Check a VAT number (VIES) - Vat Calculator

Updated on May 9, 2022

Table of Contents

Web-based VIES allows you to see if an EU business is registered to trade cross-border.

What is VIES?

The European Commission owns VIES (VAT Information Exchange System), a search engine rather than a database. On the VIES tool, information is pulled from national VAT databases when a search is made

When using the VIES tool, the search results are provided in one of two ways: either EU VAT information is present (valid) or it is not (invalid).

Possibility of an appropriate response
The VIES tool will reveal EU VAT information if a valid response is obtained.

Inappropriate answer
This signifies that the VAT number you are trying to confirm is not registered in the relevant national database if the system returns an incorrect status There are several possible explanations for this:

There is no VAT number.
For intra-EU transactions, the VAT number is still inactive.
The registration process has not been completed yet (some EU countries require a separate registration for intra-EU transactions).
The national databases and VIES do not always reflect these changes quickly. We recommend that you call your local tax administration if you have an emergency.

Twenty-three of the European Union’s official languages can be found on VIES.

What if an existing number isn’t verified?

If the VIES verification does not establish that your customer is registered for VAT, they can ask their country’s tax authorities to verify their claim. For EU cross-border transactions, they may be needed to make an additional registration. Each EU country has its own version of this process.

Inquiring for extra information
Your national authorities should be contacted if you cannot discover the information on VIES. Afterward, you should be able to verify:

the validity of the VAT number; whether or not the VAT number is linked to the name and address of an individual.
Depending on where you live, the method of contacting the national government differs. In certain EU nations, you can apply online, but in others you’ll need to use the phone, mail, or facsimile.

(Table last updated December 2018)

EU country	National online system available to check for VAT registration
Austria	–
Belgium	No
Bulgaria	No
Croatia	No
Cyprus	No
Czechia	Yes
Denmark	Yes
Estonia	Yes
Finland	No
France	No
Germany	Yes
Greece	–
Hungary	–
Ireland	No
Italy	No
Latvia	–
Lithuania	Yes
Luxembourg	No
Malta	No
Netherlands	No
Poland	No
Portugal	No
Romania	Yes
Slovakia	Yes
Slovenia	–
Spain	Yes
Sweden	No

For privacy reasons, the national authorities will not release the name and address of a VAT number’s related individual. Only if a specific name and address is associated with a specific VAT number can they be confirmed.

Data not available

The national databases necessitate a back-up of the system at times. The European Commission and the Member States are working together to minimise the amount of time their databases are unavailable. Try again later in the day or wait a few minutes before trying again if you get an error message about this.

Possible inaccuracies

Neither the European Commission nor its member states can be held accountable for the veracity of the material contained in VIES on the internet. This is due to the fact that the data is pulled from national databases over which the Commission has no authority. Any national VAT registrations can’t be checked by the European Commission.

Additional information

Keeping a record of your validation in the event of tax control is suggested.

VIES has a FAQ page where you can find answers to your questions.

Please read this legal disclaimer before using VIES to verify your VAT identification number!

EU legislation

Affected by Brexit?

EU information on Brexit readiness for businesses
EU publications on Brexit
UK government information

Information for people fleeing the war in Ukraine

In this section, you will find important information about your rights as a refugee fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and entering the European Union, as well as the rights of EU citizens to travel.

In addition, this information can be found in:

This information is also available in:

Ukrainian | українська Russian | русский

Preparing to leave

Preparing to leave

Your rights in the EU

Your rights in the EU

Travel inside the EU

Travel inside the EU

Protection for children

Protection for children

Education

Education

Healthcare

Healthcare

Access to jobs

Access to jobs
Access to accommodation and housing

Access to accommodation and housing
tay safe while travelling in the EU

Stay safe while travelling in the EU

Preparing to leave

When you depart, please ensure that you have proper travel documents with you. There should be no problem entering the European Union even if you don’t have any travel permits or medical documentation (certificate of vaccination, COVID-19 test).

It doesn’t matter whether or not you have a biometric passport if you’re escaping the Ukraine conflict on humanitarian reasons. This is true for both adults and children. Presenting your biometric passport at the border is sufficient proof of Ukrainian identity if you have one. In every other scenario, EU countries will take you in on the basis of humanitarian considerations.

Can you help me establish my nationality?
Will there be border checks for me?
What are my legal responsibilities and rights?

Your rights in the EU

You have a variety of options to choose from once you’ve entered the European Union, depending on your unique situation. You will be informed of your rights by the authorities.

1. You can be granted temporary protection

open a basic bank account.

Who is eligible for temporary protection?

Ukrainian nationals who were in Ukraine prior to February 24, 2022, as well as their family members who were displaced after February 24, 2022, are included.

International protection or comparable protection received by stateless persons and nationals of other third countries prior to February 24, 2022 and their family members who have been displaced from Ukraine after that date.

The EU may grant temporary protection or adequate national protection to non-Ukrainian nationals of third countries and stateless persons who can demonstrate that they were legally residing in Ukraine prior to February 24, 2022, on the basis of a valid permanent residence permit issued in accordance with Ukrainian law.

Who is in principle not eligible for temporary protection?

People who are Ukrainian citizens but have been displaced from Ukraine before the 24th of February, 2022, or who have found themselves outside of Ukraine before then (due to work, study, holidays, family or medical visits or other reasons).

Those who were granted international protection status or comparable protection in Ukraine before to February 24, 2022, and who were displaced from Ukraine before February 24, 2022, or who found themselves outside Ukraine, will be exempt from the new law (due to work, study, holidays, family or medical visits or other reasons).

Foreign nationals who have been living in Ukraine legally under a valid permanent residence permit before February 24, 2022, but who are able to return to their place of origin without fear of being deported. You may still be granted temporary protection even in these situations. International protection is another option.

Students and other short-term visitors from other countries, such as citizens of the European Union and the United States, will be exempt from the new law, which takes effect on 24 February 2022.

Local representatives from your home country or the national authorities in the host country should be contacted in order to ensure your safe return home.

I was legally staying or residing in the EU before 24 February 2022 and cannot go back to Ukraine. Will I be given temporary protection?

Countries in the EU may elect to grant temporary protection to Ukrainians who left the country before the conflict escalated or who found themselves in EU territory before that date (for example, on vacation or for job reasons) and who are unable to return to Ukraine because of the war. Inquire with the authorities in the nation where you are now staying for more information. For those who aren’t granted temporary protection status by the EU country of their choice, they can always ask for international protection.

What if I fall outside the scope of temporary protection?

In the end, you’ll be able to enter the EU. It is possible to seek for international protection or legal migratory status, depending on your circumstances. A temporary order of protection from the authorities may also be issued. In theory, you can receive aid to return to your country of origin provided you are safe there and able to do so. Consult your host country’s government immediately if you have any questions. Also, the EU Immigration Portal provides practical information and links to the websites of relevant national authorities, as well.

Is temporary protection “automatic”, or do I need to request it?

This means that a person who wants to benefit from temporary protection only needs to follow the instructions of national authorities and show them proof of their nationality, international protection status (or equivalent protection status), residence in Ukraine (if applicable), or a family connection (if applicable) to demonstrate their right to temporary protection.

You should be informed by the authorities of the EU country in which you are now located of your entitlement to temporary asylum. If you’d like temporary protection, you should let them know and follow their instructions.

The map below shows the locations of the national authorities who are in charge in each country. If you are eligible for temporary data protection, you will be required to register your data and verify that no exclusion conditions apply to your circumstances.

How long will temporary protection last?

Until the 4th of March 2023, at least. Your temporary protection will be automatically extended for a period of six months twice, until 4 March 2024 if the reasons for the grant of temporary protection exist. The Commission may propose to the Council to prolong the temporary protection for up to another year if the reasons for temporary protection exist beyond this date (that is 4 March 2025).

Which rights am I entitled to under temporary protection?

rights of residency
access to social welfare benefits for housing
children’s medical care, including counselling and therapy for mental health issues
protection for unaccompanied minors and teens under the age of 18
for children and teenagers to have access to educational or vocational training
employment opportunities (related to EU labour market rules)
the freedom to roam freely in EU nations (other than the EU country of residence) for 90 days within the 180-day period after a residence permit is issued in the host EU country is granted access to banking services, such as opening a basic bank account.
Some EU countries, such as France, Spain, and Italy, extend their citizens’ rights even further (e.g. free access to university education, etc.)

Is temporary protection only valid in one EU country?

Yes. The rights you gain as a result of temporary protection are only valid in the EU country that issued you a residence permit. Traveling to other EU countries for 90 days in a 180-day period is still permitted. Onward travel in the European Union can be found here.

Additionally, you have the option of deciding to use your rights in a nation outside of the EU from where you currently call home. Your rights in the first EU country will expire if you change your place of residence and go elsewhere in the EU. If you relocate to a new EU nation, you should be granted temporary asylum and a new residence visa. Moving to another EU country requires informing the authorities in your current EU country of residence.

Where can I apply for temporary protection?

In every EU member state, as well as in Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland..

Does temporary protection prevent me from applying for asylum?

Not at all. The right to ask for international protection is a separate and distinct right.

Do I need to request a residence permit for temporary protection before I can apply for international protection? Is there a specific order I need to follow in case I want to apply for asylum?

At any time, those who are eligible for temporary protection can apply for asylum. In order to avoid having to immediately apply for international protection, temporary protection is granted so that you can get a residence permit and the privileges that go with it. In addition, due to the urgency of the situation, administrative formalities for temporary protection are minimised. Due to current circumstances, the process of reviewing an application for international protection is likely to be more difficult, requiring more procedures and, as a result, more time.

Temporary protection continues to be granted to a person whose claim for international protection has been rejected, even though that person is also eligible for asylum. Additional to the ability to seek international protection, individuals have the right to seek temporary refugee status.

If I benefit from temporary protection, is it certain that I will also receive refugee or subsidiary protection status later?

No, the international protection status determination is not tied to the temporary protection granted by the government. Your personal circumstances are taken into account when you appear before EU national authorities in the EU country, and the outcome is chosen based on this information.
See also: How to Qualify for International Protection: A Practical Guide

2. You can apply for international protection in the EU

At any moment, those granted temporary refuge have the right to apply for international asylum (asylum).

Temporary protection may be revoked if you choose to apply for asylum, which gives you further legal protections. You will regain temporary protection status if your asylum claim is rejected and you are still under EU temporary protection at the time of the rejection.

In order to decide whether or not to apply for international protection in addition to a residence permit demonstrating your temporary protection status, you need educate yourself on the policies of the Member State.

status.

How do I apply for international protection?

When in a Member State that provides international protection, notify the local authorities and follow their instructions. The map on this page shows data from the country’s interior ministries. The guidance to registration is also available.

What is the difference between temporary protection and asylum status?

People who have been forced to flee their homes because of armed conflict are eligible for temporary refuge. The right to apply for international protection is unaffected by temporary protection, although receiving a residence permit and the rights that go along with it may diminish the urgency with which you must apply. EU law sets a time limit on the length of temporary protection.

Asylum is a personal right that can be granted if you can demonstrate that you are fearful of being persecuted because of your race, religion, nationality, social group affiliation, or political beliefs. Asylum can be revoked at any time if fresh evidence or discoveries indicate that the request should be reexamined.

If you are in an EU country, you should contact the national authorities to learn about your specific rights, such as access to medical treatment, housing and the workforce, education for children and incarceration. For more information on your rights as an asylum seeker, click here.

Apart from the temporary protection or international protection, are there any other legal option that I can apply for?

Family members of an EU citizen or someone who is currently lawfully residing in the EU, as well as students, researchers, trainees, and workers may be eligible for residence permits. Consult the appropriate authorities in the nation where you are presently staying for additional information on your options. Also, the EU Immigration Portal provides practical information and links to the websites of relevant national authorities, as well.

3. You can request repatriation assistance

Whatever your country or status as a refugee under international law, it should be possible for everyone who escaped the conflict in Ukraine to enter the EU. There are organisations and agencies that can help get you back if it is safe to do so.

You should contact the embassy or consulate of your country of origin in the EU country where you are now residing for assistance in relocating back to your home country. In the event that you encounter difficulties while in this country, the local government may be able to assist you in contacting your embassy or consulate and may provide aid for your return home.

Onward travel in the EU

People fleeing the conflict in Ukraine should have no problem getting across the border into another member state of the European Union. The visa-free agreement between the EU and Ukraine grants this privilege to Ukrainians who hold a biometric passport. In the event that you are a national of a third country, you should check to see if you are exempt from the visa requirements.

visa.

After crossing the EU border for the first time, can I continue to travel to other EU/Schengen countries, or do I need to stay?

After 90 days in the EU, Ukrainian nationals with biometric passports can travel freely throughout the continent without a visa. It is possible to choose the EU country in which you wish to enjoy the rights of temporary protection and to join your family and friends in the EU country where they are present on the basis of this foundation

Non-biometric passport holders who are eligible for temporary protection should have a short-stay visa issued to them at the EU country of first entry, valid for 15 days upon entering the Schengen area. This will allow you to go to the EU country of your choice and take advantage of the temporary protection benefits that come with it.

It is up to the authorities at the EU country of first entry to allow you to continue your journey, e.g. by issuing a travel document and a visa or by using transfer forms relating to temporary protection legislation if you are eligible to temporary protection but lack a travel document.

You should expect your documents to be verified once more at the border crossing point of the next Schengen country if you entered the EU for the first time through one of the countries not included in the EU area without internal border control (Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Ireland). Unaccompanied or separated children must also be registered, as explained above.

Free onward transit with numerous transport companies

People fleeing Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict have been offered free transportation by a number of European transport companies. In addition to the modes of transportation mentioned above, this includes train, bus, and ferry. The table and map below provide a list of the several airlines engaged.

I entered the EU through Romania or Bulgaria. What happens if I want to continue my journey to a country that is part of the area without internal border control?

The first EU country that is part of the Schengen region will examine your documents again, but you can do so. For example, if you’re travelling between Hungary and Romania, you’ll need to do this.

Can I move between countries that are part of the Schengen area without internal border control?

Yes. In principle, you can move between countries in the Schengen area without a border check once you’ve entered one of these countries. However, you can only do this for a total of 90 days out of a possible total of 180 days.

There are four nations in Europe that are not EU members, although they are Schengen countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Your rights for international or temporary protection may be different in various countries once you have joined the Schengen area, but you can still travel there.

Despite being a member of the European Union and a Schengen country, Denmark does not participate in the temporary protection programme or implement EU asylum regulations. Your international or temporary protection rights may therefore differ from those of other EU nations if you live in Denmark.

Can border guards, police or other relevant authorities still ask for my identification documents, even though I am in a Schengen country?

Yes. For security and migration reasons, police and other administrative checks are always feasible across the territory and at the country’s internal borders. It is essential to comply with police or border guards and present them with the necessary documents and information. These checks may need that you be available to the authorities in specified facilities at all times.

Can border guards, police or other relevant authorities still ask for my identification documents, even though I am in a Schengen country?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit Re-open EU for information on travel and health measures in EU and Schengen Associated countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).

Is my Ukrainian driving license valid in the EU?

Non-EU driving licences are not recognised in all EU countries. The map below provides a list of resources for learning about EU-issued foreign driving licences.

Information about national authorities and free travel options

Find out who to contact in your country for temporary protection, as well as what organisations are actively aiding Ukrainian refugees and how to get in touch with them, in this section. You can also find out about certain free travel choices offered by transport firms in EU nations here.

Webtools + Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors © GISCO Credit: EC-GISCO, © EuroGeographics © UN-FAO for the administrative boundaries | Disclaimer

Austria

National contact details

Austrian Interior Ministry (DE)

Federal Agency for Reception and Support Services (DE/ EN)

Ministry of the Interior FAQ for people fleeing Ukraine (UK)

Public Employment Service: how to get a work permit (DE / UK / EN)

Key organisations helping on the ground

List of organisations (DE)

Facebook page to help people fleeing the war (DE)

Caritas Austria (DE)

Psychological support hotline (UK)

From Austria 0134301014

From abroad +43 6699665109

Free travel options

All public transport

Belgium

National contact details

Federal Government’s Information website (FR / NL / DE / EN/ UK) +32 24888888

Information by the Immigration office on temporary protection application for Ukrainians in Belgium (FR / NL / EN)

Federal Ombudsman (FR / NL / EN / UK)

Hotlines of the Embassy of Ukraine in Belgium

Reserve Line +32 23792115

General questions +32 23792160

Housing questions +32 23792112

Key organisations helping on the ground

Red Cross – Flemish community (NL / FR / EN) +32 15443407

Red Cross – French community (FR) +32 81771648

Agence Fédérale pour l’Accueil des Demandeurs d’Asile +32 22134411 (FR / NL / EN)

Serve the City Brussels (FR / NL / EN) +32 27343502

List of initiatives in Belgium – Belgians for Ukraine (EN)

Facebook page – Solidarity with Ukraine (EN)

PAG-ASA for victims of exploitation (EN/ FR / NL) +32 25116464

Free travel options

SNCB/NMBS trains and Thalys

Bulgaria

National contact details

Government’s unified information portal on measures and actions related to the crisis in Ukraine (BG / UK / EN)

Information from the State Agency for Refugees (EN / UK)

Registration points – Map with information (BG / UK / EN / RU)

Hotline numbers 029055555, +38 0322465075

Ministry of Foreign Affairs crisis hotline +35 929482404, email [email protected]

Key organisations helping on the ground

Association of Ukrainian Organisations “Mati Ukraina” Facebook group (BG / UK)

Free travel options

BDZ trains

Croatia

National contact details

Ministry of Interior Homepage (HR / EN) email: [email protected]

Ministry of Interior webpage for Ukrainian refugees (HR / UK)

Ministry of Interior leaflet with dedicated information (HR)

Information on the activation of the temporary protection directive (HR)

Key organisations helping on the ground

Croatian Red Cross (HR / EN)

Hotlines and useful contact numbers (UK / HR)

UNHCR email [email protected]

IOM email [email protected]

Free travel options

People fleeing from Ukraine can use HŽ Putnički prijevoz trains free of charge with ‘solidarity tickets’ and with a “Help Ukraine Ticket”.

Cyprus

National contact details

Ministry of Interior Homepage (GR)

Information on the activation of the temporary protection directive (EN / GR)

Asylum Service website (EN / GR)
Civil Registry and Migration Department (EN / GR)
Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Hotline (Monday-Friday 8h00-20h00) 1477, +35 722285777
Key organisations helping on the ground

Facebook group for Ukrainians seeking advice – Cyprus Refugee Council (EN)

UNHCR Cyprus (EN)

Czechia

National contact details

Information for Ukrainian citizen fleeing the conflict (UK / CS)

Refugee Facilities Administration of the Ministry of the Interior (CS / EN / UK)

Ministry of Interior helpline +42 0974801802

Our Ukrainians – Official support website (CS / EN / UK / RU)

Embassy of Ukraine in Prague – Facebook page (UK)

Key organisations helping on the ground

We Stand Behind Ukraine (CS / EN / UK / RU)

Drive for refugees – To get transport from the border (CS / EN / UK)

Support Facebook Group (CS / UK)

Refugees Welcome (CS / EN)

Association for Integration and Migration (EN)

Organisation to Support Refugees (EN)

ADRA (Humanitarian and Development Organisation) (CS / EN)

CARE ČR (CS)

Czech Red Cross (CS)

Člověk v tísni (People in Need) (CS)

Diakonie ČCE (CS)

Caritas Czechia (CS)

Lékaři bez hranic (Doctors without borders) (CS)

Free travel options

RegioJet, Leo Express, České dráhy trains (https://www.cd.cz/info/aktuality/-36295/), Arriva transport, Prague public transport and public transport in the Central Bohemian Region.

Denmark

National contact details

Danish Immigration Service – (EN / UK)

Denmark immigration service dedicated webpage on how to apply for residence permit (EN), support to Ukraine (EN)

Danish Centre for the Ukrainian crisis (UK / EN)

Free travel options

People fleeing from Ukraine can use DSB trains free of charge.

Ukrainian cars can pass Öresundsbron (Denmark-Sweden bridge) without being charged.

Estonia

National contact details

Government Official Website for people fleeing the war (EE / EN / UK / RU)

Ministry of Interior Homepage (EN)

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (EN)

Police and Border Guard Board Homepage (EE / EN / UK / RU)

Social Insurance Fund Homepage (EE / EN / RU) Hotline 1247

Government webpage with information for Ukrainian citizens (EE / EN / RU)

Youth Portal (EE / RU)

Key organisations helping on the ground

List of NGOs (EE / EN / RU)

Estonian Refugee Council (EE / EN / UK / RU) Hotline (every day 9h00-19h00) +37 256782288

Estonian Red Cross (EE)

Ukrainian Cultural Center (EE / EN / UK)

Mondo MTÜ (EE / EN)

Free travel options

Elron trains and Public Transport trains

Finland

National contact details

Finnish Immigration Service: Instructions for refugees arriving in Finland (FI / SV / EN / UK)

Finnish Immigration Service: Frequently asked questions (FI / SV / EN / UK)

Ministry of the Interior: Temporary protection (FI / SV / EN)

Key organisations helping on the ground

Finnish Red Cross (FI / SV / EN)

Finn Church Aid (FI / SV / EN)

Free travel options

People fleeing from Ukraine can use Onnibus transports and VR trains free of charge.

They can also benefit from a 95% discount on net fares for one-way Finnair tickets from Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Budapest and Prague to Helsinki.

France

National contact details

Government official information site (FR / UK)

Ukraine Embassy in France (FR/ UK) +33 187666612 (press 2 for Ukrainian)

Ministry of Interior’s information for Ukrainian citizens (FR / UK)

Paris Municipality (EN)

Key organisations helping on the ground

Secours populaire (FR) +33 144782100

Secours catholique (FR) +33 145497300

Croix rouge (FR) +33 144431100

Free travel options

SNCF and Thalys trains

Germany

National contact details

Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community: Germany4Ukraine (DE / UK / EN / RU)

Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community: Government’s FAQs about entering and residing (DE / UK / EN)

Key organisations helping on the ground

Alliance of German aid organisations collecting donations for Ukraine (DE / EN)

UNHCR (DE)

German Red Cross (DE)

Aid organisation focusing on medical care (DE)

Caritas Germany (DE)

Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DE)

Pro Asyl (DE / EN)

Legal consultants (DE)

Free travel options

DB trains, ODEG trains, Thalys trains and all regional and local public transport

Greece

National contact details

Government’s webpage with information for Displaced Persons (GR / UK / EN)

Embassy of Ukraine in Greece (EN) Hotline +30 693276606

Key organisations helping on the ground

UNHCR (GR / EN / FR)

List of organisations (EN)

Hungary

National contact details

Hungarian Directorate General for Aliens Policing Information for people fleeing Ukraine (EN / UK)

Government hotlines

From Hungary 06 80310310

From Ukraine 0800 504546

From other countries +36 15501828, email [email protected]

National Humanitarian Coordination Council – for Ukrainians near the Hungarian border: 1357 (one call is 500 forints/EUR 1.37)

Embassy of Ukraine Facebook page (UK)
Key organisations helping on the ground

Facebook group for accommodation (HU)

Hungarian Red Cross (HU)

The Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta (HU)

Caritas Hungary (HU)

Migration Aid Facebook Page (HU)

Hungarian Helsinki Committee Information Page (EN)

Hungarian Association for Migrants (EN / UK / RU)

Free travel options

All MAV trains with a free “solidarity ticket”, and all BKK public transport free of charge in Budapest.

Wizz Air supports Ukrainian refugees by offering them 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.

Ireland

National contact details

Irish Department for Justice Information about visa requirements (EN)

FAQs for travelling to Ireland (EN)

Government dedicated webpage with information about the Temporary Protection Directive (EN)

Citizens Information for International Protection (EN)

Key organisations helping on the ground:

Irish Refugee Council (EN)

Free travel options

Irish rail trains, Bus Éireann transportation and Expressway transportation

Italy

National contact details

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IT)

Ministry of Interior (IT) Guide for Asylum Seekers (EN)

National Civil Protection Department (IT / EN) – Cards with key information (IT / EN / UK / RU)

Key organisations helping on the ground

UNHCR (IT)

Italian Council for Refugees (IT)

Comunità di Sant’Egidio (EN / IT / RU)

Italian Red Cross (IT)

Caritas Ambrosiana (IT)

NGO AVSI (IT)

NGO AIBI (IT)

NGO Intersos Facebook Page (IT)

Free travel options

People fleeing from Ukraine can use Flixbus transportation, Marino Bus transportation and Trenord trains free of charge. They can also travel free of charge with Trenitalia group transport within a maximum of 5 days from entering Italy.

Latvia

National contact details

Information for Ukrainians coming to Latvia (LV / UK / EN / RU) – not an official website, but redirected from the Government’s website

City Council of Riga Hotline (24/7) +371 80000800

Information on free Healthcare state funded services (8h30-17h00) +371 80001234

Key organisations helping on the ground

Unified information helpline for Ukrainians in Latvia (24/7) +371 27380380

Telegram: t.me/ukrainelatvia

Hotline in Riga (24/7) +371 80000800

Free travel options

Latvijas dzelzceļš trains

Lithuania

National contact details

Interior Ministry information for people coming from Ukraine (EN / LT)

Migration Department (UK)

Eurodesk Lithuania (LT / UK / EN)

Migration issues hotline (every day 7h30-21h00) +370 52717112

Accommodation hotline (24/7) 1827 from Lithuania, +370 67722222 from abroad

Humanitarian assistance (24/7) +370 68498688

Key organisations helping on the ground

Social initiative Stiprus Kartu (UK / EN / LT)

Lithuanian Red Cross (LT)

Lithuanian Caritas (EN / LT)

National Volunteer Support Coordination Center (LT / EN / UK)

Maltieciai (EN / LT)

Work in Lithuania (EN)

Free travel options

LTG trains and Vilnius buses

Luxembourg

National contact details

Government’s information on reception of Ukrainian refugees (FR / EN with forms in FR / EN / UK / RU)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FR / EN)

Information of the temporary protection shelter for initial reception (UK / FR / EN)

For consular questions from people leaving or in transit from Ukraine +35 224782386

Key organisations helping on the ground

LUkraine, Ukrainian community in Luxemburg (UK / EN)

Red Cross – FAQ for Ukrainian refugees (EN/ FR/ DE), email [email protected] (in FR / EN / DE / UK / RU)

Médecins du monde: for medical help (FR) +35 28892371

Caritas Luxemburg (FR / EN)

Free travel options

All public transport

Malta

National contact details:

Ministry of Home Affairs Information for Ukrainians refugees (EN)

Netherlands

National contact details

Information on webpage from the Ministry of Justice and Security (NL / EN)

Inmigration Service (NL / EN)

Emergency reception centres: The Hague (EN) Hotline (Monday-Friday 8h30-17h00) +31 703538024, Groningen (EN), Amsterdam (EN), Maastricht (EN)

Key organisations helping on the ground

Overview of organisations helping on the ground (NL)

Vluchtelingenwerk (Refugee Council) (NL / UK)

Refugee Help (EN / NL / UK / RU)

Free travel options

NS trains, Thalys trains and all public transport

Poland

National contact details

Government’s information for Ukrainian citizens (PL / UK / EN / RU)

FAQ (PL / EN / RU)

Government platform for support (PL / UK / EN)

Helpline of the Office for Foreigners +48 477217575

Helpline for victims of the war (24/7) +48 222309900

Helpline for those in danger of human trafficking +48 226280120

Helpline for the Ukrainians seeking medical help (24/7) +48 807190590

Border Guard – for rules of crossing the border (PL) +48 825685119

Helpline for Polish citizens and holders of the Pole’s Card +48 225238880

Information points and helplines (EN / UK)

Key organisations helping on the ground

Polskie Centrum Pomocy Międzynarodowej (Polish Center for International Aid) (EN / PL)

Polska Akcja Humanitarna (Polish Humanitarian Action) (EN)

Caritas Polska (PL)

Polish Red Cross (PL)

Fundacja Ocalenie (EN / PL)

Polska Misja Medyczna (Polish Medical Mission) (EN)

UA SOS (EN / UK / PL / RU)

Useful information about support in Krakow (EN)

You have a friend in me (EN / UK / PL)

SOS Ukraine (PL / UK)

Refugees Welcome Polska (PL / EN / RU)

Narodowy Instytut Muzyki i Tańca (National Institute of Music and Dance) (PL)

Foundation for Polish-Ukrainian Cooperation (EN / PL / UK / RU)

Free travel options

People fleeing from Ukraine can use free of charge:

PKP trains
Polferries
Flixbus transportation inside Poland and from Polish border cities to elsewhere in Europe

They can also benefit from discounted tariffs with LOT Airlines.

Wizz Air offers Ukrainian refugees 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.

Uber also offers unlimited free trips between the Ukrainian border and Polish cities.

Portugal

National contact details:

Dedicated government website (PT / EN)

Information for people arriving in Portugal from Ukraine (PT / EN)

Information on International Protection (EN)

Information on International Protection for unaccompanied minors (EN)

List of public services by region (EN)

Asylum Information Database (EN)

National Line against Trafficking in Human Beings (PT) +35 1964244281

email [email protected]

Key organisations helping on the ground

Ordem de Malta Portugal (PT)

Amnistia Internacional Portugal (PT)

Consultores inmobiliarios pela Ucrania – Facebook group (PT)

Portuguese Red Cross (PT)

Free travel options

CP – Trains of Portugal

Romania

National contact details:

Government website with information for help to Ukrainians (RO / UK / EN)

Web support and information platform for people fleeing the war (RO / UK / RU / EN)

Infoline +40 219590

General inspectorate for immigration (RO / EN) +40 214107513

National Line against Trafficking in Persons

From Romania 0800 800 678

From abroad +40 213133100

Key organisations helping on the ground

UNHCR Romania (EN) Hotline +40 723653 651

Romanian National Council for Refugees (UK) Hotline +40 730073170

IOM (EN / UK)

Dopomoha Platform (UK / RO / EN)

Hotline for psychological support +40 745139747

Free travel options

People fleeing from Ukraine can use CFR trains free of charge with a “Help Ukraine Ticket”, and STB shuttle bus.

They can also use Romfour shuttle bus from station to station free of charge. Romfour organises bus transport to Italy and other European cities.

Wizz Air offers Ukrainian refugees 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.

They can also benefit from free Flixbus transportation from Romanian border cities to elsewhere in Europe.

Slovakia

National contact details

Government’s Information for Ukrainians entering the Slovak republic (SK / UK / EN)

Ministry of the Interior hotlines for Ukrainian speakers +421 513816111 and +421 259765111

Permanent service of the Ministry of the Interior +421 248593312

Ministry of Transport and Construction (UK)

Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport (SK / EN)

Košice region hotline +421 2800222550, e-mail [email protected]

Key organisations helping on the ground

IOM (SK / UK / EN / RU)

NGO Človek v ohrození (People in need) (SK / EN) Infoline +421 917239708

NGO Sme spolu (Slovak – Ukrainian NGO) (UK / SK / EN) Hotline +421 911201889

NGO Iniciativa Kto pomoze Ukrajine (NGO Initiative to help Ukraine) (UK / EN)

NGO Magna (EN)

Slovak Red Cross (UK / SK / EN)

Dental health care (EN / SK / UK)

Ukraine-Slovakia Help (UK / SK / EN) Hotline +421 911201889 (Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber), email: [email protected]

Človek v ohrození (People in Need) Facebook page (SK)

Human Rights League (SK / EN)

Mareena Facebook group (SK)

NGO Nadácia Integra (SK)

NGO Úsmev ako dar (Smile as a gift) (SK / EN / UK)

Greek Catholic Eparchy Kosice (SK / UK)

Free travel options

People fleeing from Ukraine can use ZSSK trains free of charge.

Wizz Air offers Ukrainian refugees 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.

Slovenia

National contact details:

Government’s website, including information on entry into the country and international protection (SL / UK / EN)

Government Hotline (8h00-18h00)

From Slovenia 0804142

From abroad +386 14787530, e-mail [email protected]

Free travel options

Slovenske železnice trains

Spain

National contact details

Spanish Agency for the International Cooperation and Development webpage (ES)

Ministry of the Interior’s webpage (ES), with information on temporary protection

Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Hotline +34 910474444 (ES / UK)

Asylum Office (ES)

State Reception Network for people fleeing the war – List of contact details (ES / UK)

National Line against Trafficking in Persons

From Spain +34 900105090, email [email protected]

Spanish government: recommendations (ES)

Key organisations helping on the ground

Spanish Red Cross (ES)

Cáritas (ES)

Comisión Española de Ayuda al Refugiado (ES)

Medicos del mundo (ES)

Aldeas Infantiles (ES)

Free travel options

Renfe trains

Sweden

National contact details

Swedish migration agency (EN), with information on temporary protection

Key organisations helping on the ground

Swedish Red Cross (SV)

Free travel options

Stena Line transport and Stockholm public transport

EU-wide organisations

Legal assistance in EU Member States

EU-wide list of contact points for legal assistance (EN)

European Council on Refugees and Exiles – Overview of national measures in response to arrivals from Ukraine (EN)

EU-wide organisations helping on the ground in EU Member States

IOM (EN)

UNHCR (EN)

UNICEF (EN)

European NGO Platform on Asylum and Migration (EN) – List of members (EN)

European Council on Refugees and Exiles (EN)

Refugees Welcome International (EN)

European Guardianship Network assistance to orphans and unaccompanied children (EN)

European Disability Forum (EN)

International Catholic Migration Commission (EN)

International Committee of the Red Cross (EN)

Save the Children (EN)

Terre des Hommes (EN)

Hospitality Helps (UK / EN)

Science for Ukraine (EN)

Ukraine Shelter (EN / UK)

United for Ukraine (EN / UK)

Organisations fighting against Human Trafficking:

Missing Children Europe (UK / RU / EN)

Hotline from the EU 116000

From outside the EU +31 (0)888009000

Free air transfers from Moldova to EU countries

UNHCR (EN)

Government of Moldova (EN / UK)

vatcalculatorlive

Web-based VIES allows you to see if an EU business is registered to trade cross-border.

What is VIES?

What if an existing number isn’t verified?

Data not available

Possible inaccuracies

Additional information

Related topics

EU legislation

Affected by Brexit?

Information for people fleeing the war in Ukraine

Preparing to leave

Your rights in the EU

Travel inside the EU

Protection for children

Education

Healthcare

Access to jobs

Access to accommodation and housing

Stay safe while travelling in the EU

Preparing to leave

Your rights in the EU

1. You can be granted temporary protection

I was legally staying or residing in the EU before 24 February 2022 and cannot go back to Ukraine. Will I be given temporary protection?

Does temporary protection prevent me from applying for asylum?

Do I need to request a residence permit for temporary protection before I can apply for international protection? Is there a specific order I need to follow in case I want to apply for asylum?

If I benefit from temporary protection, is it certain that I will also receive refugee or subsidiary protection status later?

2. You can apply for international protection in the EU

3. You can request repatriation assistance

Onward travel in the EU

I entered the EU through Romania or Bulgaria. What happens if I want to continue my journey to a country that is part of the area without internal border control?

Can I move between countries that are part of the Schengen area without internal border control?

Can border guards, police or other relevant authorities still ask for my identification documents, even though I am in a Schengen country?

Can border guards, police or other relevant authorities still ask for my identification documents, even though I am in a Schengen country?

Is my Ukrainian driving license valid in the EU?

Information about national authorities and free travel options