Information for Ukrainian refugees in Austria
Protection until 4 March 2028, extended automatically
Important to know
New applicants (without EU protection on 30 Jul 2026) must prove they met Ukrainian military obligations (exit stamp or Reserve+). Since 1 Oct 2024 you can switch to the Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus: 12 months of insured work in the last 24, German A1, income from €1,308.39/month (2026); time as a displaced person then counts towards permanent residence. A Ukrainian car can count as an asset for Grundversorgung. Keep your address registered. BMI Ukraine info
Useful links
Official information
- Austrian Integration Fund: info for Ukrainians (in Ukrainian)integration.at (opens in a new tab)
- BBU: FAQ for displaced persons (in Ukrainian)bbu.gv.at (opens in a new tab)
- Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA): Ukrainebfa.gv.at (opens in a new tab)
Getting there
Housing
International hosting platforms (Host4Ukraine)
Work
- AMS: work in Austria (in Ukrainian)ams.at (opens in a new tab)
- AMS: Blue Card for displaced personsams.at (opens in a new tab)
International job platforms for Ukrainians
Telegram channels
More links
Status and documents
- How long protection lasts
- Temporary right of residence until 4 March 2028, extended automatically. The BFA mails a new 'Ausweis für Vertriebene' to your registered address; the right stays valid even if the old card says 4 Mar 2027.
- Documents
- Passport; birth, marriage and other civil-status certificates; other IDs if available — missing papers don't block registration. New applicants with military obligations: exit stamp or Reserve+ certificate.
- Where and how to apply
- Register with the police at designated stations or registration centres (Vienna: online appointment via the BFA website). No asylum application needed. If in need, then apply for Grundversorgung in your Land.
- Processing time
- Police registration on the spot (social insurance number printout within ~30 min). The BFA mails the card once data are complete; if documents are missing, it invites you for an interview.
- When protection ends
- Ends 4 Mar 2028, or earlier if return becomes safe; lost if you move to another country (short trips are fine) or for serious crimes. If you were abroad over 90 days, inform the BFA on return.
Travel, pets and language
- How to get there
- Bus, train (via neighbouring EU countries), car. No flights from Ukraine — Ukrainian airspace is closed to civil aviation.
- Pets
- EU rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, then a rabies antibody test at least 30 days later and a 3-month wait from the blood sample; EU health certificate from an official vet ≤10 days before arrival.
- Languages
- German; English helps. Displaced persons aged 15+ are entitled to a German course with the Integration Fund (ÖIF). Level A1 is required for the Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus.
Work, healthcare and education
- Right to work
- Yes. Free access to the labour market, no work permit needed; the public employment service AMS helps with job search.
- Jobs in demand
- Nurses and care assistants, doctors, electricians and electrical engineers, plumbers, roofers, welders, mechanics, carpenters, train drivers, cooks, kindergarten teachers (2026 shortage list).
- Healthcare
- Yes, via Grundversorgung (apply if in need; not automatic) or via employment; otherwise voluntary ÖGK self-insurance. Emergency treatment is always given but is not automatically free.
- Kindergarten
- The last kindergarten year before school is compulsory and free nationwide. Vienna: free or heavily discounted until school age; other Länder set their own fees.
- School
- Yes. Compulsory schooling applies to Ukrainian children; young people must stay in education or training until 18.
Benefits
- Housing support
- Grundversorgung: organised accommodation, or if renting privately a rent subsidy of up to €165 (single) / €330 (family) per month with a rental contract (e.g. Upper Austria).
- One-time payment
- No general lump-sum payment.
- Monthly allowance for adults
- Grundversorgung only with no or low income: food allowance €260/month per adult in private housing + rent subsidy (max €425/month in total). Income above €110 is partly deducted (65/35 rule).
- Monthly allowance for children
- Food allowance €145/month per child (Grundversorgung). Since 1 Jul 2026 only families outside Grundversorgung get Familienbeihilfe (€138.40–200.40 by age) + €70.90 child tax credit per month.
Cost of living
- Average rent
- Approx.: average rent incl. operating costs €695/month per flat (€10.5/m²); private market €12.5/m², on average €817 (Q1 2026), heating extra.
- Groceries per person per month
- Approx. €446/month for one adult (food incl. snacks), €217–269 for a child aged 7–14 (reference budgets 2026).
- Kindergarten fees
- Vienna: free or heavily discounted (meal costs can be waived); other Länder: regional fees, last year before school free. Private kindergarten average: —
- Private school fees
- Public school free; approx. €35–54/month for materials, €230/month for afternoon care with lunch (reference budgets 2026). Private school fees: —
- Health insurance cost
- Voluntary ÖGK self-insurance: €565.25/month (2026), can be reduced on request; benefits usually start after 6 months.
All information is for reference only. Rules and benefits change often, so some of it may be out of date. Always check with official sources before making a decision.
If you spot an inaccuracy, please write to us at howtohelpuacom@gmail.com.