News Team update

Wise for Ukrainian refugees

Wise

01.04.22 (updated more than 1 year ago)

Read time 3 minutes

Ukrainian version (український) \| Russian version (статья на русском)

Due to the war in Ukraine, people may be displaced and have limited access to their money.

Wise may be able to help by offering an online way to hold, receive and spend money in different currencies, which might make it easier to move between locations. You can get account details for EUR, GBP, USD and other currencies, create free accounts in 50+ currencies and easily convert between them at the mid-market exchange rate and with tiny fees.

Read the full list of currencies we support.

I am a Ukrainian refugee. What do I need to set up a new Wise account and get a debit card?

To get a Wise account and debit card, you’ll need:

to be currently located in one of the countries where Wise offers the card.
an ID document, like a passport or driving licence, or a refugee document
a way to add money to your account, from a bank account or a card in your own name
If you want to order a physical card - an address in the European Economic Area (EEA) for your card delivery, and to set as your profile address

In Europe, the Wise card is currently available for residents of these countries and regions who have a Wise account.
Austria, Belgium, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France (only Metropolitan), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory) and the UK Crown Dependencies: Guernsey, Isle of Man, and Jersey. Find out more.

In Europe, the Wise card is currently available for residents of these countries and regions who have a Wise account.

Austria, Belgium, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France (only Metropolitan), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory) and the UK Crown Dependencies: Guernsey, Isle of Man, and Jersey. Find out more.

What Ukrainian documents can you accept to verify my identity?

We accept a Ukrainian passport, ID card, or driving licence.

If you're getting USD or EUR account details, you'll also need to take a photo of your ID, and a selfie using the Wise app. Don’t worry, you’ll be guided through that process step by step — just follow the instructions.

What do I do if I don't have access to my Ukrainian ID documents?

We can accept certain refugee documents depending on the country you are located in.

Country-specific information (updated as we receive further information)

If you are in Hungary, you can be granted temporary protection status, which comes with an ID document. Read how to apply in Ukrainian, Hungarian, English or Russian.

How do I get started with Wise?

Download the Wise app on your phone or go to wise.com
Click on ‘Register’ (top right corner of the screen)
Provide your email address and a password
Fill in your personal information: name, date of birth, your current postal address, phone number
From there, go to your Wise account homepage and activate your Wise account details

How do I activate my Wise account details and order a card?

You’ll find the option to activate account details on your account homepage after you register.

To get your first set of account details for receiving, holding and spending money, you’ll need to:

If you want to order a physical card - add 20 EUR to your account (or the equivalent in another currency) from a card or bank account in your own name
Verify your identity and confirm the purpose of your account

Once you have activated your Wise account details, you can order a card.

Go to to wise.com/cards
Click on ‘Order your card’
Provide a delivery address and pay 6 EUR (41 zloty, or equivalent in another currency) for us to make and send your card

This can be deducted from your already added account balance.

To be sure of receiving the card, check with the owner of the address how they usually receive their mail and if possible add your name to the mailbox.

It can take up to two weeks to get your card in Europe - or you can pay extra to get it in 2 working days.

You can add its details to Google or Apple Pay to start spending immediately.

I already have a Wise account registered to my Ukrainian address, so I can’t order a card. What can I do?

If you already have a Wise account with a Ukrainian address, you’ll need to change the address on your profile to one in the EEA where you can receive post.

Reach out to our support team if you need help submitting proof of your current postal address.

How can I add money to my account?

Your first top-up will need to come from an account or card registered in your name.

Currently, you can't add money to your account directly in Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH), you can do it only in another currency.

If you have access to your Ukrainian debit or credit card, you can use this to top up your account in Euro, Polish złoty, Hungarian forint, or any other available currency. Your card provider will automatically convert the money from UAH (at a fee). This should be processed instantly. Some payment processing networks might not be accepted so you can try another card or payment method.

These international transactions may involve additional fees from Wise, but we will always show you exactly how much you’re charged.

Once you have set up your Wise account details, you’ll be able to send and receive money from others into your Wise account in multiple currencies.

How can I use my Wise card?

Activate your Wise card by paying by card in any shop that supports it, or withdraw money from an ATM.

Check your card spending limits and fees.

How can I get help?

If you have more questions, we have a support team that speaks (amongst other languages) Ukrainian, English, and Russian. Reach out by going to wise.com/help and clicking on ‘Contact us’.

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.