Refugees should receive treatment as favourable as possible, and not less favourable than that accorded to non-nationals generally in the same circumstances (Article 21 of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees).
Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to accommodation under conditions at least equivalent to those provided to other legally resident third-country nationals in similar circumstances.
National dispersal policies must ensure equal treatment and equal access to accommodation, unless any different treatment is objectively justified (Article 34 Qualification Regulation). Member States could apply dispersal practices to distribute beneficiaries of international protection across different regions or municipalities to manage housing capacity and organise integration support.
Such practices may include administrative residency requirements (e.g. registering an address, living in assigned accommodation) where these are necessary for the provision of services. These requirements must remain non-discriminatory and proportionate. They cannot limit the beneficiary’s freedom of movement, which continues to apply throughout the territory of the Member State which granted them protection.
The housing options available for beneficiaries of international protection vary based on national policies and context. In some countries, beneficiaries may continue to reside in reception facilities for a specified time limit and under certain conditions.
To support the transition out of these facilities, countries implement various strategies and ensure access to adequate accommodation within host communities. These strategies aim to provide stable and appropriate housing solutions to support the integration process for beneficiaries of international protection.
Information provision messages
Inform beneficiaries of international protection about the following.
- The right to access accommodation under conditions equivalent to those applicable to other third-country nationals legally residing in the Member State.
- Their housing options, depending on your national context, including:
- reception centres and the duration of stay permitted for residents who are beneficiaries of international protection
- temporary housing while seeking permanent solutions (e.g. transitional shelters, host families)
- social housing
- subsidised accommodation
- private rental housing
- youth and student housing
- shelters or housing for vulnerable groups (e.g. families, unaccompanied minors, elderly, and persons with disabilities)
- emergency accommodation for immediate/urgent need or in case of homelessness.
- How to transition from the reception centre to another type of accommodation for beneficiaries of international protection.
- The (temporary) use of dispersal policies, which require beneficiaries to register or reside in an assigned municipality for purposes such as housing or integration support. Emphasise that these residency requirements are linked to access to services. They do not restrict the beneficiary’s general freedom of movement.
- The obligation to live in a specific area, including information on the designated zone and its boundaries, the duration of this requirement and the procedure to request a change (if applicable).
- The eligibility criteria for these housing types (e.g. family composition, age, income and vulnerability status) and required documentation.
- Rent subsidies or housing allowances for beneficiaries of international protection; include information on additional financial support for utilities, furnishing and other housing-related costs.
- Common challenges faced by beneficiaries regarding accommodation (e.g. discrimination, limited offer, high prices on the rent market, long waiting times for social housing).
- Available support services (e.g. public authorities, non-governmental organisations), that provide counselling and assistance with finding and securing accommodation, legal aid to help navigate housing issues, tenant support services and guidance on reporting discrimination Provide the contact details of these services.
- How to find accommodation (e.g. portals, agencies).
- The obligations of tenants (e.g. rent payments, maintenance and adherence to house rules).
- How to report discrimination in access to accommodation, denied access to housing or poor housing conditions, including relevant authorities or non-governmental organisations.
- How housing connects with other integration services (e.g. proximity to schools, healthcare services, employment opportunities and community support).
- (Optional): the current rental market, including average rental prices, information about certain areas, information on housing availability and demand, regional differences, and accommodation in urban vs rural areas.
- The minimum housing standards stipulated by law, if applicable.
Practical tips
- Use leaflets, brochures, audiovisual materials to explain the right to accommodation, available options and transition from a reception centre to another type of accommodation.
- Use videos, animations and storytelling to explain the right to non-discriminatory accommodation, the different accommodation options and related facilities.
- When discussing common challenges in finding or securing accommodation, provide examples of practical solutions or best practices.
- Organise group information sessions on accommodation solutions, together with representatives from non-governmental organisations or public authorities who provide support services to those who need to move out of the reception facilities.