back after entering the country. This will also be done in coordination with neighbouring countries.

▪️ Asylum requests: Asylum applications can now only be submitted in the first EU country in which the migrant arrives. Germany will not consider such applications if the applicant has already been in another EU member state.

▪️ Controls at the EU's external borders: The focus will be on controls at the external borders, which means stricter controls from the first time the EU border is crossed.

Estonia

From May 2025, Estonia will stop paying rent compensation to Ukrainians who have received assistance since 2022. These payments will cease after the end of cooperation between the Social Insurance Department and the Tallinn Social Welfare Department.

▪️ Termination of payments: The maximum amount of compensation was up to €1,200 per family, and new applications will no longer be accepted from May.

▪️ Financial assistance for translation services: Payments for translation services for Ukrainians who need help with language barriers will also be cancelled.

▪️ Uniform standards of assistance: Despite these changes, the authorities assure that assistance will continue, but in a revised form, taking into account actual needs rather than place of residence.

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Thailand

From 1 May 2025, Thailand will introduce a mandatory digital arrival card (TDAC) for all foreign citizens, including Ukrainians. The card is mandatory for entry into the country and does not replace a visa, but without confirmation of completion of the form, tourists will not be allowed to cross the border.

The TDAC card must be completed by everyone arriving in Thailand for tourism, business, transit or other reasons.

If you have additional questions about the rules for entering a particular country or legalising your stay abroad, please contact the specialist lawyers at Visit Ukraine for assistance.

Czech Republic

From 1 May 2025, it will no longer be possible to apply for a special long-term residence permit (ZDP) in the Czech Republic. Also, 2 May is the last day for filing tax returns for those applying for a ZDP.

End of the ZDP programme: This long-term residence permit was available to Ukrainians who had adapted to life in the country and had a sufficient level of income.

Romania

Romania has extended humanitarian aid for Ukrainians who have left the conflict zone until 31 December 2025. The monthly payment is 500 lei per person and 1,500 lei per family. Support is also provided for vulnerable groups.

Romania will continue to support Ukrainians in special situations, including those with disabilities, pregnant women and those temporarily unable to work.

Please remember that any trip abroad requires a careful approach to your safety. To protect yourself and your health from unforeseen situations as much as possible, we recommend that you take out an insurance policy.

We remind you! Germany continues to accept refugees from Ukraine under the temporary protection programme Paragraph 24. Unfortunately, the camps are no longer operating in all federal states of the republic. Find out about the conditions for the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees and the current conditions in the camps in Germany as of May 2025.

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