According to a UN survey, in 2025, the employment rate among Ukrainian refugees aged 20 to 64 in European countries was 57%. This figure is 22 percentage points lower compared to citizens of the host countries. Among the employed Ukrainians, about 3% became entrepreneurs.
This is reported by Business • Media
Leaders and Laggards Among European Countries
The highest employment rates for Ukrainian refugees were recorded in Estonia (72%) and Hungary (71%). The United Kingdom (69%), Poland (68%), Bulgaria (67%), the Czech Republic (66%), and the Netherlands (64%) also show high results. Spain (61%), Italy (58%), Lithuania (57%), France (53%), Romania (50%), Moldova, Ireland, and Belgium (46% each) are approaching the average level. Significantly lower rates are observed in Sweden (43%), Finland (40%), Denmark and Germany (39% each), Norway (37%), and Switzerland (29%).
Challenges in Employment and Qualification Levels
Despite the relatively high employment rate, nearly 60% of Ukrainian refugees are forced to work in positions that do not match their qualifications. Among the main factors influencing successful employment, proficiency in the local language and the duration of stay in the country remain the most significant.
“Proficiency in the local language and a longer duration of stay in the country are the strongest factors for employment.”
As of January 2026, there were 5.349 million Ukrainian refugees in European countries, indicating a slight increase compared to December, when their number was 5.311 million.