EU Temporary Protection for Ukrainians Ends in 2027: How to Apply for Up to €2000 in Return Assistance

Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programs for Ukrainians in the EU

According to ХВИЛЯ: The EU-wide temporary protection for Ukrainians, first enacted by the EU Council in 2022, is set to expire in March 2027. This status has provided safety and rights to millions displaced by the war. In preparation for this change, EU member states are offering Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programs, which cover transportation costs and provide financial aid of up to €2000. Following a 2025 European Commission recommendation, these AVRR programs for Ukrainians will remain available at least until 2028.

Program implementation is coordinated by the International Organization for Migration, EU structures, and national migration authorities. Funding comes from the European Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund as well as from individual national budgets. Support centers known as Unity Hubs are operational in Berlin, Prague, and Alicante to assist applicants.

Key Components of the AVRR Programs

The AVRR initiatives consist of four main elements:

• Door-to-border transfer services.
• One-time cash payments to help restart life back home.
• Comprehensive non-financial support, including psychological counseling, travel medical insurance, assistance with document recovery, and help with school enrollment for children.
• The option for exploratory visits, a feature already implemented in the Czech Republic, Austria, and the Netherlands as of 2026.

The amount of financial aid varies by country. For instance, Poland offers between €500 and €1000, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands provide up to €1400, and Germany offers up to €2000. The 2026 conditions across selected nations are as follows: Germany has a base payment of around €1400, with the potential to exceed €2000 if a reintegration plan is submitted; the Czech Republic offers payments up to €1400 with a simplified two-week application process; Spain provides basic support from €1000; and Poland's assistance ranges from €500 to €1000.

Participating in an AVRR program involves several steps. The process begins with a consultation at the International Organization for Migration or a Unity Hub. This is followed by completing an application form and preparing necessary documents, such as a passport, residence permit card, proof of registration, and a reintegration plan. Applicants must then notify the migration service of their departure before finally receiving travel tickets, the financial support, and a document confirming the closure of their protection status.

Consequently, Ukrainians planning to return home can utilize these programs to obtain essential support during their reintegration process.

According to information provided by the European Union, AVRR programs could serve as a crucial mechanism for Ukrainians seeking to return home after an extended period abroad.

With the temporary protection status approaching its end date, these initiatives are designed to offer not just financial help, but also to facilitate social readjustment and support the resumption of a normal life in Ukraine.

As the EU prepares for the conclusion of temporary protection for Ukrainians, it's crucial to stay informed about the evolving support landscape. Notably, Poland is set to reduce its special support for refugees after March 2026, highlighting the need for individuals to explore available resources and assistance programs to ensure a smooth transition back home.