Which countries are interested in Ukrainian refugees staying on a permanent basis
After the start of a full-scale war in Ukraine, the issue of migration ceased to be a matter of personal choice of individual citizens and turned into a large-scale geopolitical phenomenon. In a short time, millions of Ukrainians found themselves outside the country, and the states of the European Union became not only transit points, but also a new home for a large part of the migrants. In 2024, according to official UN data, 6.8 million Ukrainians are registered abroad, of which 5.5 million are in countries that support Ukraine. Some states have already openly demonstrated their readiness to integrate Ukrainians on a permanent basis. It is about holistic models of adaptation, legalization, support for education and work. Others, on the contrary, continue to perceive refugees as a temporary phenomenon.
Scandinavian countries
Scandinavian countries show the greatest interest in the long-term stay of Ukrainians. These societies have long experience of working with migrants from different continents and have already overcome domestic resistance to attracting foreign labor. In Sweden, Norway and Denmark, Ukrainians get not only access to social programs, but also the opportunity to integrate into production and engineering chains on equal rights.
As an example, people from more than 50 countries work at the Scania plant in Sweden, and Ukrainians are no exception. The approach is not to separate workers by origin, but to integrate them into the overall system. A high level of social protection, language training programs, adaptation courses, as well as an active employment policy allow Scandinavia to position itself as a long-term choice for many refugees.
Eastern Europe: pragmatic approach and demographic interest
The countries of Eastern Europe — in particular, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia — show an increasing willingness to keep Ukrainians in their homes, but the motives here are different. The main driving force is the need for cheap but skilled labor. In the absence of a long-term migration policy, these countries are forced to respond to a shortage of workers, especially in industry, construction, transport and the social sphere. Therefore, despite the fact that society remains wary of foreigners, state policy is becoming more and more liberal.
The gradual liberalization of legislation also speaks in favor of this. Poland, for example, is actively adapting the procedures for issuing documents for citizens of Ukraine. Hungary and Slovakia launch educational programs and accelerate integration. These processes are not yet fully mature, but the vector is clearly defined: countries need people and are ready to meet those who want to stay.
New Schengen: Bulgaria and Romania open the market
From January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the Schengen zone, which radically changes the situation for Ukrainian migrants in these countries. Until now, both states remained on the periphery of attractive destinations for refugees, partly due to uncertainty with the visa regime, partly due to limited access to social programs.
However, with the acquisition of full status in Schengen, not only mobility, but also economic attractiveness increases. Business is starting to focus on the influx of new employees. It is expected that Ukrainians, already familiar with the language, mentality and logic of employment in Eastern Europe, will become the main resource for the new stage of industrial development in these countries.
The financial factor: the German outflow and redistribution of refugees
Germany remains the leader in terms of the number of Ukrainian refugees — more than 1.235 million people. But her role is gradually changing. Due to the revision of the policy of social benefits and increasing pressure on local budgets, the state is beginning to increase its requirements for refugees, especially in terms of employment. Retention without active integration is no longer considered an acceptable scenario.
This gives rise to a migration shift: a part of Ukrainians begins to look for new locations – either with a lower cost of living (like Spain or Italy), or with a higher level of social support (like Sweden or Norway). Thus, the economic logic begins to supersede the initial impulses of displacement.
Numbers that define reality
As of the end of 2024, the largest number of Ukrainian refugees is registered in the following countries:
- Germany — 1.235 million
- Poland — 985.1 thousand
- Czech Republic — 380.4 thousand
- Great Britain — 253.5 thousand
- Spain — 217,000
- Italy — 171.5 thousand.
- France — 64.6 thousand
These data not only record the fact of presence, but also demonstrate where the centers of gravity for the long-term integration of Ukrainians are formed. And at the same time, where new centers of the Ukrainian diaspora with a full-fledged social, educational and economic structure may appear in the future.
The question of the long-term stay of Ukrainian refugees in Europe is no longer reduced to a simple formula: to help or not. It is about integration, which requires efforts not only from the host country, but also from the refugees themselves. Europe is beginning to show more and more pragmatism: those countries that see immigrants as a resource offer programs, training, and work. Those who are tired of challenges – drag out procedures and gradually limit support.
Therefore, the countries most open to the long-term integration of Ukrainians remain those that combine a stable economy, a formed migration policy and a society capable of multiculturalism. And it is these conditions that become decisive for the choice of millions of Ukrainians — not only where to live now, but where to build their future.
