The temporary protection granted to refugees arriving from Ukraine in Belgium allows them to access the labour market and various social benefits. Alongside this they are required to undertake certain essential administrative procedures, including opening a bank account, as in Belgium bank accounts in one's own name are required to receive both salaries and social assistance payments.

Additionally, everyday financial transactions now largely require a bank card, as payments have been progressively digitalised in Belgium - many stores and restaurants are now “cashless”. Having a bank account and corresponding card has become, as a result, crucial to integration in Belgium.

According to the Belgian Federation of the Financial Sector (FEBELFIN), since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, 11 292 bank accounts have been opened in Belgium by refugees arriving from Ukraine. Belgian banks are offering these people basic banking services, which include a current bank account and a debit card. In order to help new arrivals in managing their banking affairs, a leaflet was produced and is being distributed in several languages (Ukrainian, Russian, French, English, Dutch and German) by the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (FEDASIL) and its partners. It is also available on the FEBELFIN website.