In its most substantial policy change since the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) was activated in March 2022, the Irish Government has reduced the period of State-funded accommodation offered to newly-arrived Ukrainians from 90 days to just 30 days. The new rule applies to all arrivals who land on or after 10 November 2025 and was confirmed in guidance issued by the Department of Integration late on Friday evening (21 November).
Officials say the measure is designed to relieve pressure on a reception system that is currently housing more than 26,000 Ukrainians and a further 22,000 applicants for international protection. After the initial month, beneficiaries must find a private rental or move in with host families under the Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme, which now pays €600 per month—down from €800 earlier this year.
![Ireland Cuts Free Accommodation for New Ukrainian Arrivals to 30 Days]()
For employers who still relocate staff from Ukraine, the practical implications are immediate. HR and mobility managers will need to budget for private accommodation almost from day-one, or consider pre-booking extended-stay hotels and serviced apartments. Companies that previously relied on the 90-day grace period to complete onboarding and orientation will need to compress those timelines or front-load housing allowances.
Migration charities have criticised the move, warning that vulnerable families could end up homeless in the middle of Ireland’s chronic housing shortage. Government sources counter that the 30-day window simply brings Ukrainians into line with other refugee cohorts and provides an incentive to enter the labour market quickly. Ministers have hinted that further reforms—possibly including means-tested welfare—will follow in early 2026.
Officials say the measure is designed to relieve pressure on a reception system that is currently housing more than 26,000 Ukrainians and a further 22,000 applicants for international protection. After the initial month, beneficiaries must find a private rental or move in with host families under the Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme, which now pays €600 per month—down from €800 earlier this year.
For employers who still relocate staff from Ukraine, the practical implications are immediate. HR and mobility managers will need to budget for private accommodation almost from day-one, or consider pre-booking extended-stay hotels and serviced apartments. Companies that previously relied on the 90-day grace period to complete onboarding and orientation will need to compress those timelines or front-load housing allowances.
Migration charities have criticised the move, warning that vulnerable families could end up homeless in the middle of Ireland’s chronic housing shortage. Government sources counter that the 30-day window simply brings Ukrainians into line with other refugee cohorts and provides an incentive to enter the labour market quickly. Ministers have hinted that further reforms—possibly including means-tested welfare—will follow in early 2026.
