Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates

• Update February 25, 2026: Austria has extended temporary protection status until March 4, 2027. Permits will be automatically extended and sent to the permit holder’s currently registered Austrian residential address. 
• Update April 27, 2023: Ukrainian nationals holding a Blue Card for Temporary Protection can now work without a work permit as of April 21, 2023. Candidates already holding a work permit do not need to extend the permit and those with filed extension cases should withdraw them. Issued permits do not need to be cancelled, nor must a notification be sent to the labor authority. 
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouse, partner, minor unmarried children, other close cohabiting dependent family; resident in Ukraine before February 24, 2022 and having fled as of February 24, 2022.
• Document requirements. Applicants submit photographic identification document(s); proof of Ukraine-issued protection status; and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship, and proof of cohabitation and dependency for non-immediate family. 

• Update March 5, 2025: Belgium has extended temporary protection status until March 4, 2026. To retain protection status, affected individuals must extend their status in-person by visiting their local town hall in Belgium by March 4, 2025.
• Update April 21, 2023: Temporarily protected Ukrainians will be registered in the population register on the date of their application for registration at the town hall municipality, following a positive residence check, instead of the previous process of being registered at the town hall on the date of the issuance of the temporary protection certificate. Additionally, when applying at the town hall with a temporary protection certificate older than 90 days, the municipality will need to contact the Immigration Office for instructions. Further, the period of residence in Belgium under temporary protection status will not count towards the period of uninterrupted legal residence of five years required to obtain long-term status. 
• Scope. Temporary protection status is accessible to Ukrainian citizens and third country nationals and stateless persons who had a protection status in Ukraine; and their family members (spouse, partner, minor children, other close cohabitating dependent family living as a family unit in Ukraine and dependent upon the principal applicant); resident in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Applicants must have been habitually resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022, to be eligible. Update November 1, 2023 - The Belgian Council for Alien Law Litigation has ruled that individuals who only have a derivative claim for protection as the family member of a main applicant (a Ukrainian citizen or resident, or a third country national or stateless person who had a protection status in Ukraine) will not receive protection unless that main applicant has themselves left Ukraine.
• Document requirements. Applicants submit photographic identification document(s), proof of protection status in Ukraine if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship, and proof of cohabitation and dependency for non-immediate family. Applicants are advised to submit any relevant documentation, although authorities are expected to be lenient if documents are unavailable.
• Update August 30, 2022: Ukrainians with Temporary Protection status and their family members are now also work authorization exempt for self-employed activities (in addition to work as employees). 

• Update February 20, 2025: Temporary Protection Status has been extended to March 4, 2026. To receive this extension, temporary protection beneficiaries need to visit the Bulgarian Agency of Refugees and apply for a new temporary protection card. Locations are listed here.
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their family members (legal, opposite-sex spouse or partner, unmarried minor children); resident in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Stateless individuals or foreign citizens who left Ukraine due to hostilities may also seek temporary protection in Bulgaria before March 31, 2022.
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), proof of legal residence status in Ukraine if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship.

• Update March 3, 2025: Temporary Protection Status has been automatically extended to March 4, 2026. Despite the automatic extension, protection beneficiaries must still renew their identity card.
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; stateless persons resident in Ukraine; those holding Ukraine-issued protection or permanent stay; and their family members. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible.  
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), Ukraine-issued permanent residence or protected status if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship. 

• Update March 26, 2025: Temporary Protection Status has been automatically extended until March 2026.
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukrainian-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, cohabitating partners and minor children. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible.
• Document requirements. Applicants submit photographic identification. Eligible Ukrainian residents additionally submit their Ukraine-issued residence permit. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship. 

• Update January 14, 2026: Temporary protection beneficiaries can extend their protection status until March 31, 2027. The renewal process involves two steps:

  • First, register online for renewal. This must be completed by March 15, 2026.

  • Second, arrange an in-person appointment with Czech immigration authorities to receive new visa documentation.

• Update February 24, 2025: The Czech Republic has introduced a new five-year residence permit with work rights for individuals who have fled the war in Ukraine. Applicants must have resided in the Czech Republic under the temporary protection regime for at least two years, and must be economically self-sufficient. State authorities will notify applicants of their eligibility.
• Update November 7, 2022:  
  
  • Temporary Protection status can now be withdrawn or invalidated by the Czech government if the applicant requests (or in the past has requested) this status in another country.   
  • Temporary Protection status applicants must notify the government within three days of a change of address in the Czech Republic. 
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; foreign citizens residents in Ukraine unable to safely return to their home country; and spouses, partners, minor children and other dependent cohabiting close family. Ukrainian citizens in the Czech Republic on short stay may also apply.  Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022, to be eligible. 
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), Ukraine-issued residence permit if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship, and proof of cohabitation and dependency for non-immediate family.  

Denmark does not offer EU Temporary Protection as it opted out of relevant EU legislation, but introduced a similar status via national legislation. Key details include the following:  

• Scope. Special Act status is available to Ukrainian citizens and those holding Ukraine-issued refugee status; either resident in Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and having left Ukraine after this date; or resident in Denmark on February 24, 2022. Cohabiting spouses or partners, unmarried minor children, and other cohabiting dependent close family of these individuals are also eligible for Special Act status.
  • Extensions. Update October 16, 2025: Residence permits granted under the Special Act have been extended until March 17, 2027, with such extension occurring automatically.
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit an application form, photographic identification document(s), proof of legal residence status in Ukraine if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship, and proof of cohabitation and dependency for non-immediate family.  

• Update February 26, 2025: Temporary Protection Residence Permits have been extended until March 2026. The extension of temporary protection is not automatic. Ukrainian citizens who have been granted temporary protection in Estonia can apply for an extension through the Police and Border Guard Board's self-service portal. Applications should be submitted no earlier than three months and no later than one month before the current residence permit expires.
• Update December 15, 2022: Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection status can now apply for an extension through a newly-implemented self-service electronic portal three months before the expiry of their residence permit. Individuals will receive a receipt of application submission via email, as well as a notification of approval and confirmation to collect their permit from the nearest Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) service office. Note, extensions for expired temporary protection status residence permits may only be submitted in person at the PPA service office. The PPA advises that individuals apply for an extension no later than one month before their permit expiration date.  
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their family members. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible.  
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), a birth certificate is sufficient for children under 14 years old, and the application form provided at the service office.

• Update February 25, 2026: Residence permits granted on the basis of temporary protection have been automatically extended until March 4, 2027. 
• Update January 21, 2025: Residence permits granted on the basis of temporary protection will be valid for three years, down from the previous four years. 
• Update September 25, 2023: Effective September 7, 2023, Finland has ceased issuing temporary protection residence permits to foreign nationals or stateless persons who had resided in Ukraine on a temporary residence permit. This does not apply to Ukrainian citizens or international protection beneficiaries (and their dependents), or Ukrainian permanent residence permit holders (who are unable to safely return to their home country).
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouse, partner, minor children, guardians of minor children; resident in Ukraine before February 24, 2022 and having fled as of February 24, 2022.
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), proof of legal residence status in Ukraine if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship. 

• Update February 23, 2026: Temporary protection status is extended until March 4, 2027. Extensions are not automatic; applicants need to submit an extension application with French authorities.    
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouse, partner, minor children (adopted and step children included), other cohabiting dependent close relatives; resident in Ukraine before February 24, 2022 and having fled as of February 24, 2022. Ukrainian refugees in France must renew their temporary protection status by contacting the Prefecture of the department of residence three weeks to three days before their temporary residence permit expiration date.
• Document requirements. Applicants submit a passport, any available documents on their civil status, any available proof of residence in Ukraine on February 24, and local accommodation details, among others. Document requirements may vary somewhat between Prefectures. 

• Update February 17, 2026: Temporary protection status has been extended until March 4, 2027. Valid Temporary Protection Residence Permits will be automatically extended until then.
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, partners and minor children. Those holding Ukraine-issued permanent residence, unable to return to their country of origin, can also apply. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible. Update February 24, 2025: To be eligible, applicants must have entered Germany by December 4, 2025 at the latest. 
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), proof of legal residence status in Ukraine if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship. 

• Update February 28, 2025: Temporary Protection Residence Permits have been automatically extended until March 4, 2026.
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, partners, minor children and other close dependent relatives part of the family unit in Ukraine. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible.  
• Document requirements. Document requirements have not yet been published. Based on entry guidance and application scope, applicants are expected to have to submit a biometric passport, or identification document issued by the Ukrainian Embassy in Greece plus temporary on-arrival visa; Ukraine-issued refugee status if applicable; and proof of the family relationship for dependents. A wide range of documents are accepted for the identification of accompanying children.  

• Update December 18, 2025: Temporary protection permits have been automatically extended until March 4, 2027. 
  
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, partners, minor children, parents and other close cohabiting dependent relatives that were a part of the family unit on or before February 24, 2022. 
• Document requirements. Applicants submit photographic identification document(s) and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022, and have entered Hungary after February 24, 2022 Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship. 

• Update February 10, 2025: Temporary collective protection holders now benefit from an automatic extension of their status until March 2, 2026. They will receive an SMS stating where and when they can pick up new residence permit cards. More information is available here.
• Document requirements. Applicants submit photographic identification (birth certificate is sufficient for children), proof of Ukraine-issued protected status if applicable, proof of the family relationship for dependents, and proof of cohabitation and dependency for non-immediate family.  

• Update February 18, 2026: Temporary protection permissions have now been extended until March 4, 2027. Existing Temporary Protection Certificates will remain valid and any expired certificates can be used as proof of entitlement. Stamp 4 Irish Residence Permit (IRP) Cards will likely need to be renewed, but formal instructions on when and how to renew have not been issued.
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouse, partner, minor children, and other cohabiting dependent close family members who were a part of the family unit in Ukraine; and Ukrainian stateless or third country citizen residents who cannot safely return to their country of origin. Applicants must have resided in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible. 
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), proof of legal residence status in Ukraine if applicable. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship, and proof of cohabitation and dependency for non-immediate family.  

• Update February 18, 2026: 
  • Temporary protection status for Ukrainian nationals has been extended until March 4, 2027. Beneficiaries of temporary protection must apply for the extension by submitting an application to the Italian authorities before the expiry date of their permit card.

  • The right of protection beneficiaries to convert their status to a residence permit for subordinate employment remains unchanged. Applicants must meet all relevant requirements for an employment-based residence permit (for instance, having a local employment contract) and pay the applicable contribution fee.

• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, partners, and minor children; resident in Ukraine before February 24, 2022 Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible.   
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit the following documents for their temporary protection application: proof of nationality containing photographic identification (e.g., biometric or other passport, national identification card, driver’s license); three passport size pictures, dichiarazione di ospitalita’ and dichiarazione di presenza (if applicable).  

• Update November 17, 2025: The government has indefinitely extended the Temporary Protection Status program (meaning the previous deadlines do not apply). Individuals granted this status are issued temporary residence permits valid for three years. 
• Change of Status. It is possible to change from a Temporary Protection Status to a different residence permit in-country. 
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, partners, and minor children resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022. 

• Update September 25, 2024: Lithuania has automatically extended Temporary Protection Status until March 4, 2026. 
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; foreign citizens residents in Ukraine unable to safely return to their home country; and spouses, partners, and minor children resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022. Eligible individuals must submit an application form online, book an appointment at the Migration Department for submission of their original passport and other relevant original documents that were uploaded to the digital application form online and to complete biometrics. Upon approval, a digital temporary residence permit will be issued by the Migration Department and sent to the foreign national’s MIGRI account who can then print the temporary residence permit for use. 
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), proof of legal residence status in Ukraine if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship, and proof of cohabitation and dependency for non-immediate family. Applicants are advised to submit any relevant documentation, although authorities are expected to be lenient if documents are unavailable.  

Update February 18, 2026: Luxembourg has extended temporary protection until March 4, 2027. To retain protections status beyond March 4, 2026, affected individuals will need to renew their biometric cards. 

• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, partners and minor children. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible. 
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit an application form; photographic identification; children may use their birth certificate; Ukraine-issued residence status if applicable; and proof of the family relationship for family members. 

• Update March 10, 2025: Temporary Protection Status has been extended to March 4, 2026. Permits are not automatically extended. Requests for temporary protection need to be submitted with the International Protection Agency (IPA).
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status; and their spouses, partners, minor unmarried children, and other cohabiting close relatives who are a part of the family unit; resident in Ukraine before February 24, 2022  
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), proof of legal residence status in Ukraine if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship, and proof of cohabitation and dependency for non-immediate family. Applicants are advised to submit any relevant documentation, although authorities are expected to be lenient if documents are unavailable.  

Scope. 

• Update – February 23, 2026:  
  • • Temporary protection status has been extended until March 4, 2027. Eligible protection beneficiaries will receive a letter with instructions later this year providing information on how to obtain an updated permission. 
    • This extension only applies to Ukrainian nationals. Other nationals who had temporary residence in Ukraine ceased being eligible for Dutch temporary protection status on September 4, 2025.  
    • Long-term alternative. Dutch authorities have stated that they will cease the temporary protection status program from March 4, 2027. From that date, protection beneficiaries will be able to obtain a temporary residence permission valid for three years. Further details on this policy are expected in Q2 2026. 
• Update June 19, 2024 – New registration requirements. From June 17, 2024, refugees from Ukraine who claim protection under the Temporary Protection Directive must attend an appointment with the Netherlands’ Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) within four weeks of registering in their local municipality. During this appointment, the IND will assess whether the applicant is eligible for protection under the Temporary Protection Directive and a proof of residence sticker will be issued if the IND official determines that the applicant is entitled to temporary protection.

• Document requirements.
  • General requirements. Applicants must submit their temporary Dutch address; photographic identification document(s); and proof of legal residence status in Ukraine, if applicable. Other document requirements have not yet been published, but based on EU-wide implementation, family members will likely be required to submit proof of the family relationship, and proof of cohabitation and dependency for non-immediate family. 
  • Sticker/O-Document. As of November 1, 2022, Ukrainian refugees must have a sticker or O-document issued by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service to prove their right to live and work in the Netherlands under the Temporary Protection Directive.

Norway is not an EU Member State, but has implemented a national scheme similar to EU Temporary Protection, the temporary collective protection scheme.  

• Update February 25, 2026: National temporary protection status has been automatically extended until March 2027. Permits will be automatically extended and sent to the permit holder’s currently registered residential address. As a limited exception, permit holders who have turned six years old since their last permit was granted must go to a police station to provide fingerprints. 
• Update October 2, 2024: Effective September 28, 2024, people from the following areas in Ukraine are no longer eligible for collective protection: Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Rivne, Ternopil, Volyn, and Zakarpattia. Asylum applications from individuals from these areas are now to be assessed on an individual basis (which is subject to stricter requirements). As exceptions, the following categories will still be assessed on a collective protection basis:
  • • pending applications submitted before September 28, 2024;
    • current collective protection beneficiaries who apply to have their residence permit extended;
    • close family members of collective protection beneficiaries; and
    • people who been medically evacuated and their relatives.
• Scope. Collective Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens, those with Ukraine-issued protected status; and their spouse, partner, minor children and other family members cohabiting in Ukraine. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022, and must have fled Ukraine since February 24, 2022, to be eligible.  
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s) and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship. Applicants are advised to submit any relevant documentation, although authorities are expected to be lenient if documents are unavailable.  

• Update September 29, 2025:
  • Effective September 30, 2025, temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals who have fled the war in Ukraine has been extended until March 4, 2026. The extension is automatic – no action is required by temporary protection holders. This extension is part of a new law which again amends the Ukrainian Special Bill following the president’s veto of an earlier similar reform.
  • As the temporary protection has been extended, recommendations stated below in the update dated August 27, 2025 are no longer relevant.
• Update August 27, 2025: On August 25, 2025, the Polish President vetoed the draft bill amending the Ukrainian Special Bill, which would allow the extension of multiple provisions of the Ukrainian Special Bill that are set to expire on September 30, 2025, and proposed a new bill. Since it is uncertain whether the provisions of the Ukrainian Special Bill are going to be extended by September 30, 2025, companies employing Ukrainian nationals in Poland should ensure that:
  • Ukrainian nationals who have not yet applied for a temporary residence permit in Poland – in particular those who reside in Poland on the basis of Ukrainian Special Bill provisions, but do not have the so-called UKR status (a special temporary protection status for Ukrainians who arrived in the country after February 24, 2022) –  should submit their temporary residence permit applications no later than by September 30 2025. If it is not possible to book an appointment for in-person submission by September 30, 2025, then the application should be submitted by mail so that it is delivered to the immigration office no later than September 30, 2025.
  • Irrespective of the above recommendation, Ukrainian nationals under UKR status seeking to travel out of Poland without facing travel restrictions within the first 90 days after October 1, 2025 in the event that the provisions of the Ukrainian Special Bill are not extended, should apply to the Office for Foreigners for a certificate confirming that they remain covered by temporary protection following from EU law. The application should be submitted as soon as possible after September 30, 2025, in the event that the provisions of the Ukrainian Special Bill are not extended by September 30, 2025.

Update June 13, 2024: The Polish government has published an amended bill that goes into effect on July 1, 2024 that:

• extends temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals who fled from war until September 30, 2025. The extension is automatic – no action is required by temporary protection holders.
• requires employers of temporary protection beneficiaries to notify Polish authorities about the start of employment as well as any change of employment status within seven days of the event, as opposed to the current 14 days. Among other information, this notification must also specify the temporary protection beneficiary’s income (which must meet at least the minimum salary). Legislation also sets out expressly the circumstances when a notification is necessary whereas currently, it does not.
• requires temporary protection beneficiaries to notify their employer within seven days about the receipt of a decision regarding their residence status whereas currently, no such obligation exists.
• requires temporary protection beneficiaries to apply for a Polish identification number (PESEL) immediately upon arrival in Poland, whereas currently they can apply within 30 days.
• allows dependents of Ukrainian temporary protection beneficiaries to apply for a temporary residence permit of up to three years (regardless of their employment status) whereas currently, only temporary protection beneficiaries who are employed or running a business can apply for a temporary residence permit.

Update February 22, 2024: Effective February 21, 2024, Poland has extended temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals who fled from war until June 30, 2024. The extension is automatic – no action is required by temporary protection holders. It is expected that Polish authorities will subsequently extend protection to March 2025 (which is the current extension date mandated under the Temporary Protection Directive).

UPDATE JUNE 20, 2023: Ukrainian nationals in Poland under temporary protected status, which was set to expire on August 24, 2023, now benefit from an automatic extension of their status until March 4, 2024. Ukrainian nationals holding a Polish permit, visa or other document whose status expires between February 24, 2022, and August 2023 will also benefit from the automatic extension until March 4, 2024. Additionally, Ukrainian national students in Poland and their legal guardian benefit from an automatic extension of their status until August 31, 2024 or until the end of September 2024.

UPDATE APRIL 5, 2023: Polish authorities will soon issue a Diia.pl document to children who left Ukraine due to the war; currently it is only available to Ukrainian refugees over the age of 13. Polish authorities are expected to confirm that the related technology systems have been adjusted to the new regulation in the coming weeks. Parents who registered with their children as Ukrainian refugees in Poland who download their own Diia.pl document will also be able to download the Diia.pl document for their children. The document (with a valid passport) allows Ukrainian refugees to travel to another Schengen country or to cross the external borders of the European Union, as long as they do not leave Poland for more than 30 days (which would result in loss of Special Bill status).

UPDATE FEBRUARY 3, 2023: Further to our update published in October, Polish authorities have amended the Polish Special Bill, which includes the following changes: 

• Permit eligibility for business activities. Effective April 1, 2023, Ukrainian nationals protected by the Special Bill will be able to submit Single Permit, EU Blue Card and Residence Permit applications to conduct business activities in Poland. Unemployed adult dependents and minors cannot apply for the Residence Permit but are eligible for the Single Permit and EU Blue Card. Applications can be submitted via postal mail to avoid appointment scheduling delays.   
• Updated concessions. Until August 23, 2023, Ukrainian nationals protected by the Special Bill or those resident in Poland before February 24, 2022 will not be granted a negative decision on a residence permit application solely based on the Ukrainian national not having sufficient documentary evidence. In cases where documentary evidence does not meet the usual standards, authorities will instead grant a residence permit for a duration of one year. 
• Notification requirements. Employers of Ukrainian nationals who have pending Single Permit applications or hold a valid Single Permit based on the Special Bill will need to submit an employment start date notification within 14 days from the date of receiving the Single Permit. Employers who did not submit this notification for these individuals will be able to submit notifications within 14 days of January 28, 2023.  
• National registration deadline shortened. The registration deadline to apply for a national identification number (PESEL) has been shortened to 30 days from arrival in Poland, down from the previous 90 days. Individuals who have not yet applied for a PESEL  certificate will have an opportunity to apply within 30 days from January 28, 2023.  
• Temporary protection status. Ukrainian nationals covered by temporary protection in another EU country are not eligible for the Special Bill benefits if they relocate to Poland, whereas previously it was not specified in legislation. If they have already registered as a beneficiary of the Special

• Update March 17, 2025: Temporary Protection status has been further extended until March 4, 2026. Those individuals already holding Temporary Protection status will have their status automatically extended and do not need to take any additional action.
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, partners, minor children and other cohabiting close relatives part of the family unit. 
• Document requirements. Photographic identification confirming nationality, e.g., biometric passport, national identification card; Ukraine-issued residence permit or similar proof of Ukraine residence status, if applicable; family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship, e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate. 
   

• Update February 21, 2025: Temporary Protection status has been automatically extended until March 4, 2026.
• National protection program. Romania offers additional national protection under the “Direct Employment” scheme, which allows Ukrainian citizens to seek employment based on self-attestation of their qualifications and criminal record. Once employed, they can apply for residence within Romania without requiring a work permit or long-term entry visa (typically obtained from abroad). Successful applicants receive a nine-month status, renewable based on continued employment even if the situation in Ukraine stabilizes. 
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, partners and minor children. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible. 
• Document requirements. Document requirements have not yet been published. Based on the eligible scope of applicants, individuals are expected to be required to submit photographic identification, birth certificates for children would be accepted, any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022, and Ukraine-issued permanent residence if applicable. Across the European Union, family members typically must also submit proof of the family relationship. 

• Update February 24, 2026: All temporary refugee statuses have been automatically extended until March 4, 2027. Individuals and employers can review the validity of the status and download updated temporary refuge documents here, if needed. Protection beneficiaries can also apply on appointment for a residence card at any Foreign Police office. These cards have a three-year validity (though would become invalid the moment temporary protection status ceases). Those granted temporary protection status before December 15, 2024 can apply for such cards, but are not required to. Individuals who apply for protection status as of December 15, 2024 must apply for this card as part of their application.
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, partners, minor children, parents and other cohabiting close relatives that are a part of the family unit; resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022.
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit an application form, their Slovak (temporary) address, photographic identification document(s), and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship.

• Update February 25, 2025: National temporary protection status has been automatically extended until March 4, 2026.
• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protection status or permanent residency and cannot safely return to their country; and their spouses, cohabiting partners, minor dependent (step) children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews (without own parents), other close dependent relatives cohabiting in Ukraine. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible.
• Application process. Eligible individuals can apply for temporary protection with border police immediately upon entry, or at a local police station. Applicants must submit a completed application form, available online, and available evidence of their circumstances. Evidence of travel from Ukraine is usually required. Successful applicants immediately receive a temporary protection residence permit. No government fees apply. 

• Update February 17, 2026: Temporary Protection Status has been automatically extended until March 4, 2027. As was the case last time, protection beneficiaries with expired residency cards will retain their legal immigration status in Spain. Despite this, renewing the card is advisable.  
• Update November 25, 2025: Although no formal announcement has been issued, the Large Companies Unit has indicated that individuals with temporary protection status can now apply for and receive an Entrepreneurs Act Permit (which includes the EU Blue Card, the Highly Qualified Professionals permit, the Intra-Company Transfers permit, and the Digital Nomad Visa) without having to leave Spain. Previously, affected nationals were only able to change to an Entrepreneurs Act Permit status by leaving Spain and submitting the application from outside the country. The Entrepreneurs Act permit allows for an initial stay up to three years, with the possibility of renewal. 
• Scope. Temporary protection status is accessible to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued protected status; those holding Ukraine-issued residence permits, unable to safely and permanently return to their country of origin; and their spouse, partner, unmarried minor children, and other close dependent relatives cohabiting in Ukraine. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022. Ukrainian citizens on short or irregular stay in Spain on February 24 are also eligible.
  • Document requirements. Applicants submit photographic identification (Ukrainian local identification cards are acceptable and driver’s licenses are likely accepted); Ukraine-issued residence permit for eligible residents with an international passport; proof of the family relationship for dependents; and proof of cohabitation and dependency for non-core family members. Children can use a birth certificate as identification if needed.

Update February 17, 2026: Temporary protection status has been extended until March 4, 2027. Protection beneficiaries whose permits were issued before July 15, 2025 will receive instructions from authorities regarding how to extend their permits. Protection beneficiaries whose permits were issued on or after July 15, 2025 will have their permits automatically extended.

• Scope. Temporary Protection status is available to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued refugee or subsidiary protection status; their spouses, partners and minor children. Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible. Applicants require a biometric passport or visa for entry, unless applying for asylum at the border. Update January 4, 2024: Applicants must have either been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022, or (following December 2023 changes to the rules) legally resident in Sweden before December 22, 2023. This latter change means that some individuals residing in Sweden when the war commenced may now be eligible for temporary protection status. Applicants require a biometric passport or visa for entry, unless applying for asylum at the border.  
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), proof of Ukraine-issued refugee or subsidiary protection status if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship. 

Update October 27, 2025:  

• Effective December 1, 2025, S permit holders will no longer need to obtain work authorization in order to work. Instead, they will simply need to notify authorities (either via the EasyGov portal or directly to cantonal authorities) when commencing or ending employment, or changing employers. 

• Recent restrictions on asylum seekers, provisionally admitted persons, and individuals under protection status in Switzerland seeking to travel outside Switzerland do not apply to S permit holders. 

Update October 8, 2025: S-status for Ukrainian nationals has been extended until March 4, 2027.

Following the adoption of a parliamentary motion, the Federal Council has instructed the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) to define regions of Ukraine that are deemed “safe to return”. These regions will be regularly assessed by the SEM and currently include Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Zakarpattia (Transcarpathia), Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi. While this does not impact current S-status holders or their family members, any new applicants coming from these regions may not be granted S-status as of November 1, 2025 based on these changes.

In addition, starting November 1, 2025, S-status holders in Switzerland will only be allowed to spend up to 15 days per half-year in Ukraine instead of the current 15 days per quarter.

Update March 2, 2023: Effective immediately, temporary protection status “S” holders between age 15-20 can apply and complete an apprenticeship (i.e., participation in a formal company training program with State Secretariat for Migration approval) in Switzerland, even if the “S” status for temporary protection has been lifted before completion of the apprenticeship. 

• Temporary Protection Status “S”. Temporary protection status is accessible to Ukrainian citizens, non-EU national Ukrainian residents unable to safely return to their home country, those with Ukraine-issued refugee status; and their spouses, partners, minor children and other close dependent family (dependency existing in Ukraine). Applicants must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible.  In November 2022, temporary protection status for all affected individuals was extended to March 4, 2024. 
• Document requirements. Applicants must submit photographic identification document(s), proof of Ukraine-issued refugee or subsidiary protection status if applicable, and any available proof of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022. Family members additionally submit proof of the family relationship.  

Multiple schemes. Various schemes (which have been adjusted from time to time) exist in the United Kingdom for Ukrainian citizens seeking to enter and stay. These are:

• The Home for Ukraine Scheme. Open to Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members if they have an approved sponsor. Generally, the sponsor must be a British or Irish citizen, or have the right to live in the UK permanently, and be able to provide accommodation for a minimum of 6 months. The rules vary slightly if the applicant is a parent or legal guardian intending to sponsor only their child.
  • As of April 9, 2025, program participants must obtain an approved sponsor for entry clearance applications as well as in-country applications. Additionally, from this date, step-parents ceased being eligible for the program.
  • As of August 13, 2025, permission to make in-country applications under the scheme by those who previously entered without entry clearance is no longer permitted.
• The Ukraine Family Scheme. For Ukrainian citizens (and their immediate family) resident in Ukraine on or immediately before January 1, 2022 who are seeking to join UK-based family members. Since February 2024, this pathway has been closed to new applicants.
• Ukraine Extension Schemes. Beneficiaries under the above two schemes have been able to secure extensions, originally under Ukraine Extension Scheme (UES) and then via the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPES):
  • UES. The UES ceased being open to new applications from May 16, 2024. Regardless, children born in the United Kingdom after March 18, 2022 to Ukraine Scheme beneficiaries remain eligible to apply under the UES route beyond May 16, 2024. Where the parents hold differing lengths of permission under the Ukraine Scheme, a child will be granted a permission in line with the parent who holds the permission that expires last.
  • UPES. On February 4, 2025, the UES was replaced by the UPES.  The UPES – which has been extended until September 2027 – allows Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members who are in the United Kingdom with status under a Ukraine scheme (Homes for Ukraine Scheme, the Ukraine Family Scheme or the previous Ukraine Extension Scheme) to extend their residence status for an additional 18 months. Individuals who previously held permission to remain under one of these schemes but subsequently obtained a different type of residence permit may also be eligible to extend their residence in the United Kingdom.
  • On April 9, 2025, eligibility for the Scheme was expanded to children under 18 who were previously granted permission to stay in the United Kingdom outside the Immigration Rules (who had come to the United Kingdom due to Russia’s invasion before the scheme was implemented). 

Grants of Extensions are not automatic. Protection beneficiaries must apply to extend their status.

Long-term residence. UK authorities have confirmed that time spent in the United Kingdom under any of the Ukraine schemes will not count towards the qualifying period required to secure long-term residence. The UK government considers the various schemes to be only temporary in nature, with the assumption that protection beneficiaries will return to Ukraine when the security situation allows it.

• Directive background. The Directive was developed in 2001, but recently activated to apply to individuals fleeing Ukraine. The Directive seeks to offer an expedited status outside the traditional asylum process to prevent further overburdening the asylum system across EU Member States.
• Other application options. Asylum, refugee and similar protected status applications remain available, as do employment-based and personal (e.g., student, family member) permit types. Individuals are advised to consult with immigration counsel for guidance on the immigration options best suited to their situation.