Switzerland Wants to Continue Benefits for Ukrainians After They Receive a Residence Permit
The authorities of the Canton of Zurich have proposed changing the social assistance rules for Ukrainians with S status who will receive a residence permit after five years in Switzerland. The cantonal government has submitted a corresponding bill to the cantonal council for consideration. The new rules are scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2027.
In March 2027, the first Ukrainians who received protection in Switzerland after the start of the full-scale war will have been in the country for five years. After that, under certain conditions, they will be eligible to apply for a residence permit.
Under current rules, once they receive such a permit, Ukrainians would automatically be eligible for standard social assistance, which is higher than the current benefits for people with S status.
The Zurich authorities propose maintaining the current level of social assistance for this category of Ukrainians.
Cantonal officials explain that this is intended to maintain their motivation to integrate and find employment. Additionally, authorities fear that higher benefits could encourage Ukrainians with residence permits to move to Zurich from other cantons.
Once they receive a residence permit, Ukrainians will be able to change their canton of residence, so Zurich wants to prevent a potential influx of social assistance recipients in advance.
At the same time, well-integrated Ukrainians with S status will still be able to obtain a separate residence permit after five years of residence.
If granted, the individual will be subject to Switzerland’s standard immigration laws rather than the rules governing asylum.
However, the federal criteria for obtaining such a permit have not yet been finalized.
The Zurich government’s draft bill still needs to be reviewed by the cantonal council. If the changes are approved, the new social assistance rules for Ukrainians with S status could take effect on March 1, 2027.
This was reported in a press release from the Zurich cantonal government.
As a reminder, the Ukrainian government has changed the procedure for verifying military registration documents for men aged 18 to 60 when obtaining consular services abroad. The main change is that the requirement to generate an electronic military registration document no earlier than 72 hours before the visit has been abolished.
