Austria's Open Arms: Welcoming Ukrainian Refugees

Austria has been taking in Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The country has hosted around a hundred thousand Ukrainian refugees, providing them with assistance in the form of accommodation, food, and financial aid. Ukrainian refugees in Austria are granted temporary protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive, which includes the right of residence, access to the labour market, education for children, and medical care.

Ukrainian refugees in Austria are also eligible for financial support for housing and basic needs through local social services. Upon arrival, refugees are placed in temporary accommodation and provided with food and health insurance. Austria also offers free long-term accommodation throughout the country, although refugees cannot choose the region.

To obtain temporary protection status in Austria, refugees should contact the police registration offices. This status is documented by an identity card for displaced persons, which serves as confirmation of tolerated residence and is required to access certain services.

Austria's response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis has been characterised by effective government programs and the support of local communities, facilitating the successful integration of refugees into Austrian society.

Ukrainian refugees in Austria: hospitality and integration

Austria has been accommodating Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The Austrian government has been providing assistance to Ukrainian citizens in the form of accommodation, food, and financial aid.

Hospitality

Upon arrival, Ukrainian refugees are placed in temporary accommodation, provided with food, and given access to health insurance. Austria offers free long-term accommodation for Ukrainians throughout the country. The type of accommodation varies, but individuals are not required to share rooms with others. If refugees wish to live with relatives, arrangements can be made for shared accommodation or placement nearby.

Austrians have also opened their homes to Ukrainians, and private citizens have played a significant role in housing refugees. Additionally, Ukrainians can rent homes independently while retaining basic care and food benefits. They can also apply for rental subsidies, with a rental subsidy for a family of two or more people being up to €300.00 per person per month.

Integration

Temporary Protection Status

Ukrainian refugees in Austria are granted a temporary right of residence, which is valid until at least March 4, 2025. This right of residence is confirmed by an ID card for displaced persons, also known as a "Blue Card." This card provides access to the labor market, education, and medical care.

Employment

Ukrainian refugees with a valid IDP card (Blue Card) can access the Austrian labor market through the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). The AMS collects data on education, professional experience, skills, and other personal information to offer suitable job opportunities. Refugees can also seek employment independently, and employers can apply to the AMS for work permits on their behalf.

Education

Children who arrive in Austria with their parents have the right to attend educational institutions. Information on kindergarten registration can be obtained from the municipality, and school placement inquiries can be directed to the education authority's counseling center. The school year in Austria starts on September 1st, and children typically begin school at the age of six, studying for nine years.

Healthcare

Ukrainian refugees who have been granted temporary protection in Austria are entitled to access medical services, including medical advice and free medicines. Registration for these services is carried out when applying for social services, after which an insurance number is assigned.

Financial Assistance

Refugees accommodated in organized accommodation have their living expenses covered and are provided with food or money for food. As part of the support, they are also entitled to a clothing allowance of €150.00 per person per year. For those living in private houses, in addition to the accommodation subsidy, financial support of up to €260 for adults and €145 for minors per person per month is available.

Challenges and Changes

While Austria has demonstrated hospitality towards Ukrainian refugees, there have been some challenges along the way. As the war continued, some Austrians grew weary of accommodating refugees, and there was a shift in sentiment, with a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment. This led to a reevaluation of policies and a push for better integration of refugees into the economy.

One significant change was the amendment to the Aliens Employment Act, which aimed to make it easier for Ukrainian refugees to find employment by removing certain restrictions. This amendment is expected to positively impact not only Ukrainian refugees but also Syrian and Afghan refugees.

Despite these challenges and changes, Austria remains committed to supporting Ukrainian refugees and has extended the temporary protection status for Ukrainian citizens until March 4, 2026.

Conditions of stay of Ukrainian refugees in Austria

Austria has hosted around a hundred thousand Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The country provides assistance to Ukrainian citizens in the form of accommodation, food, and financial aid.

Temporary Right of Residence

Ukrainian refugees have a temporary right of residence in Austria. This right is valid until at least March 4, 2025, and exists from the time they enter the country. This temporary right of residence is confirmed by an identity card for displaced persons, also known as a Blue Card. With this card, Ukrainian refugees can travel to other EU countries for up to 90 days without losing their right to reside in Austria.

Accommodation

Upon arrival, Ukrainian refugees are placed in temporary accommodation and provided with food and health insurance. Austria provides free long-term accommodation throughout the country. Refugees cannot choose the region but are assured that they will not have to share a room with others. If they wish to live with relatives, they can inform the staff, who will try to arrange shared accommodation or place them nearby.

Ukrainian refugees can also rent a home on their own while retaining basic care and food benefits. It is also possible to apply for a rental subsidy of up to EUR 300.00 per person per month for a family of two or more. The majority of refugees live in private housing, while state institutions provide about 15,000 places.

Financial Assistance

Ukrainian refugees who are accommodated in organised accommodation are covered for all living expenses and provided with food or money for it. They are also entitled to a clothing allowance of EUR 150.00 per person per year. For those living in private houses, they can receive financial support of up to EUR 260 for adults and EUR 145 for minors per person per month.

Medical Services

Ukrainian refugees who have been granted temporary protection in Austria have the right to access medical services, including medical advice and free medicines. After registering for social services, they are assigned an insurance number.

Education

Children who come to Austria with their parents have the right to attend educational institutions. The school year in Austria starts on September 1, and children begin school at the age of 6, studying for 9 school years.

Employment

Ukrainian refugees with a Blue Card have access to the Austrian labour market. The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) collects data such as education, professional experience, and skills, and offers job placements.

A new regulation that came into force on October 1, 2024, allows displaced persons from Ukraine with the right of residence ("Blue Card") to switch to a "Red-White-Red Card Plus" residence permit. This card grants full rights to reside and work in the country without sectoral or territorial restrictions. To obtain this card, refugees must meet certain requirements, including at least 12 months of official employment in Austria in the last 2 years, a full insurance package, and stable employment.

Possibility of moving to Austria after temporary protection in other countries

Austria has been providing temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. This includes assistance with accommodation, food, and financial aid.

Ukrainian citizens who have received temporary protection in another country can also seek temporary protection in Austria. They will need to apply to the registration offices of the police and provide the following documents:

• A valid travel document (international passport)
• Identity card for displaced persons
• Proof of residence in Ukraine before the outbreak of war
• Health insurance

Upon arrival, refugees will be placed in temporary accommodation and provided with food and health insurance. They will also receive an identity card for displaced persons ("Blue Card"), which confirms their right of residence in Austria. This card is typically valid for 90 days, and holders can travel within the EU for up to 90 days without losing their right to reside in Austria.

To obtain a longer-term residence permit in Austria, Ukrainian citizens will need to meet certain requirements, including:

• Valid passport and Blue Card
• Adequate means of subsistence (sufficient income or savings)
• Adequate accommodation (lease contract or other proof of housing)
• No threat to public order, security, or Austria's relations with other countries

There are different types of residence permits available, such as the Red-White-Red Card and the Red-White-Red Card Plus. The application process and requirements may vary depending on the type of residence permit sought. It is recommended to refer to the websites of the relevant Austrian authorities, such as the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Austrian Federal Government, for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

Austria's acceptance of a new wave of Ukrainian refugees

Austria is one of the many countries that has accepted Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The Austrian government has reaffirmed its readiness to provide asylum to Ukrainians in the event of an aggravation of the situation in Ukraine. Thanks to effective government programs and the support of local communities, the integration of refugees is quite successful.

Conditions of stay for Ukrainian refugees in Austria:

Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Austria due to the war have been granted temporary protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. The main conditions of their stay include:

• The right of residence: Refugees receive a temporary residence permit, which is automatically extended until March 2025.
• Access to the labour market: Ukrainians are allowed to work without the need for additional permits.
• Education for children: Children have the right to attend schools, including special language courses.
• Medical care: Refugees have access to medical services within the state healthcare system.
• Financial support: Benefits for housing and basic needs are available through local social services.

Registration as a displaced person:

Displaced persons who wish to stay in Austria must register with the police registration offices. As a result, they will be issued an ID card for "displaced persons", which is not delivered by the police but sent by post within a few days. This ID card serves as confirmation of tolerated residence and is required to receive services from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).

Temporary protection in Austria for Ukrainians:

Austria has introduced simplified conditions for applying for asylum for Ukrainians. Ukrainian citizens can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days. For a longer stay and social support, they need to apply for temporary protection status. Austria has extended this temporary protection status for Ukrainian citizens until 4 March 2026.

Accommodation for Ukrainian refugees:

Upon arrival, refugees are placed in temporary accommodation and provided with food and health insurance. Austria provides Ukrainians with free long-term accommodation located throughout the country. Austrians also accommodate Ukrainians in their own homes. Refugees can also rent a home on their own while retaining basic care and food benefits, and it is possible to apply for a rental subsidy.

Financial assistance for Ukrainian refugees in Austria:

If accommodated in organised accommodation, refugees are covered for all living expenses and provided with food or money for it. As part of the support, they are entitled to a clothing allowance of EUR 150 per person per year. For those living in a private house, they can receive financial support of up to EUR 260 for adults and EUR 145 for minors per person per month.

Medical services in Austria:

Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in Austria have the right to access medical services, including receiving medical advice and free medicines. Registration is carried out when applying for social services, after which they will be assigned an insurance number.

Education for Ukrainian children in Austria:

Children who come to Austria with their parents have the right to attend educational institutions. Information on kindergarten registration is available from the municipality in which the family resides. The school year in Austria starts on 1 September, and children start school at the age of 6 and study for 9 school years.

Employment for Ukrainian refugees in Austria:

With an ID card for displaced persons and an employment permit, Ukrainian refugees have access to the Austrian labour market. Registration and job search are carried out through the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS), which collects data such as education, professional experience, and skills. Refugees can look for jobs on their own on platforms such as karriere.at and jooble.

Austria remains one of the most open European countries for Ukrainian refugees and confirms its readiness to provide assistance in the event of a new wave of migrants.

Ukrainian refugees in Austria: health insurance and travel

Austria has been hosting Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The country provides assistance to Ukrainian citizens in the form of accommodation, food, and financial aid.

Health Insurance

Ukrainian refugees in Austria are entitled to health insurance and medical care. Upon registration as a displaced person, Ukrainian nationals and other persons temporarily residing in Austria since the beginning of the war receive health insurance at the Austrian Health Insurance Center (ÖGK) from the first day of their arrival. Displaced persons will receive an insurance number and an e-card replacement document.

Travel

Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection status in Austria can travel to other EU countries for up to 90 days and return to Ukraine for a short time without losing their right to reside in Austria. However, if they plan to return to Ukraine permanently, they need to deregister at the institution where they applied for protection.

Frequently asked questions