{"id":966055,"date":"2026-05-17T06:18:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T06:18:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/966055\/"},"modified":"2026-05-17T06:18:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T06:18:18","slug":"visit-ukraine-ukrainian-pensioners-in-europe-after-2027-chances-of-staying-in-poland-germany-the-czech-republic-and-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/966055\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit Ukraine – Ukrainian Pensioners in Europe After 2027: Chances of Staying in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n \"Ukrainian
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

\n Thousands of Ukrainians of retirement age in Europe are concerned about the expiration of temporary protection on March 4, 2027. Find out which countries offer a realistic chance of staying and what steps you need to take now\n <\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine<\/p>\n

BUY<\/a><\/p>\n

Thousands of Ukrainians of retirement age are already asking themselves the same question: what will happen after March 4, 2027, when the temporary protection regime in the European Union comes to an end? The answer depends not only on age and country of residence, but also on each person\u2019s specific circumstances. The publication relocate.to writes<\/a> about this. We\u2019ll break down where Ukrainian retirees have the best chances of staying and what they need to prepare for now.<\/p>\n

The transition after temporary protection: what will be decisive?<\/b><\/p>\n

The European Commission is already openly discussing a coordinated exit from the temporary protection regime. This means that member states should not wait until 2027 but should begin preparing other legal grounds for Ukrainians to stay today: employment, family ties, long-term residence statuses, or humanitarian permits.<\/p>\n

For older people in this system, it is not the mere fact of reaching retirement age that is decisive, but a combination of circumstances. First, health status, the inability to return safely, and the need for care or medical treatment. Second, integration: length of residence in the country, access to housing, family and medical ties, participation in community life, and language proficiency. Third, the specific country of residence, as it is this that determines whether there is a real \u201cbridge\u201d there after temporary protection.<\/p>\n

Read also<\/b>: The gender pension gap in the EU \u2014 women receive a quarter less than men<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Germany: humanitarian mechanisms as the main tool for the elderly<\/b><\/p>\n

Germany<\/a> remains one of the countries where more options are open to older Ukrainians than it seems at first glance. Permits under \u00a724 AufenthG for Ukrainians have been automatically extended until March 4, 2027, and during this time, one can work legally. This provides time not only to wait it out but also to prepare the next step.<\/p>\n

It is important to understand that a separate rule applies to certain skilled employment pathways: a person aged 45 or older who is obtaining a work residence permit for the first time must typically demonstrate a gross annual salary of at least 55,770 euros or prove adequate pension coverage. However, this rule applies exclusively to the skilled worker pathway\u2014not to humanitarian or integration permits.<\/p>\n

This is precisely why the humanitarian provisions of \u00a725(4) and \u00a725(5) of the AufenthG are particularly important for older Ukrainians in Germany. They allow for the granting of a residence permit if departure would be exceptionally difficult or practically impossible. For retirees, this may apply in cases of serious illness, the need for medical treatment, dependence on care, occupation of their home region, lack of housing, or the absence of a safe place to return to in Ukraine.<\/p>\n

Another important tool is \u00a723a of the AufenthG, the exceptional hardship mechanism. Through commissions for special cases, the federal states may support a residence permit if there are urgent humanitarian or personal reasons. This is not a mass scheme, but for vulnerable older people, it can be critically important.<\/p>\n

It is also worth mentioning \u00a725b AufenthG\u2014a residence permit in cases of established integration. For this, the length of stay, integration into the country\u2019s life, language proficiency, and social ties are important. At the same time, the law explicitly allows for waiving certain income or language requirements if a person cannot meet them due to illness, disability, or old age.<\/p>\n

Therefore, the main task for Ukrainians in Germany right now is not to look for the \u201cperfect job,\u201d but to document their integration: medical certificates from German doctors with a detailed description of the diagnosis and treatment, language course certificates, proof of volunteer work, employment, and family and social ties. It is this documentation that will form the basis for any future permit.<\/p>\n

As for financial support, the official Germany4Ukraine resource clearly explains: if your income is insufficient, you can receive social benefits. If a person is already of retirement age or has limited working capacity, they should apply not to the Jobcenter but to the Sozialamt for Sozialhilfe. This does not mean an automatic \u201cright to a German pension,\u201d but it does mean that an elderly Ukrainian with legal status will not be left without any systemic support.<\/p>\n

What older Ukrainians in Germany should do right now:<\/b><\/p>\n

\u25cf Check the validity of your permit under \u00a724 AufenthG\u2014if it has been extended until March 2027, use this time to prepare.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Gather everything that confirms your life in Germany: course certificates, medical records, proof of social and family ties.<\/p>\n

\u25cf If returning to Ukraine is impossible \u2014 document the reasons in writing. Occupation, lack of housing, need for medical treatment \u2014 all of these are grounds for humanitarian reasons under \u00a725(4) or \u00a725(5) of the AufenthG.<\/p>\n

\u25cf If your income is insufficient \u2014 contact the Sozialamt for Sozialhilfe.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Consult a lawyer or organizations such as Caritas, Diakonie, or AWO\u2014they provide free assistance in most federal states.<\/p>\n

By the way, if you\u2019re planning trips between EU countries or have already returned to Ukraine and are traveling abroad, you should arrange for health insurance. Getting a policy for traveling abroad<\/a> is convenient via the Visit Ukraine platform\u2014it takes just a few minutes and provides peace of mind in any unforeseen situation.<\/p>\n


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Poland: The Clearest Administrative \u201cBridge\u201d After Temporary Protection<\/b><\/p>\n

If we\u2019re talking not about humanitarian exceptions but about a technically clear transition route, Poland<\/a> looks like the strongest option today. Polish authorities have officially confirmed that for Ukrainians with PESEL UKR status, a transition model to the CUKR residence card is in place, which is valid for three years. Applications are submitted exclusively online via the special MOS portal.<\/p>\n

This card is not issued automatically. The applicant must meet several conditions: be a citizen of Ukraine or a family member of such a citizen, have legal residence in Poland under temporary protection, hold UKR status as of June 4, 2025, and on the day of application, as well as have maintained UKR status continuously for at least 365 days.<\/p>\n

For elderly Ukrainians, this is often a more convenient path than going through a complex humanitarian procedure. The chance to remain in Poland after temporary protection appears most realistic not because a person is a pensioner, but because the country is creating a separate transitional status for a large group of people with UKR status.<\/p>\n

At the same time, there is a common misconception: Poland is often described as a country where \u201cpensioners are simply given a Polish pension or a supplement.\u201d In reality, ZUS explicitly explains that the right to a Polish pension or to receive both a Polish and a Ukrainian pension simultaneously arises when a person has insurance periods in both countries and meets the conditions for receiving benefits in each of them. This is a bilateral agreement between Poland and Ukraine, not a universal supplement for everyone.<\/p>\n

Poland also pays special attention to vulnerable groups: the government has explicitly stated that people with disabilities, pensioners, and pregnant women may continue to stay in collective accommodation centers. This is important not as a \u201cpermanent status,\u201d but as an indication that elderly Ukrainians are considered a priority group.<\/p>\n

What older Ukrainians in Poland should do right now:<\/b><\/p>\n

\u25cf Check your PESEL UKR status and the date you received it\u2014a key requirement for CUKR is maintaining continuous status for at least 365 days.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Register on the MOS portal and prepare your documents. Paper applications are not accepted\u2014only online. If you have difficulty using digital tools, contact the Social Welfare Center (OPS) or volunteer organizations.<\/p>\n

\u25cf If you have insurance coverage for work in Poland \u2014 contact ZUS to clarify your entitlement to pension benefits.<\/p>\n

\u25cf If you live in a collective accommodation center \u2014 check with the administration regarding your rights as a priority category.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Free legal assistance is provided by Caritas Polska, Polska Akcja Humanitarna, and regional migration counseling centers.<\/p>\n

Czech Republic: a viable option for self-sufficient individuals, more complex for those needing support<\/b><\/p>\n

Czech Republic<\/a> has been among the countries where Ukrainians not only have their temporary protection extended but also a distinct pathway to a longer-term stay for several years now. Temporary protection was extended in 2026 through online registration, with authorities emphasizing that the continuity of previous residence is crucial for the future transition to a different status. Even for people with limited mobility in nursing homes or medical facilities, a special extension procedure is provided.<\/p>\n

The main transitional tool here is a special long-term residence permit for people with temporary protection. The official portal of the Czech Ministry of the Interior describes it as a mechanism for those who wish to remain in the country for a longer period. And here is a key point: this transition is intended for economically self-sufficient individuals.<\/p>\n

Back in 2024, the Czech Ministry of the Interior explained the rationale behind this system: transitioning from temporary protection to long-term residence is only possible if the individual has been under temporary protection for at least two years, is financially self-sufficient, and is not dependent on the welfare system. If an elderly person has a stable Ukrainian pension, family support, rents housing, and can document their self-sufficiency\u2014the Czech Republic can indeed be a strong option. But if resources are limited, the person requires constant care, or lives primarily on welfare, this path looks significantly more difficult.<\/p>\n

If a person cannot return to Ukraine due to a real threat\u2014such as occupation, shelling, or lack of access to necessary medical treatment\u2014they may apply for international protection with the OAMP MV \u010cR. The grounds for this are \u00a744 of the Act on the Residence of Foreigners or subsidiary protection. An important advantage: time spent under such protection counts toward the residency period required to obtain a permanent residence permit.<\/p>\n

There is a separate category for exceptional circumstances (\u00a742a)\u2014for those who are physically unable to leave due to age, illness, or the lack of Ukrainian documents. This status is considered on a case-by-case basis and does not require proof of income.<\/p>\n

What older Ukrainians in the Czech Republic should do right now:<\/b><\/p>\n

\u25cf Prepare medical certificates, proof of pension, evidence of family ties in the Czech Republic, and documents regarding risks in Ukraine.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Contact the UNHCR, the Czech Ministry of the Interior, or the NGO \u201c\u010clov\u011bk v t\u00edsni\u201d for a free consultation.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Applications are accepted by the OAMP in Brno and regional offices. Applications must be submitted no later than 6 months before the current status expires.<\/p>\n

Spain: Residence without the right to work as the main route<\/b><\/p>\n

For Ukrainian retirees in Spain<\/a>, the most realistic way to remain after 2027 is through residence without the right to work (residencia no lucrativa) or a family residence permit. The first option is suitable for those who can support themselves\u2014through a pension, savings, rental income, or investment income. The main requirement is to prove financial capacity: approximately 400% of the IPREM per year (about \u20ac28,800 for a single person) plus about \u20ac7,200 for each family member. You\u2019ll also need private health insurance with no deductible, a criminal record check, a medical certificate, and a valid passport.<\/p>\n

An alternative is a family residence permit (reagrupaci\u00f3n familiar or arraigo familiar) if the retiree has children or other close relatives in Spain with citizenship or long-term residency status. In this case, the relative must prove sufficient income and housing\u2014approximately \u20ac900\u20131,000 per person plus an additional amount for each subsequent family member.<\/p>\n

Regardless of the country where the elderly person is located, the most important thing right now is not to wait. 2026 is the time to gather medical, social, and immigration documents, confirm integration, and seek individual consultation. There is no automatic right to remain after temporary protection expires, but viable options exist\u2014and they require preparation.<\/p>\n

We remind you!<\/b> IDPs who have lost their documents due to the war or occupation can confirm their work history to apply for a pension. Read how to confirm work history through witnesses, what documents the court accepts, and what to do to receive a pension<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Photo: zavalishina \/ Freepik<\/p>\n

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the\u00a0News<\/a>\u00a0section.<\/p>\n

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Visit Ukraine Insurance<\/a>\u00a0– insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;<\/p>\n

Green Card<\/a>\u00a0– compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;<\/p>\n

Visit Ukraine Tickets<\/a>\u00a0– book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to\/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;<\/p>\n

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Frequantly<\/p>\n

asked questions<\/p>\n

When will temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU end?<\/p>\n

Currently, temporary protection for Ukrainians in EU countries has been extended until March 4, 2027.<\/p>\n

Can a Ukrainian pensioner remain in the EU after 2027 without a job?<\/p>\n

Yes, if there are other grounds: humanitarian circumstances (illness, inability to return), family ties in the host country, or financial self-sufficiency. For example, Spain has a separate type of residence permit \u2014 residencia no lucrativa \u2014 for those who can support themselves without the right to work.<\/p>\n

Is it mandatory to have insurance when traveling abroad from Ukraine or between EU countries?<\/p>\n

For most European countries, health insurance is a mandatory requirement when applying for a visa or residence permit. Even if it\u2019s not a requirement, it\u2019s critically important to cover medical expenses. Ukrainians can easily purchase an insurance policy online through the Visit Ukraine platform \u2014 it takes just a few minutes and is valid in most countries worldwide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Thousands of Ukrainians of retirement age in Europe are concerned about the expiration of temporary protection on March…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":966056,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7654],"tags":[2000,299,657],"class_list":{"0":"post-966055","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ukraine","8":"tag-eu","9":"tag-europe","10":"tag-ukraine"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116588467105018262","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/966055","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=966055"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/966055\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/966056"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=966055"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=966055"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=966055"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}