What payments are offered in the EU for the return of Ukrainians home in 2026

Some European countries are already offering Ukrainian refugees financial assistance for voluntary return to their homeland. The amount of payments depends on the country of residence and can reach 2500 euros per person. At the same time, Ukraine and the EU are discussing the creation of separate support programs for citizens who decide to return after the war. This is reported by Visit Ukraine.

Ukraine and the EU discuss citizen return programs

The issue of returning Ukrainians from abroad has been increasingly discussed at the level of governments and international organizations in recent months.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Ukraine is negotiating with European partners on mechanisms for financial support for citizens who want to return home.

Head of the State Migration Service Natalia Naumenko emphasized that these are exclusively voluntary programs. According to her, after the active phase of the war, the country will need people for the reconstruction of the economy, healthcare, education, and local communities.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the amount of assistance could be several thousand euros per person.

The AVRR program already allows for up to 2500 euros

While new mechanisms are being discussed, many EU countries already have the international Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program in place.

It includes:

• financial assistance after return;

• trip organization;

• consultation support;

• support during reintegration in Ukraine.

The program is implemented with the support of the International Organization for Migration and is available in most European countries.

How much Ukrainians are paid in different countries in Europe

The amount of payments depends on the country of residence and specific circumstances of the applicant.

Current amounts in 2026:

• Ireland – up to 2500 euros;

• Norway – from 1500 to 1700 euros;

• Netherlands – up to 1400 euros;

• Czech Republic – up to 1400 euros;

• Austria – up to 1200 euros;

• Belgium – up to 1000 euros;

• France – from 300 to 650 euros one-time and up to 2500 euros for reintegration.

In most cases, assistance includes not only monetary payments but also reimbursement of transportation costs, organization of return, and other forms of support.

According to estimates by the European Commission, since the beginning of the full-scale war, EU countries have spent over 80 billion euros supporting Ukrainian refugees. That is why more and more countries are considering voluntary return programs as one of the next stages of migration policy after the war ends.

Let us remind you, Ireland is preparing a return program for Ukrainian refugees.