May 21, 2026
We would like to share an important update for people seeking protection from Ukraine:
✅ The German government has extended the validity of temporary protection until 4 March 2027 (based on the 8th amendment to the Ukraine Residence Transitional Regulation).
⚠️ However, there is an important limitation: If you already have or previously had temporary protection in another EU country, you are not eligible to receive temporary protection in Germany.
For more information: Germany — Ukraine is Home
February 25, 2026
Bulgaria has extended Temporary Protection until 4 March 2027. This means that all beneficiaries need to renew their registration cards, which are currently valid until 30 April 2026.
🟦 Re‑registration is now open at the State Agency for Refugees registration centres:
| 📍 Sofia Registration & Reception Centres | – 11 Lokomotiv Str. – 270 Botevgradsko Shose Blvd. – 21A Montevideo Str. |
| 📍 Harmanli Registration & Reception Centre | Zh.k. Druzhba №23 |
| 📍 Banya Registration & Reception Centre | 8914 Banya village, Nova Zagora Municipality, 17 Mineralni Bani |
| 📍 Pastrogor Transit Centre | 6519 Pastrogor village, Svilengrad Municipality |
🟩 Until 30 April 2026, people under Temporary Protection can also complete re‑registration at the nearest Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior anywhere in the country. A detailed list of MoI re‑registration locations will be published soon on the official website of the State Agency for Refugees.
For more information, follow updates from the State Agency for Refugees.
February 13, 2026
Pension Verification Requirement for Ukrainian Refugees
Due to recent legislative changes in Ukraine, all Ukrainian pensioners residing abroad must complete a verification procedure in order to continue receiving pension payments.
How to Complete Verification
You can complete the procedure through one of the following modalities:
1. Diia Application
Via Diia Signature on the PFU web portal or the PFU mobile app ( video guide is available here)
2. Videoconference Verification via the PFU Portal
You may request a video call via the PFU portal or by calling the hotline: 0800 503 753.
Calls are usually scheduled within 10–30 days and conducted via Google Meet, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Viber, or Zoom.
You will be asked to present your original passport/ID and pension certificate during the call.
3. Verification at a Ukrainian Consulate
Visit the nearest Ukrainian consulate to confirm your identity and place of residence.
You will receive a certificate of identity, which you can upload via the PFU portal to complete verification.
4. In-Person Verification in Ukraine
If you are currently in Ukraine, you can visit any PFU service centre.
Please note: Due to the suspension of thousands of pensions in January 2026, long queues are currently reported nationwide.
Additional Requirement for Pensioners from Temporarily Occupied Territories (ToTs)
If you are from the ToTs, you must confirm that you are not receiving a pension from the Russian Federation, by doing one of the following:
After completing all steps, please verify that your PFU personal account reflects the correct date of verification and declaration. You may check this online or by contacting the PFU hotline (0800 503 753).
Need More Help?
For more information and technical support completing the verification process through the Diia app or PFU portal please contact the UNHCR Regional Contact Centre (RCC). Additional information will also soon be available viathe Ukraine is Home website: https://ukraineishome.org/
January 13, 2026
Please kindly note that from 1 January 2026, the legal aid office of the Helsinki Committee is closed for reception.
You may receive free legal assistance at the Bureau for Information and Services for Third Country Nationals at bul. “Hristo Botev” 111, (tel.: + 359 879 651 046; +359 88 2 66 00 56):
Please note that the organizations listed above may limit the provision of free legal assistance to vulnerable persons and make it conditional on the applicant’s financial means.
You can obtain more information regarding the international and temporary protection procedure in Bulgaria, as well as your rights upon recognition, as well as available support services on UNHCR’s Help page.
If you would like to reach out to UNHCR Bulgaria directly you can either:
