In December 2025, several European countries and the US are revising their support programs and residency rules for Ukrainians. Some countries are reducing social benefits, introducing new assistance requirements, and making changes to legalization procedures.
Germany is cutting social benefits for newly arriving Ukrainians starting April 2025. The new rules reduce payments and require active job-seeking. For those already in the country, existing support programs remain unchanged.
In Austria, Ukrainians must be employed or registered with the employment service to retain family benefits. Payments are extended to June 30, 2026.
Switzerland has simplified employment for people with S status by removing the need for a separate work permit as of December 2025. Participation in professional integration programs also becomes more rigorous.
In the UK, refugee residence permits are now reviewed every two years. The status is no longer permanent, and the path to permanent residency may take up to 20 years.
Latvia plans to allocate additional funding to support Ukrainians in 2026. Current support lasts until the end of 2025 under EU law.
Ireland will reduce the period new refugees can live in state-provided housing from 90 to 30 days. Compensation programs for landlords may be cut.
The US has begun deporting Ukrainians with removal orders. Around 200,000 are at risk of losing their status due to administrative delays.
In Poland, changes limit the "800+" benefit to working parents and children attending Polish schools. Most residency applications are now filed online.
The EU continues the rollout of digital driver’s licenses and imposes new rules for novice drivers' probationary periods.
Ukrainian pensioners abroad must undergo mandatory identification by December 31, 2025, or their payments will be stopped.
Ukraine has also approved its first partner countries for simplified dual citizenship for migrants.
