A Policy Enacted in March 2022, Extended to 2028
More than 4.3 million Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection status across the European Union. Germany, Poland, and Czechia host the largest numbers of beneficiaries. The EU Council first activated this measure in March 2022 and has since extended it until March 4, 2028. However, individual member states are now adjusting their support frameworks—reducing cash payments, revising housing policies, and introducing new compliance rules for recipients.
Country-by-Country Conditions for Temporary Protection
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Poland
Poland's temporary protection runs through March 4, 2027. Ukrainians who obtained a PESEL UKR without presenting a foreign passport must personally show the document at a local authority office by August 31, 2026. Failure to do so may lead to status revocation, loss of welfare benefits, and free healthcare access. A new CUKR identity card, valid for three years, is available to Ukrainians who have resided in Poland for at least one year, hold an active PESEL UKR, and possess a valid foreign passport. The 800+ child allowance remains in place but is now contingent on the child attending a Polish school or kindergarten and on one parent being formally employed.
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Germany
Germany has extended temporary protection through March 2028. Ukrainians who arrived before April 1, 2025 receive the standard social assistance payments. Those arriving after that date are placed on a lower-benefit program. Job-seeking requirements have tightened: benefits can be reduced or stopped altogether if a recipient refuses work or fails to report to the employment center.
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Czechia
In Czechia, temporary protection is valid until 2028, but beneficiaries must regularly confirm their status through an in-person visit to the migration office. Free accommodation is provided only for the first 90 days after receiving protection; after that, individuals must secure their own rental housing. The state covers health insurance for just the first three months.
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Spain
Spain automatically extended temporary protection until 2028. Newly arrived Ukrainians must personally submit documents to obtain a TIE identity card. Most Ukrainians do not receive direct cash payments; instead, support is channeled through charitable organizations.
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Netherlands and France
In the Netherlands, temporary protection also runs until 2028, with beneficiaries receiving monthly financial support and housing arranged by municipalities. In France, Ukrainians can access daily financial assistance and state-provided healthcare.
To summarize, while the EU’s temporary protection for Ukrainians remains valid, member states are constantly refining their assistance programs. These adjustments can have a major impact on the day-to-day lives of Ukrainian refugees, making it critical for beneficiaries to keep abreast of evolving requirements to retain their status and continue receiving support. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU activated the Temporary Protection Directive to offer immediate refuge. The extension through 2028 guarantees continued legal protection, but diverging national policies are introducing new complexities.
As the European Union adapts its policies regarding temporary protection for Ukrainians, it's essential to note that other countries, like Estonia has also extended its support until 2028. This broader context highlights the varying approaches taken by EU member states, reflecting both the ongoing challenges and the commitment to assist those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.