What will change for Ukrainian refugees in 2025: details.

Starting in 2025, new rules for Ukrainian refugees will be implemented in most European Union countries. In Germany, the benefits for able-bodied refugees will be reduced by 30% if they reject profitable job offers. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic plans to introduce a new type of residence permit.

Here are the changes that Ukrainians abroad should expect in 2025:

Germany and reduction of assistance

Ukrainian refugees in Germany receive Bürgergeld assistance:

• €563 for single adults,
• €471 for teenagers,
• €357 for children under 12 years old.

Starting January 2025, able-bodied individuals who reject job offers will lose 30% of their assistance for three months. This decision will affect 700,000 working-age Ukrainians out of a total of 1.1 million compatriots currently living in Germany.

United Kingdom. Visa extension

Ukrainians who arrived in the UK after February 24, 2022, can apply for an 18-month visa extension. Applications will be accepted starting February 4, 2025.

Poland. Introduction of the new CUKR card

Ukrainian refugees with Pesel UKR status in 2025 can obtain a CUKR residence card. This will allow them to legally live and work in Poland for up to 3 years. CUKR can be obtained by citizens who had Pesel UKR status as of March 4, 2024. With the new status, Ukrainians will be able to leave Poland for a maximum of six months.

Lithuania and Latvia

Lithuania has extended free public transportation for Ukrainians until the end of 2025. Temporary protection is valid until March 2026, so refugees must renew their residence permits.

In November, Latvia adopted amendments to the law supporting Ukrainian refugees, which provide for extending state assistance for another year.

Czech Republic. Long-term residence permit

In 2025, the Czech Republic will introduce a new type of long-term residence permit (dlouhodobý pobyt) for up to 5 years with access to the labor market.

Ireland and Slovakia

Starting in March 2025, newly arrived Ukrainian refugees in Ireland will no longer be able to receive free housing.

Changes in Slovakia will affect the Time spent in asylum centers and the duration of living assistance payments.

Norway

Norway is changing the rules for accepting refugees from western regions of Ukraine. Applications will now be considered individually, and assistance for those living outside reception centers will be discontinued.