The European Migration Network has published the Inform Alternatives to providing housing in-kind for applicants for international protection. Based on contributions from 22 EMN Member Countries, as well as Norway and Serbia, the Inform maps national approaches used between January 2020 and October 2025.
Reception systems for applicants for international protection traditionally rely on in-kind housing, such as reception centres, shared facilities or decentralised housing units. Alternatives to in-kind housing refer to measures where governments provide financial allowances or vouchers instead of accommodation, enabling applicants to secure housing independently while still ensuring adequate living conditions in line with EU standards.
Five EMN Member Countries reported implementing financial allowances as alternatives to in-kind housing as part of their national reception systems during the reporting period. Austria and Poland operate continuous allowance schemes, while Cyprus, France and Ireland mainly use financial support when reception capacity is constrained. Germany reported using financial allowances to cover housing in exceptional cases, depending on individual needs and at the discretion of federal states.
Eligibility for financial allowance schemes is generally linked to administrative requirements or the lack of available in-kind places. The Inform identifies two main approaches to setting housing support: nationally fixed rates, usually set by regulation, and locally determined amounts reflecting housing costs or individual needs.
The provision of essential services, including legal support, psychological assistance and healthcare, remains an important part of reception systems in countries using alternatives to in-kind housing. Monitoring mechanisms also vary, ranging from centralised national databases and periodic appointments to confirm continued eligibility and current residence, to applicants’ obligation to register changes of address or oversight by local authorities responsible for administering benefits.
The Inform “Alternatives to providing housing in-kind for applicants for international protection” is available on the EMN website in the Publications section.