As of April 2026, there are over 6 million Ukrainians in Europe and the world, and according to the Temporary Special Commission on IDPs, about eight million Ukrainians are currently abroad, more than five million of them in the countries of the European Union. All of these citizens left due to a full-scale invasion by an aggressor country.
Most of them already have Temporary Protection status, which has been extended until March 4, 2027. Unlike the usual period of temporary visa-free stay for 90 days. However, the rules and payments in different countries differ significantly, and the impression of the countries of current stay also changes. Some people do not like the weather , which is constantly changing with fog and rain, someone does not like the long queue at the doctor’s office just to get a regular annual check-up or even urgent dental treatment , and someone is simply tired of the crazy bureaucracy in the country of stay.
Read also: Why is it not easy abroad? Refugees are returning to Ukraine
So in this article, our editorial team at Ukrainian Information has made a relevant comparison of the top 8 countries by key parameters: the size of payments, bureaucracy, access to work, housing, medicine, and education. The data is collected from official EU sources, country governments, and UNHCR.
Situation with Ukrainian refugees as of 2026
According to Eurostat (European Statistical Office) [see photo above], at the end of January 2026, 4.38 million people had temporary protection status in the EU. Among them, the largest number of Ukrainians were accepted and legalized in the following countries:
- Germany — 1.26 million
- Poland — 966 thousand.
- Czech Republic — 397 thousand
- Spain —257 thousand.
- Slovakia – 140 thousand.
The European Union has extended the Temporary Protection Directive until March 4, 2027. However, many countries have begun to reduce social support, encouraging people to find employment on their own.
Separately, countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom, which are not members of the European Union, continue special programs for Ukrainians.
Criteria for comparing countries
It is clear that there will be many who disagree with our opinion and have their own vision of the TOP countries for refugees from Ukraine (be sure to share it in the comments to this article), but we are simply explaining our criteria when choosing a country for inclusion in our top, which was important for us to consider:
Amount of monthly payments
This is one of the most important criteria for many and it also takes first place in our selection. After all, in the beginning, when you don’t have savings and a stable job, this is the main foundation for survival.
Duration and conditions for the continuation of protection
We are based on the idea that those who choose a country for temporary residence as refugees will not want to change countries every six months, and therefore the possibility of a long-term legal stay is taken into account. A vivid example of why this criterion is so important for us and takes 2nd place on the list is the United States of America, where after the new president came to power, all programs for migrants, including for refugees from Ukraine, were suddenly closed or significantly narrowed, which is why many of our citizens were forced to urgently leave the American continent and start all over again.
The complexity of bureaucracy
The first thing everyone has to deal with in a new place in another country is legalization, that is, registration with all authorities and formalization of the full necessary package of documents. And given the size of these bureaucratic obstacles, their duration and complexity in general, we included this item as the third criterion.
Job availability and recognition of diplomas
After all that we have listed above, many people start looking for work to ensure their own comfort and well-being in a new place. As is known, in many countries Ukrainians have to work semi-legally or even illegally without any guarantees and with health risks in difficult, dangerous and low-paid jobs. Therefore, we put the availability of legal earnings + the ability to recognize your own Ukrainian diploma for real work in the profile in 4th place.
Housing and its cost
The issue of accommodation in some countries is partially or completely covered by the host country, providing completely free accommodation, or partially compensating for its cost. However, the quality and conditions of accommodation do not always meet real needs and desires (most often these are beds in general refugee camps, or a bed in a hostel or hotel, less often it is possible to get separate accommodation or your own room). Therefore, we put the comfort of living in a rented apartment privately and without unnecessary hassle in 5th place in our TOP rating.
Medicine and education for children
Access to quality and fast medicine, as well as education for families with children, is also crucial for many. Therefore, considering this important mission, not only the stay, but also the continuation of treatment or education for children from Ukraine abroad, we put this in 6th place.
General standard of living and integration
I think there’s no need to explain how our surroundings reflect on us. That’s why we choose to live in safe countries with safe neighbors in our neighborhood, so as not to read constant reports in the news about how someone got robbed or, God forbid, beaten up in your neighborhood.
So, if these criteria fit you in the exact order we have arranged them, then you can move on to our TOP. If you have a greater or lesser preference for something, our list may not match your expectations (you can share in the comments what list of countries you would make for yourself and according to what criteria).
TOP-8 countries for refugees from Ukraine in 2026
1. Germany
The most popular country among Ukrainians and has many advantages in the first selection categories.
- Payments: Bürgergeld – about €563 per adult + child benefit.
- Bureaucracy: average, registration through Jobcenter.
- Work: easy employment, there is a huge plus in the possibility of recognition of qualifications.
- Housing: state support for rent.
- Advantages in general compared to other countries on the list: high benefits, high-quality medicine, strong social system.
- Cons: sometimes complicated bureaucracy and queues.
2. Poland
The country closest to us is a neighbor, with a large Ukrainian diaspora and in many ways similar to our state.
- Payments: significantly reduced for non-working people from March 2026, but maintained for children and disabled people.
- Bureaucracy: simplified, in many ways similar to Ukraine and ASCs.
- Work: the easiest employment for Ukrainians from all EU countries.
- Housing: fairly easy to find and rent independently, even after the first few weeks of living.
- Advantages: proximity to Ukraine, low cost of living, work in your specialty.
- Cons: reduction in social assistance in 2026 and lower payments for Germany.
3. Czech Republic
- Payments: about €200 per adult + €143 per child.
- Bureaucracy: average.
- Work: good employment opportunities in industry.
- Advantages: relatively low prices, relatively fast medicine.
- Cons: restrictions on free housing (up to 3 months).
4. Netherlands
- Payouts: average, as it is an expensive country to live in, but the quality of life is high.
- Bureaucracy: complex but transparent.
- Work: high salaries.
- Advantages: safety, clean air, quality education for children.
5. Italy
- Payouts: average + there are regional differences.
- Bureaucracy: quite complex and time-consuming.
- Work: seasonal and in the service sector (care for the elderly).
- Advantages: warm climate, lower cost of living in the southern regions.
6. Spain
- Payouts: average.
- Bureaucracy: more average than sweet.
- Advantages: mild and warm climate, relatively cheap living, education, and affordable medicine.
7. France
- Payments: average for the EU.
- Bureaucracy: high and long-standing.
- Advantages: strong social system with insurance, medical care, housing, and kindergartens.
8. Canada
- Payments: The CUAET program continues to operate with some changes.
- Bureaucracy: low.
- Advantages: possibility of immigration in the future, high standards of living.
- Disadvantages: Another continent, weather, difficulty in moving
Comparative table of countries for refugees from Ukraine (as of April 2026)
| Country | Monthly payments (adult) | Duration of protection | Bureaucracy | Employment | Dwelling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | ~563 € | Until 04.03.2027 | Medium | Good | Support |
| Poland | Abbreviated | Until 04.03.2027 | Low | Very good | Independently |
| Czech Republic | ~200 € | Until 04.03.2027 | Medium | Good | Limited |
| Netherlands | Medium | Until 04.03.2027 | High | High salaries | Dear |
| Italy | Medium | Until 04.03.2027 | Medium | Seasonal | Cheaper |
| Spain | Medium | Until 04.03.2027 | Medium | Seasonal | Cheaper |
| France | Medium | Until 04.03.2027 | High | Average | Average |
| Canada | Secondary (CUAET) | Depending on the program | Medium | Good | Dear |
Which countries became less profitable in 2026?
- Poland — significant reduction in housing benefits and assistance.
- Czech Republic — limiting free housing to 3 months and reducing benefits.
- Netherlands — strengthening requirements for continued protection.
Practical tips: how to choose the right country for you
- Family with children — Germany, Poland, Czech Republic (better support for children).
- Single person – Germany or the Netherlands (higher benefits and salaries).
- Retired person – Spain or Italy (mild climate and lower costs).
- Person with a disability — Germany (best social support).
Recommendation: Before moving, learn the language, check the current rules on the country’s official websites, and consult with a migration lawyer.
Conclusion and recommendations
In 2026, the choice of country for Ukrainian refugees has become more individual. Germany remains the leader in terms of support, Poland in terms of speed of integration and proximity, and the Czech Republic and Italy are suitable for those seeking a quieter life and education for their children.
How to prepare for moving now: Update your data in your country’s temporary protection system. Learn or master the language of the country. Gather documents to extend or obtain protection. Consider employment or retraining based on a Ukrainian diploma.
