Temporary Protection status

ON THIS PAGE YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT
• What is Temporary Protection?
• Eligibility for Temporary Protection
• Validity of your Temporary Protection
• Benefits of Temporary Protection
• Applying for Temporary Protection
• Returning to Ukraine
• Moving to another EU country
• If you arrived before 24 February 2022
• Getting assistance

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What is Temporary Protection?

Temporary Protection is a special status offered within the European Union (EU) to individuals who are fleeing the war in Ukraine. It grants certain rights and services to those eligible, allowing you to stay in Hungary for a specified period. Temporary Protection includes access to shelter, social welfare assistance, medical care, education for children, and the ability to work without a permit. This status is distinct from the 30-day temporary residence certificate you may have received at the border.

Eligibility for Temporary Protection

If you were in Ukraine before February 24, 2022, and crossed into the EU on or after this date, you are entitled to Temporary Protection in Hungary. This applies to Ukrainian citizens, refugees and stateless people recognized previously in Ukraine, and their eligible family members (including spouses, domestic partners, dependent children under 18, and dependent relatives living in the same household). If you are not a national of Ukraine, a refugee or stateless person previously recognized by Ukraine, or a family member of a Ukrainian national (or of a recognized refugee or stateless person), you are not eligible for Temporary Protection. Read more about access to asylum in Hungary.

If you are a Hungarian national and you fled Ukraine because of the war, you are not entitled to temporary protection, but you are entitled to the same rights and services as beneficiaries of temporary protection.

Validity of your Temporary Protection

The validity of Temporary Protection has been extended until March 4, 2026, across the European Union, including Hungary. This extension applies even if the expiration date on your card reads March 4 of 2023, 2024, or 2025. There's no immediate action required from you, as the extension has been enacted by law.

If someone questions the validity of your card, for example, your employer or any service provider (healthcare, education), please inform them about the extension and show them the law (86/2022. (III. 7.) 5. § (3) and its extension 343/2024 of 11 November) stating that the cards are valid until 4 March 2026.

You can also request an official certificate from the NDGAP confirming the validity of your temporary protection status. This document serves as proof that Hungary has granted you temporary protection and that your status remains valid. The certificate can be requested at any of the NDGAP client offices.

Benefits of Temporary Protection

Residency

You will have the right to reside in Hungary until 4 March 2026, which period may be extended. When you apply for Temporary Protection, you will receive a humanitarian residence permit valid for 60 days (also referred to as “laminated card”). When the asylum authority grants you Temporary Protection, you will receive a residence permit (also referred to as “plastic card”). The granting of your Temporary Protection status (and receiving your plastic card) may take up to two months. Read more about access to housing..

If your humanitarian residence permit is due to expire soon, and you have not yet received your plastic card, you should contact the immigration authority for information. In case you experience problems with applying for Temporary Protection, and need legal assistance, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee can help you in the process.

Healthcare

If you have registered for Temporary Protection, you have access to free medical care. This can be accessed through a general practitioner or, if needed, specialized care or the hospital. Make sure to bring your documents with you, as the doctor might request them. Read more about access to healthcare.

In case you experience difficulties accessing healthcare, and need counselling or legal help, please see the information provided by the Hungarian Helsinki Committee (you can print the sample letter for healthcare service providers in Hungarian, which will explain your rights to the doctor). If the letter could not help you, you may contact the Hungarian Helsinki Committee or Menedék Association for support.

Education

As an applicant and a beneficiary of Temporary Protection, you have the right to benefit from nursery care for your child, and have an obligation to enrol your child into kindergarten (age 3-6) and school (age 6-16). Public education institutions (nurseries, kindergartens, elementary and high schools) are free, but you need to formally enrol your child. Read more about enrolling to education.

Financial support

If you are granted Temporary Protection, you have access to financial assistance. The amount varies — HUF 22,800 per month per adult and HUF 13,700 per month per child. To apply for this assistance, you'll need to register with the locally competent Government Office.

Applying for Temporary Protection

You can apply for Temporary Protection at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (“Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság” in Hungarian) client services in Hungary as listed below. You can also submit your application at the locally competent Government Office (“Kormányablak”).

Returning to Ukraine

As a Temporary Protection holder, you can visit Ukraine for a short time without losing your status. Your residence permit will not be revoked, and you may return to Hungary after your visit.

Moving to another EU country

You can only have Temporary Protection in one EU Member State. If you move to another country, the new country must provide you with the same rights and register you for Temporary Protection. Your status in the first country will be withdrawn. Always inform the authorities of your decision if you decide to move between countries in the long term.

If you arrived before 24 February 2022

If you're a citizen of Ukraine and arrived before February 24, you do notqualify for Temporary Protection. However, you can still apply for Temporary Protection, and you will likely receive a status called “tolerated status” (known as “befogadott” in Hungarian). Although it's not the same as Temporary Protection, it allows you to remain in Hungary and provides you with some rights.

The tolerated status is reviewed by the immigration authority on a yearly basis. You are entitled to stay in reception facilities and receive care for 30 days after receiving the status. If you don't have social security that grants you free public healthcare, you are still eligible for certain healthcare services. This includes free care from local doctors, limited access to emergency care and mandatory vaccines services. Read more about the tolerated status.

Getting assistance

The extension of the validity of your Temporary Protection residence permit until 4 March 2026 is based on Government decree 343/2024, which amends Government decree 86/2022 on Temporary Protection. The exact legal reference is Section 5(3) of Government decree 86/2022.