The EU is offering Ukrainians money to return home: which countries have already launched support programs
European countries have begun preparing for the expiration of the temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainians and are launching voluntary repatriation programs.
Some countries are already prepared to cover the cost of travel home and provide financial assistance to those who decide to return to Ukraine.
Temporary protection status is expected to remain in effect until 2027, so European governments are already working on mechanisms for the further integration of Ukrainians or their return home.
Voluntary return means that a Ukrainian independently decides to leave the host country, renounce temporary protection status, and return to Ukraine.
In such cases, states may cover relocation costs, pay for tickets, and provide one-time financial assistance to help with adaptation upon return.
The Czech Republic was one of the first countries to introduce a voluntary return program.
Program participants are offered:
- full payment of travel expenses to Ukraine;
- assistance with paperwork;
- one-time payments for immediate needs, which can amount to approximately 200–400 euros per adult.
However, the program can only be used once.
Norway offers one of the highest fixed payments for Ukrainians.
Those who decide to return home can receive 17,500 Norwegian kroner, equivalent to more than 1,500 euros.
To participate, you must confirm your final departure from the country and renounce your protection status.
Switzerland has a program under which Ukrainians can receive between 500 and 2,000 Swiss francs, depending on the circumstances of their return.
The funds are intended for housing rent upon return, vocational training, adaptation, and integration in Ukraine.
Those who return before the expiration of their protection status are eligible for the highest level of assistance.
In Ireland, the program covers full transportation costs and provides individual financial assistance for the first few weeks after return.
The amount of assistance is determined individually for each family.
Finland is noted for providing the most financial support.
Programs there provide:
- payments of up to 5,300 euros;
- grants for starting a business;
- support for vocational training and retraining.
Part of the assistance may be provided not in cash, but in goods or services to support business development upon return to Ukraine.
For many Ukrainian citizens, the issue of returning remains difficult due to the ongoing war and uncertainty about the future.
At the same time, financial support from European countries could provide an additional opportunity for those planning to return home, helping with housing, job searches, or starting a business.
Thus, European countries are gradually establishing mechanisms for the voluntary return of Ukrainian refugees, offering compensation for relocation costs and financial support to start a new chapter of life in Ukraine.
As a reminder, Ukrainian “Passport Service” centers in Poland and Italy are transitioning to a new queue-booking system via the “Diya” app, which is intended to streamline the reception of citizens and reduce lines. In some cities, however, a limited number of “physical” tickets remain available.
Ukrainians living abroad can now obtain a tax ID number for their children entirely remotely, without having to travel to Ukraine or wait in consular lines. This refers to the taxpayer identification number, which can now be obtained online.
