Where to Relocate from Ukraine: The Best Countries for Ukrainian Emigration in 2026

Updated November 6, 2026

If you are wondering where to move from Ukraine, climate and salary should not be your only criteria. It is important to assess how comfortable life abroad will be: the prospects of legalization in the chosen country, the average cost of renting and buying property, and access to education and healthcare.

Let's look at the best countries for Ukrainians to emigrate to, compare living conditions and the ways to obtain resident status.

Ways to Move from Ukraine

In 2026, Ukrainians can choose from several options for moving to Europe or overseas: obtaining a visa (work, digital nomad, student), applying for temporary protection, starting a business, family reunification and buying property. Each option has its own specifics, document requirements, timelines and costs.

1. Temporary protection. Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country can apply for temporary protection status. It allows them to live and work legally, enroll children in schools and receive medical care in EU countries. According to the latest data, temporary protection has been extended until March 4, 2028.
2. Work visa. This option is chosen by specialists who have found an employer abroad. The main basis for the permit is an employment contract.
3. Digital nomad visa. Some countries offer programs with favorable conditions for remote employees, freelancers and entrepreneurs.
4. Business. Registering your own company abroad or investing in an existing business may well serve as grounds for a residence permit. Requirements for the type of activity and capital depend on the specific country.
5. Student visa. A relevant option for school graduates looking for countries to emigrate to from Ukraine. A student residence permit allows you to live in the country for the entire period of study, and afterwards to apply for a work permit.
6. Family reunification. If your relatives have citizenship or legal residence status in another country, this may become the basis for a family residence permit.
7. Buying property. Some countries offer the right to temporary or long-term residence in exchange for real estate investment. For example, in Turkey a foreigner can obtain citizenship under a simplified procedure by buying property worth $400,000 or more.

How to Choose a Country to Move To

To understand which country is best to emigrate to from Ukraine, you should evaluate it not by its popularity with tourists, but by your prospects after living there for several years.

Key selection criteria:

• legalization: check the options and the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, its validity period, and the conditions for moving from a residence permit to permanent residence/citizenship;
• work: research in-demand professions, salaries, restrictions on employing foreigners and tax rates (even with a financial safety cushion, it is important to have a source of income);
• cost of living: consider how much a month in a foreign country will cost – rent, utilities, insurance, transport, groceries and other basic needs;
• housing: compare the cost of long-term rent in the countries you are interested in, as well as the conditions for buying property;
• education and healthcare: an especially important criterion for families with children – check access to local healthcare and the availability of kindergartens/schools;
• language and adaptation: some countries have a Ukrainian diaspora, which makes it easier to find friends, useful contacts and adapt to a new environment;
• climate and lifestyle: decide whether the familiar European climate suits you or you would prefer to live in a warm country by the sea.

By analyzing these criteria, you can understand where to move from Ukraine and which countries are best for emigrating with children.

Compare the best countries for Ukrainian emigrants in the table below:

*The table shows average price ranges; legalization requirements should be checked before submitting documents and moving.

The Best European Countries for Ukrainians

Where is it better to move from Ukraine during the war? EU countries remain the main destination Ukrainians choose for emigration. There you can obtain temporary protection, find official employment, buy property, stay for permanent residence and obtain citizenship.

Here are the top countries to move to from Ukraine.

Poland

The best country to move to from Ukraine: it is one of the most accessible destinations for Ukrainians thanks to the similarity of the languages, geographic proximity and a large Ukrainian diaspora.

Ukrainians with UKR status are currently allowed to live legally in Poland until March 4, 2027.

With this status, you do not need a separate work permit, provided that your employer notifies the relevant authorities. For longer stays, you can obtain a 3-year Karta Pobytu and get a PESEL number at the bank to access banking, medical and legal services.

Advantages of Poland:

• close to the Ukrainian border;
• large diaspora;
• developed labor market;
• quick adaptation;
• affordable prices for groceries and essentials.

Disadvantages:

• highly competitive rental market;
• housing prices are rising in large cities due to the large influx of Ukrainians;
• you need to learn the language.

Poland is chosen by families with children and those who want to visit home regularly.

Spain

Spain attracts Ukrainians with the Mediterranean Sea, warm climate and developed infrastructure. Here, temporary protection allows you to work and live legally, while running a business or employment are alternatives for long-term residence. Remote workers can apply for a digital nomad visa.

Advantages:

• high-quality healthcare and education;
• developed infrastructure;
• pleasant climate.

Disadvantages:

• knowledge of the language is required;
• high housing prices in popular tourist cities;
• bureaucracy.

Portugal

An ideal option for emigrants who want to live in a European country with a mild climate, near the ocean and at a relaxed pace of life. In Portugal, Ukrainians are covered by a temporary protection program (§24 of the Law on the Stay of Foreigners): after it expires, you can apply for a work/digital nomad visa or consider an entrepreneur program.

Advantages:

• ocean and favorable climate;
• developed tourist and social infrastructure;
• safety;
• you can work remotely.

Disadvantages:

• expensive rent in Lisbon and Porto;
• lower salaries compared to neighboring countries;
• you need to learn Portuguese to emigrate.

Portugal is worth considering for freelancers and families with children.

Germany

People choose this country for its stable labor market, high-quality education and opportunities for professional growth. Ukrainian citizens can obtain temporary protection in Germany, which allows them to work and receive social services. Qualified specialists can apply for a work residence permit.

Advantages:

• a developed economy with high demand for medical and technical specialists;
• economic stability;
• developed social infrastructure;
• accessible education system.

Disadvantages:

• high cost of living in large cities;
• bureaucratic procedures take a lot of time;
• many professions require knowledge of German;
• expensive rent and property prices.

Germany suits qualified specialists, families with children and those who plan to build a career in Europe.

Montenegro

A resort country that attracts people with its sea, climate and calm, relaxed lifestyle. Ukrainians have been granted temporary protection in Montenegro until March 4, 2027.

The main way to obtain the right to temporary residence is to buy property worth at least about €200,000. Employment and entrepreneurship are other paths to a residence permit.

Advantages:

• sea coast and mild climate;
• cities with a small population;
• property is relatively inexpensive.

Disadvantages:

• limited labor market;
• seasonal tourism business;
• dependence on imports.

Montenegro is an option for those who want to live near the sea but are not ready to move to another continent.

Where to Move to Live by the Sea

If you are considering warm countries with access to the sea and the opportunity to buy your own home at a good price, look at countries outside Europe.

Where is the best place to move from Ukraine to live by the sea?

1. Turkey. The country has a developed tourist infrastructure, a wide choice of properties and several ways to obtain legal status. Turkey is one of the most popular destinations among Ukrainians looking to buy property abroad. Here you can buy an apartment in Antalya, Alanya, Mersin, Istanbul or Bodrum. Foreign property owners can apply for a short-term residence permit if they meet the migration requirements. Investment citizenship is a separate option. In 2026, the minimum property value for the program is $400,000 (subject to a three-year ban on resale).
2. Northern Cyprus. Suitable for Ukrainians who appreciate a relaxed pace of life and the opportunity to invest in resort property. Foreigners can buy apartments and houses, and apply for a residence permit if they meet the established requirements. The conditions depend on the applicant category, property documents and proof of financial means.
3. The UAE suits entrepreneurs, investors and high-income professionals. Dubai offers residency programs for property owners. For example, a 3-year residence permit is available when buying property worth AED 750,000 or more. A 5-year residency through real estate investment requires a threshold of AED 2 million.
4. Thailand. The country attracts remote workers, entrepreneurs and those who prefer a warm tropical climate. Digital professionals can obtain the five-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). It allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry, with a one-time extension for the same period.
5. Bali (Indonesia) is chosen by freelancers, online business owners and families who enjoy the Asian lifestyle. Various categories of visas and permits are available for long stays, including investment programs and programs for people with proven income. However, foreigners should keep in mind the specifics of Indonesian law: foreigners cannot freely acquire land with full ownership.
6. Greece. It combines European infrastructure, a Mediterranean climate and a developed tourism industry. Ukrainians can use temporary protection under the EU-wide mechanism. For long-term residence, work and business grounds are available, as well as the Golden Visa program.

Where to Move for Permanent Residence on a Small Budget

Where can you move for permanent residence without money? It is a difficult question: even with temporary protection, you still need money for food, transport, rent and other expenses.

If your savings are limited, buying property or joining an investment program will not be the best step. But this does not mean that emigrating from Ukraine is impossible.

The most realistic options are:

• temporary protection for legal status in the host country without buying property or making large investments;
• employment if you have an in-demand profession and a job offer;
• studying for young professionals and students who are ready to invest time in education;
• remote work: some countries offer visas for people who earn income from abroad.

If your goal is to move for permanent residence without large investments, it is better to start by assessing your professional opportunities and available migration programs. In this case, buying property can become the next step once you have a stable income and an understanding of the local market.

The most accessible options for refugees from Ukraine:

Poland. The opportunity to live legally under temporary protection, work and gradually switch to other grounds.

Germany. Temporary protection provides access to the labor market and social support.

Spain. Suitable for Ukrainians who value temporary protection, the climate and employment opportunities.

Montenegro. Here you can consider working or starting a business, but you should assess the cost of living and residence permit requirements in advance.

Moving by Buying Property: Residence Permit and Citizenship

Buying property abroad solves two problems at once: you get your own home and grounds for resident status. The only nuance is that the conditions differ from country to country:

• Turkey: buying property worth $400,000 or more (with an obligation not to sell it for 3 years) allows you to apply for citizenship if you meet the established requirements;
• UAE: property worth AED 2 million or more can serve as the basis for a five-year Golden Visa;
• Montenegro: property ownership can be used to apply for temporary residence if the property meets current legal requirements;
• Northern Cyprus: buying a home makes it possible to apply for a residence permit if the established conditions are met.

Before buying, it is important to check the legal status of the property, ownership documents, restrictions for foreign buyers and the actual conditions for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship.

Learn more about obtaining citizenship through property purchase in our article on Turkish citizenship by investment.

What to Prepare Before Moving

For a smooth and well-organized move, make a "must do" list in advance, prepare your documents and calculate all future expenses.

Here is a checklist so you don't forget anything:

1. Documents: passports, children's birth certificates and marriage certificates, diplomas, driver's licenses and property documents. Check their validity, get notarized translations and an apostille.
2. Finances. You will need money for travel, renting/buying a home, utilities, food and other basic needs. Plan a budget for a couple of months in case you cannot start working abroad right away. Before leaving, close all financial matters at home: pay off debts, loans, etc.
3. Healthcare. Collect your medical records, vaccination information and prescriptions, and buy insurance. It is also a good idea to have a health check-up, visit the dentist and complete all scheduled procedures.

FAQ

Where do Ukrainians most often move?

Where is it best for Ukrainians to live in Europe? Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany and other EU countries remain among the most popular. The choice depends on job availability, finances, family circumstances and legalization options.

Where can I go from Ukraine as a refugee?

Ukrainians can use temporary protection in EU countries. It grants the right to live and work without going through the standard asylum procedure. It is best to find out in advance which countries accept refugees from Ukraine in order to plan your route.

Where is it easiest for Ukrainians to get a residence permit?

There is no universal country with the simplest residence permit process. EU countries offer temporary protection, while Turkey, Montenegro and some other countries offer residency through work, business or property.

Which country is best for moving with children?

Families should consider Poland, Germany, Spain and Portugal. When choosing, assess the availability of schools, access to healthcare, rental costs and parents' ability to work.

Can I get a residence permit by buying property?

Yes. Owning property in some countries – Turkey, the UAE and Northern Cyprus – provides grounds for a residence permit, but the conditions differ. Keep in mind that buying a home does not always automatically grant the right to reside, and in Turkey citizenship through property is available under a separate investment program.

Hayat Estate will help you choose property in Turkey, Spain, Portugal, the UAE, Northern Cyprus, Thailand and other countries. Our clients can get advice on available properties, the specifics of buying and investment programs for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship.

Leave a request on the Hayat Estate website to discuss suitable relocation options and find property that matches your goals and budget.