Housing and accommodation

1. Until when is accommodation support currently regulated?

The accommodation support for Ukrainian refugees is regulated under Emergency Ordinance no. 96/2024, providing accommodation support in the form of a monthly lump sum for new arrivals with temporary protection for up to 3 consecutive months from the date of entry into Romania.

For certain vulnerable persons who arrived before 1 July 2024 and are accommodated in designated centres the continued accommodation support was considered until 31 December 2025.

2. What accommodation support is available for new arrivals in 2026?

Individuals arriving in Romania after 1 July 2024 under temporary protection are eligible for short-term financial support to cover basic living costs. This takes the form of a monthly lump sum for up to three months from the date of entry, with amounts set at 750 RON per month for a single person or 2,000 RON per month for a family.

Please be aware that payments are not immediate and may sometimes be delayed due to processing times or limited funds.

 

3. What should refugees affected by changes or uncertainty in accommodation support do?

Refugees are advised to stay informed through official communication channels and seek guidance from local authorities regarding available alternatives or support options.

If you are affected, you can contact your local City Hall (Primăria) – Social Assistance Department to inquire about your eligibility for alternative support options available. You can also reach out to DGASPC (Direcția Generală de Asistență Socială și Protecția Copilului) for assistance with social support, including matters related to vulnerability, family separation, or other protection needs. https://protectieucraina.gov.ro/

 

4. Where will official updates be communicated?

Official updates regarding accommodation support will be communicated through Government decisions published in the Monitorul Oficial, announcements by competent national authorities, and formal notifications issued by local authorities.

5. What is being done to support people affected by the uncertainty of accommodation support?

The UNHCR does not directly offer accommodation or cash assistance. However, the UNHCR works closely with local authorities and partners to advocate for support measures and to ensure needs of vulnerable persons are considered.  While UNHCR does not make official decisions regarding assistance or accommodation, we raise protection concerns with relevant authorities, advocate for fair and lawful treatment, as well as provide guidance to refugees on available services.

 

6. How can UNHCR help us?

UNHCR is the main international organization working closely with Romanian authorities on asylum issues and monitoring asylum procedures. UNHCR is also active in raising awareness for refugee topics and works together with NGOs, academia, media, etc.

A wide range of services is available through UNHCR, partner organizations, and local authorities. These include legal and protection counselling, support to access medical services and social benefits, employment support, and help with school enrolment, amongst others.

To learn more about UNHCR’s activities in Romania, please see:

All services are free of charge. Any person who offers to help in exchange of money or favors should be reported immediately (UNHCR hotline number is +40 723 653 651 and UNHCR email: [email protected])

7. What other services are available if we need them?

You can access the following websites for information on available services and support in Romania:

If you reside in or near Bucharest, you can access the RomExpo Community Center for more information, including the UNHCR Romania counselling desk located at Bulevardul Expoziției Nr. 2, Sector 1.