Migration movement of Ukrainians: where and how to obtain repeated temporary protection

The fourth year of the full-scale war is shaping new migration trends among Ukrainian citizens who have found temporary shelter in the countries of the European Union. If the first wave of refugees in 2022 was due to the need for immediate rescue, then in 2024-2025 more and more Ukrainians will make a well-considered decision to change their country of residence. The reasons for this are a reduction in the amount of social assistance, the expiration of free housing, difficulties with employment, or a change in the policy of individual states regarding refugees. In response to this, the internal migration movement across Europe is intensifying. Ukrainians who previously received temporary protection in one of the EU countries are beginning to consider the possibility of moving to another state where more favorable conditions apply. However, the process of changing the country of temporary protection is clearly regulated by both European and national legislation.

The possibility to change the country of temporary protection: how it works in the EU

The European Directive 2001/55/EC, which became the basis for the introduction of temporary protection, provides that the same person cannot simultaneously have the status of temporary protection in several countries. This means that a refugee has the right to be protected in only one EU member state. If a person decides to leave country A and move to country B, he must terminate his status in the first country and complete registration in the second.

This process is not coordinated between states: no country will hand you over to another. The initiative always belongs to the person. At the same time, moving does not guarantee automatic acceptance in the new country. Member states independently determine how exactly they implement the European directive, in particular, which bodies are involved in registration, which documents are mandatory, and how long the proceedings last.

First of all, it is necessary to understand that moving to another country does not release a person from his obligations in the state where he is already under protection. It is recommended to inform the authorities of the previous host country about the intention to terminate the status and leave the territory. This helps to avoid conflicts related to “double registration”, which is prohibited in the EU.

Changing the country is possible only for persons who meet the requirements of temporary protection: these are citizens of Ukraine who lived on its territory until February 24, 2022, persons with international or national protection in Ukraine, as well as citizens of third countries with a valid residence permit in Ukraine who cannot return home due to a security threat. All these categories have the right to freely choose the country where they wish to exercise their right to protection — provided that the procedures and criteria are followed.

In a new country, it is necessary to go through the registration procedure again. This means: submitting an application, interviewing, submitting documents, waiting for a decision and obtaining a residence permit. Registration takes place in accordance with the national legislation of a specific state. Social rights (housing, assistance, access to medicine and education) are formally common to all EU countries, but in reality their level varies significantly. It is these differences that stimulate Ukrainians to make a second choice.

Which countries provide repeated temporary protection

Germany

In 2025, Germany retains its position as one of the most attractive countries for re-registration of temporary protection. The main reasons for this are the automatic extension of already granted protection until March 4, 2026 without the need for a second application; high level of social benefits; availability of integration programs and language courses; systematic procedures and transparent bureaucracy.

However, it should be taken into account that not all federal states accept new refugees. Each land independently sets settlement limits. Some shelters are full, and getting referrals to the right region is becoming increasingly difficult. Before the trip, you should find out if there are open places for reception and which registration centers you should contact.

The procedure for obtaining temporary protection in Germany is as follows:

1. Entry into the country. Ukrainians can enter Germany without a visa with a biometric passport. In the absence of this, you must have other documents confirming your identity. At the same time, registration becomes somewhat more difficult, but not impossible.
2. Initial registration. Upon arrival, you may be directed to the initial reception center (Ankunftszentrum). There you are provided with temporary accommodation, food, registration, fingerprints are scanned and an Ankunftsnachweis document is issued – confirmation of stay in Germany.
3. Submitting an application to the Migration Agency. After that, you need to go to the local Ausländerbehörde – the department for foreigners – with a package of documents: passport, Ankunftsnachweis, proof of residence and documents proving your right to protection (for example, a permanent residence permit in Ukraine, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).
4. Interview and decision. During the consideration of the case, you may be asked questions about the route of the move, the length of stay in other EU countries, the reasons for choosing Germany in particular. After a positive decision, you receive an Aufenthaltserlaubnis – a residence permit in the form of an electronic card (eAT).
5. Integration and assistance. After registering your place of residence at the Bürgeramt (local registration office), you can open a bank account, take out health insurance, and apply for social assistance at the Jobcenter. A residence permit automatically includes the right to work. You will also have access to integration courses, including learning the German language.

If you previously received protection in Germany, then moved to another EU country, and now want to return, you need to go through the full registration procedure again. Your previous status has already expired due to being in another country. Even if you have an old eAT card, you will have to replace it with a new one after resubmission.

Short-term trips to Ukraine do not affect the validity of the status, if you do not stay outside of Germany for more than 6 months. But you are obliged to inform the migration office about this. Otherwise, your status may be canceled.

Spain

In 2025, Spain remains one of the countries where Ukrainians can apply for repeated temporary protection, even if they previously had this status in another European Union state. The Spanish reception system, despite its bureaucratic inertia, still operates in accordance with EU Directive 2001/55/EC, which guarantees temporary protection to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Spain does not rule out applying for protection again. If you had status in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany or any other EU member state, but for objective reasons you decided to change your country of residence, you can apply to the Spanish migration system. However, in this case, you will have to go through the entire procedure again. The Spanish authorities require that the previous temporary protection status in another country be officially terminated. Without providing proof of relinquishment of previous status, your application in Spain may be rejected.

One of the features of the Spanish system is that a refugee does not have the right to choose in which city or region of the country he will live. The place of residence is determined by the random distribution of the state according to the availability of free places in reception centers. This is important to consider before applying, as Spain does not guarantee accommodation in large cities such as Barcelona or Madrid. You may be sent to a province or a remote region.

Temporary protection is issued in special CREADE centers — in particular in Madrid or Malaga. These centers serve the vast majority of applicants. If it is not possible to physically go to CREADE, you can file a complaint through the nearest police station in the province where you are located. The police have the authority to accept documents for defense within the administrative process.

After successful registration, the status of temporary protection is issued for a period of 1 year. This term is then automatically extended for another 1 year. In exceptional cases — for example, in case of special humanitarian circumstances or medical needs — the status can be extended for another year, up to a total of 3 years. These rules also apply to those who receive protection again.

In order to obtain temporary protection status in Spain in 2025, you must do the following:

1. Prepare a package of identity documents. It can be a foreign passport, an internal passport, an ID card or, as a last resort, a certificate from the Ukrainian embassy. If protection is issued for a child, a birth certificate must be provided.
2. Prepare documents confirming family ties, if protection is issued not only for you, but also for your partner or children. All documents must be translated or accompanied by official explanations.
3. Provide the address of residence in Spain, even if it is temporary. This is necessary for official letters, calls and decisions from government bodies.
4. Provide a contact phone number and email. Through them, you will be sent messages about the status of the application, the appointment of an interview or the decision made.
5. Report to the police for biometric identification. At this stage, you will be assigned an individual identification number for foreigners (NIE), a key document for legal stay in Spain.

After submitting the documents, you will receive an official confirmation that your application has been accepted for consideration. The temporary protection status itself is usually granted within a few weeks. Its confirmation is a plastic document or a resolution that allows stay, work, study and receiving social assistance.

After receiving temporary protection status, Ukrainians have the right to:

– free education of children in schools;
– access to the health care system;
– participation in social support programs;
– Spanish language courses and integration activities.

The amount of financial assistance depends on the region. In most cases, it is around 400-600 euros per person per month. In addition, many communes – especially in the southern regions – offer food cards, social packages or vouchers for household expenses.

It is worth knowing that Ukraine and Spain signed a Joint Declaration on the creation of the Ukrainian Unity Hub — a special center for refugee support. Its task is to provide informational, legal, educational and social support for Ukrainians in Spain. The center coordinates access to services, helps with employment, advises on documents and interacts with local administrations.

The key points of protection in Spain are:

1. Appeal is possible even after previous protection in another EU country.
   2. It is impossible to independently choose the region of residence — it is determined by the state.
   3. Status is issued for 1 year, automatically extended to 3 years.
   4. Submission of documents is possible through CREADE centers or the police.
   5. Mandatory biometric identification and NIE number assignment.
   6. Access to education, medicine, work and social assistance after obtaining the status.

Slovakia

Slovakia remains one of the countries of the European Union that not only continues the current temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees, but also accepts new applications from those who have already used protection in another EU country. This possibility is based on the provisions of the European Directive 2001/55/EC on temporary protection, which Slovakia has implemented into its domestic legislation.

In 2025, temporary protection in Slovakia (Dočásne útočisko) operates on the basis of automatic extension — the corresponding decision was taken at the pan-European level. The new status is valid until March 4, 2026. This means that for most people the status is extended without the need to apply again, but in a number of cases the authorities require updating the data in their databases – for example, updating the profile on the portal of the Ministry of the Interior of Slovakia or contacting the Aliens Police in person to record up-to-date information.

Slovakia recognizes the right of Ukrainians to change the country of temporary protection within the European Union. If you already had protection in another EU member state, but for some reason decided to move to Slovakia, you can apply for a new status. In this case, the previous status is automatically terminated – it becomes invalid in another country. This fully corresponds to the principle of “one country – one protection” enshrined in European law.

Slovakia does not cancel temporary protection if a citizen of Ukraine temporarily left for Ukraine, for example, to resolve personal matters or visit relatives. Provided that the person maintains a connection with Slovakia, does not renounce the status and does not stay outside the country for too long without a valid reason, the temporary protection continues to apply. Such trips are not considered grounds for cancellation of status or the need for re-registration.

Starting in August 2024, the application for temporary protection in Slovakia is made through a new electronic system. The first step is to fill out an electronic form on the portal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Slovakia. After that, the applicant must appear in person at one of the territorial units of the Police for Foreigners (Cudzinecká polícia) at the appointed time to submit original documents and undergo identification procedures. This system significantly shortens queues and allows for centralized processing of requests. Applying without prior registration online is no longer practiced.

After receiving temporary protection in Slovakia, a person has the right to:

– to live legally on the territory of the state;
– to be employed without a separate permit;
– receive basic medical care;
– place children in educational institutions;
– use the state insurance system.

In addition, Ukrainians who received protection in Slovakia can apply for participation in the state health insurance program. All details regarding the need for an insurance policy and procedures are available on the official Visit Ukraine portal or through local municipal structures.

It is important to consider the following:

1. Temporary protection in Slovakia is valid until March 4, 2026.
   2. Persons who previously received protection in another EU country can submit a new application in Slovakia.
   3. The application is submitted online, after which a personal application is made to the police.
   4. Returning to Ukraine does not cancel the status, provided it is valid and the trip is short.
   5. You can join the health insurance system.

Croatia

In 2025, Croatia remains among the countries of the European Union that provide Ukrainians with the opportunity to issue temporary protection, even if the person has already received such status in another EU member state. The conditions for granting asylum are regulated in accordance with the European Directive 2001/55/EC on temporary protection, as well as the provisions of Croatian domestic legislation.

The Croatian migration system allows temporary protection to be issued again, provided that the person has officially renounced a similar status in the previous country of residence. It is important to understand that the principle of “one country – one protection” applies here as well: no person can simultaneously have valid temporary protection in two countries of the European Union. Therefore, before starting registration in Croatia, you should take care to have a document or official confirmation that the previous status has been terminated or canceled.

You can apply for temporary protection in Croatia in two ways:

1. In electronic form – through the official website of the Croatian police or the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where the pre-registration form works;
2. In paper form – in person at the nearest police department dealing with foreigners (Policijska uprava za strance).

Regardless of the method of application, the person is required to appear at the police station to undergo personal identification, collect biometric data, take a photo, confirm the intention to stay in the country and obtain a permit.

The documents that must be submitted are:

– a passport of a citizen of Ukraine or another identity document;
– birth certificate (if the application is submitted for a child);
– documentary confirmation of relinquishment of previous status in another EU country;
– confirmation of the actual place of residence in Croatia (a declaration from the person hosting you or the address of temporary residence is sufficient).

In the absence of certain documents, such as a passport, the Croatian police are obliged to consider the application and identify the person in an alternative way (based on a written explanation, consular assistance, etc.). This is provided for by the humanitarian nature of temporary protection.

After successful consideration of the application, you will be issued an official identity card of a foreigner who has been granted temporary protection. This is a plastic card that contains: your photo; identification number; information about the right to residence, work, medical assistance; the validity period of the document (usually until March 4, 2026 according to the EU decision).

This document gives the right to: residence in Croatia; free access to the labor market (without a separate permit); basic medical care; access to education for children; use of social and integration programs.

The Croatian system allows consideration of applications for temporary protection even in cases where the person left Ukraine before February 24, 2022. In such situations, the applicant must provide reasonable explanations of the reasons why returning to Ukraine is currently impossible or dangerous. It can be:
– the presence of a family in Ukraine that suffered from the war;
– destroyed housing;
– proven impossibility of returning to the place of permanent residence;
– illness or vulnerability of the applicant (pregnancy, minor children, persons with disabilities, etc.).

In such cases, the case is considered individually, taking into account the humanitarian factor and the real risk associated with return.

Croatia, like most EU countries, when considering applications for re-receipt of temporary protection, pays attention to the presence of an objective reason for changing the country of residence. It can be:

– reunification with family already living in Croatia;
– employment or having an official invitation to work;
– medical treatment or long-term care;
– participation in an educational program (for example, enrolling a child in school or entering a university);
– cases of discrimination or lack of assistance in the previous country.

Although formally the presence of such reasons is not a mandatory condition for granting protection, their presence significantly increases the chances of a positive decision.

Netherlands

In 2025, the Netherlands remains one of the countries of the European Union that continues to provide Ukrainians with temporary protection in accordance with the European Directive 2001/55/EC. Temporary protection in this country has been extended until March 4, 2026, ensuring continuity of rights and social guarantees for those already in the country.

Ukrainians who already have the status of temporary protection in the Netherlands should not submit a new application for its extension. In most cases, the residence permit issued in the form of a document from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, IND) or as a sticker in the passport is renewed automatically. Persons with this status retain all rights: access to housing, financial assistance, health care, education, and employment.

If a Ukrainian previously received temporary protection in another EU country, but decided to move to the Netherlands, he has the right to apply for protection already in this country. However, a key principle of European law should be taken into account: a person cannot have temporary protection status in two countries at the same time. When submitting a new application in the Netherlands, it is necessary to officially renounce the previous status, as well as provide evidence of the cancellation or termination of protection in another state.

The application for temporary protection in the Netherlands is submitted through the IND. The person must go through the entire procedure as if applying for the first time:
– submit an application;
– complete registration and identification;
– provide documents certifying identity and the right to protection;
– wait for a decision from the IND.

After a positive decision, a document confirming the residence permit is issued. It gives the right to live legally in the Netherlands, to work, to use medical care and social support.

If a person already received temporary protection in the Netherlands, then left for another EU country and received a new status there, and now wants to return to the Netherlands, the situation is considered individually. An important factor is the time spent outside the country.

In 2025, the IND follows the practice according to which re-registration of temporary protection is possible if no more than eight weeks have passed from the moment of departure to the moment of return. If this term is exceeded, the applicant will have to go through the procedure again: submit a new application, undergo an interview, and in some cases even go to court in case of refusal.

The Netherlands does not cancel temporary protection if a person temporarily leaves for Ukraine to resolve personal or family issues. Provided that the person has a valid residence permit in the Netherlands and the trip is short, such departure is not considered a relinquishment of status. Returning to the Netherlands with a valid protection document does not require a repeat procedure. At the same time, if a person spends too much time in Ukraine or shows signs of returning to permanent residence, this may be grounds for a status review by the IND.

In 2025, the Netherlands, due to an increase in the number of applications for re-acquisition of temporary protection, began to consider the possibility of introducing new restrictions. It is about strengthening the requirements for repeat applicants, in particular regarding proving the reason for changing the country of residence. In this regard, persons planning to apply for an IND after staying in another EU country are advised to carefully prepare their documents and have a clear explanation of the reasons for the move.

From October 1, 2025, the cost of living in the Netherlands is planned to double for Ukrainian refugees. This applies to both temporary municipal shelters and social housing. Ukrainians who plan to move to this country or stay there should take this into account when calculating their budget. The Dutch government explains this decision by the desire to stimulate self-sufficiency among refugees and encourage employment.

The key features of protection in the Netherlands are the following:

1. Status extended until March 4, 2026 automatically.
   2. Moving from another EU country requires a new application and a waiver of the previous status.
   3. Return to the Netherlands is possible if no more than eight weeks have passed since departure.
   4. Short-term trips to Ukraine are allowed.
   5. New restrictions for repeat applicants are expected.
   6. Increase in living expenses from October 2025.