European Union/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
January 30, 2023
At a Glance
- All EU Member States have implemented the Temporary Protection Directive, offering expedited stay, residence and work status for Ukrainian citizens and eligible Ukrainian residents leaving Ukraine.
- EU authorities plan to extend Temporary Protected Status to March 2024, from March 2023.
- For the most up-to-date information, check the European Agency for Asylum website.
The situation
All EU Member States have implemented the Temporary Protection Directive, setting up initial application processes for eligible individuals. For the most up-to-date information, check the European Agency for Asylum website.
- Scope. The Directive applies to Ukrainian citizens; foreign citizens residents in Ukraine; and spouses or partners, minor children, and cohabiting dependent family members of these individuals; resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022. National variations may apply regarding which Ukraine residents and which dependents will be considered eligible.
- Temporary Protection. The Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians fleeing the war is likely to be extended by all EU countries until March 2024. This is expected to be done automatically and may be a two-part (6-month at a time) one, or one full-year extension (to be determined by each country individually). Some EU countries have already confirmed this extension at national level (see below). No legal action is needed by the European Commission for this status to be extended. However, if the situation in Ukraine improves, the European Commission can propose to the European Council to end the temporary protection, in which case the residence permits granted under this rule would become invalid and would be withdrawn. EU countries would also have to publish national law in this regard individually. For now, there is no indication of EU decision makers planning to end this status for Ukrainian citizens, therefore automatic extension should be expected until September 2023 (6 months) or March 2024 (one year).
- National variation. EU Member States may introduce variations in the scope of eligible applicants and local application processes, among other factors. Notably, EU Member States may grant more generous rights than those outlined by the Directive, e.g., longer duration of stay or including a broader group of eligible applicants.
Key details of the Temporary Protection status and application process for the countries confirmed so far include the following:
Austria
UPDATE JANUARY 9, 2023: Ukrainian nationals under temporary protection status residing in Austria will automatically receive an extended permit valid until March 2024, no application for extension is required.
- 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.
Belgium
UPDATE DECEMBER 6, 2022: Ukrainian nationals under temporary protection status with a residence card expiration date on or before March 4, 2023 can extend their status until March 4, 2024. Affected status holders must extend their status in-person by visiting their local town hall in Belgium starting January 4, 2023.
- 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.
- 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).
Bulgaria
- 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.
Croatia
- 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.
Cyprus
- 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.
Czech Republic
- UPDATE DECEMBER 6, 2022: As of November 30, 2022, Ukrainian nationals have the option to extend their temporary protection status (TPS) until March 31, 2024. Individuals must register online for extension by March 31, 2023 in order to qualify, which will secure an appointment with the Ministry of Interior office to obtain a new visa sticker. In order to avoid TPS expiration, personal appearance is required no later than September 30, 2023. Due to the expected arrival of more displaced individuals during the winter season, TPS extension for current status holders is particularly contingent on registration since government agencies may be at full capacity with the potential new wave of applicants.
- 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
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.
- 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.
Estonia
- UPDATE DECEMBER 15, 2022: Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection status will soon be able to 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.
Finland
- UPDATE JANUARY 23, 2023: National temporary protection status has been automatically extended until March 4, 2024. Individuals under this status can continue using their expired residence permit card or they can request a new card starting January 25, 2023. Additionally, those who have resided in Finland for at least one year can apply for a municipality of residence card online starting March 1, 2023, which will provide broader access to public services in Finland.
- 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.
France
- 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.
Germany
- 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.
- 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.
Greece
- 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.
Hungary
- 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.
Iceland
Iceland has implemented a national scheme called Temporary Collective Protection with the following key details:
- Scope. Temporary collective protection is accessible to Ukrainian citizens; those holding Ukraine-issued international protection, subsidiary protection or humanitarian protection; their marital or cohabitating spouse, minor (step)children and other close relatives dependent on principal applicant. Applicants (including accompanying dependents) must have been resident in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible. Additionally, Ukrainian citizens on short stay on February 24, 2022, or with pending applications or non-renewable status can also apply.
- 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.
Ireland
- 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.
Italy
- UPDATE DECEMBER 15, 2022: The deadline for applications for national Temporary Protection Status has been extended until March 3, 2023.
- 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).
Latvia
- 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.
Lithuania
- 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.
- 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.
Luxembourg
- 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.
Malta
- 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.
Netherlands
- Scope. Temporary protection status is accessible to Ukrainian citizens who left Ukraine after November 26, 2021 or before that date if they were already resident in the Netherlands; those holding Ukraine-issued refugee status or a valid Ukrainian residence permit; and their spouse, partner, minor unmarried children and other cohabiting dependent relatives part of the family unit in Ukraine.
- UPDATE JANUARY 30, 2023: Ukrainian Temporary Protection Status holders will be able to prove their extended right to stay until March 4, 2024 with a letter that they will receive from the IND (the IND is sending letters through February 25).
- UPDATE JANUARY 5, 2023: The Dutch government has indicated that Ukrainian refugees and eligible third-country nationals will receive a letter before March 4, 2023 with instructions on how to renew their card sticker, since status cards will expire on March 4, 2023. It is not required to schedule an appointment to extend the proof of residency. Individuals covered by the Directive may stay in the Netherlands until March 4, 2024.
- UPDATE DECEMBER 15, 2022: Non-Ukrainian nationals without permanent residence or refugee status in Ukraine will no longer be eligible for temporary protection status in the Netherlands starting March 4, 2023. This category of individuals currently residing in the Netherlands will see their protection expire as of March 4, 2023 and will receive assistance for return to their country of origin.
- UPDATE OCTOBER 21, 2022: The Dutch government has extended the (national) temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees and eligible third-country nationals until March 4, 2024.
- UPDATE JULY 19, 2022: Individuals with temporary Ukrainian permits (e.g. students) who have not registered with municipal authorities as of July 19, 2022 will not be eligible to register for protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive to claim social protections such as municipal shelter, a living allowance, access to education and medical care in the Netherlands. Eligible individuals who registered with municipalities prior to July 19, 2022 are not affected and can maintain their Temporary Protection Status.
- Document 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.
- UPDATE: OCTOBER 24, 2022: Starting November 1, 2022, Ukrainian refugees will be required to 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. Note that there are delays for obtaining these documents at this time.
- UPDATE AUGUST 4, 2022: Applicants have until October 31, 2022 to collect proof of residency under the Temporary Protection Directive, up from September 1, 2022. Until this date, applicants are work authorized without proof of permit.
Norway
Norway is not an EU Member State, but has implemented a national scheme similar to EU Temporary Protection, the temporary collective protection scheme.
- UPDATE JANUARY 25, 2023: National temporary protection status has been automatically extended until March 4, 2024. Individuals under this status can continue using their expired residence permit card or they can request a new card starting January 25, 2023.
- 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 NOVEMBER 8, 2022: The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration has temporarily suspended the requirement for those with a refused residence permit application who have received a notification to return to Ukraine to leave Norway, where previously affected individuals needed to exit the country within 48 hours upon receiving notification. Additionally, Ukrainian citizens with expired residence permits can now reside in Norway without any additional requirements until further notice.
Poland
- UPDATE 10/31/2022: Polish authorities have drafted changes to the Polish Special Bill, however, revisions still require review and approval by Parliament. We will update this alert when this occurs. Key changes include:
- Removal of special (simplified) residence permit application process. Due to the expected backlog of temporary residence permit applications from Ukrainian refugees, Polish authorities may cancel the expedited route for those fleeing the war in Ukraine who are eligible for the Special Bill. Affected refugees currently protected by the Special Bill can still obtain an electronic Residence Permit for travel purposes (known as the Diia.pl).
- Updated concessions. Until August 24, 2023, Ukrainian citizens not protected by the Special Bill can continue to apply for temporary residence permits, which will be valid for one year, regardless of meeting permit requirements. Employers will also not be required to file additional notifications once affected employees receive their permits.
- Extension of residence rights. Ukrainian citizens currently residing in Poland under any type of residence permit, Schengen C, national visa, or permitted visa-free allowance can now stay in Poland until August 24, 2023 without applying for initial or renewal residence permit, whereas the previous stay period was set to expire on December 31, 2022. However, affected individuals are not able to travel outside Poland during this period.
- Revisions to scope of Special Bill. Any individuals who have fled the war in Ukraine who already hold temporary protection or a valid residence permit in another EU country will soon be excluded from protected status under the Special Bill, but may qualify under the EU Temporary Protection Scheme, depending on the scope of coverage under that scheme.
- National registration deadline shortened. The registration deadline to apply for a national identification number (PESEL) will be shortened to 30 days from arrival in Poland when the updated regulation is adopted, where previously individuals must have applied within 90 days of entry.
- Removal of special (simplified) residence permit application process. Due to the expected backlog of temporary residence permit applications from Ukrainian refugees, Polish authorities may cancel the expedited route for those fleeing the war in Ukraine who are eligible for the Special Bill. Affected refugees currently protected by the Special Bill can still obtain an electronic Residence Permit for travel purposes (known as the Diia.pl).
- UPDATE 7/27/2022: Polish authorities created an electronic residence document for adult Ukrainian citizens and their spouses with protected status under the Polish Special Bill. The electronic document is called Diia.pl and is available via the Polish official governmental application 'mObywatel'. Those holding an electronic residence document can prove their status if seeking re-entry to Poland after international travel; and can use the time available under Schengen allowable stay rules for travel in the Schengen Area, by proving that their stay in Poland is covered by a residence status and does not take up the time allowed under Schengen allowable stay rules. Travelers are, however, still required to carry a valid passport issued no more than 10 years before travel either within or outside the Schengen area. EU Temporary Protection status holders receive a separate certificate to prove their status and do not require the electronic residence document.
- National protection program. Poland offers complementary national protection. Entrants receive an entry stamp in their passport at the Border Guard upon entry or register with their municipal administration. Ukrainian citizens, their opposite-sex spouses and children; and close family members of Karta Polaka (Pole Card) holders; entering directly from Ukraine; are automatically permitted to stay in Poland until August 24, 2023 without additional formalities. Complementary national protection also offers work authorization based on notification only; automatic residence extension for current residents; streamlined temporary residence; and additional facilitations.
- Scope. Temporary protection status is accessible to Ukrainian citizens; stateless persons resident in Ukraine; those holding Ukraine-issued permanent residence or refugee status, unable to safely return to their home country; and opposite-sex spouses, minor children, and close dependent family members such as parents. Applicants must have resided in Ukraine on or before February 24, 2022 to be eligible.
- Document requirements. Applicants submit photographic identification document(s), passport photographs, passport entry stamp or other evidence confirming entry date, 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.
Portugal
- 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.
Romania
- 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.
Slovakia
UPDATE January 24, 2023: All temporary refugee statuses have been automatically extended until March 4, 2024. No action is required to benefit from the extension. Individuals and employers can review validity of the status and download updated temporary refuge documents on this link, if needed.
- 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.
Slovenia
- 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.
Spain
- 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.
Sweden
- 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.
- 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.
Switzerland
- 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 has been 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.
United Kingdom
Ukrainian citizens seeking stay in the United Kingdom can use two tailored national protection programs:
- Ukraine Family Scheme. The Ukraine family scheme is accessible to Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family, resident in Ukraine on or immediately before January 1, 2022; seeking to join UK-based family members. A broad range of family relationships between the Ukrainian citizen applicant and UK-based family member is accepted, and a broad range of UK residence statuses is accepted for sponsorship.
- Homes for Ukraine. The Homes for Ukraine scheme bundles UK-based sponsors such as individuals, charities, community groups and businesses willing to volunteer accommodation (for at least six months) and immigration sponsorship for Ukrainian entrants. The scheme is accessible to Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family, resident in Ukraine before January 1, 2022. Applicants can seek entry with a known UK-based sponsor; or they can be linked to a UK-based volunteer sponsor as part of application processing.
- Ukraine Extension Scheme. Ukrainian nationals and their family members are qualified for an extension of stay under this scheme if: they arrived in the United Kingdom on or before March 18, 2022 and held lawful immigration status on that date; or they were in the United Kingdom at any time before January 1, 2022 with permission to enter or stay but where their permission ended after this date. However, the eligibility period for the Ukraine Extension Scheme has now been extended by way of a concession. The effect of the concession is that Ukrainian nationals who hold permission to stay on or at any time between March 18, 2022 and May 16, 2023 can also apply to stay in the United Kingdom under the Ukrainian Extension Scheme. The Immigration Rules will soon be updated to reflect this extended eligibility period and to introduce a deadline for applications made under the Ukraine Extension Scheme.
Impact
Impacted citizens should take advantage of immediate concessions in all EU Member States and should remain informed of the growing number of concessions as they are released by local authorities, and prepare for delays in consular and immigration processes.
Background
- 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.
Looking ahead
Check our Spotlight page on the evolving situation and firm resources; and dedicated COVID-19 website for increasing exemptions from COVID-19 entry rules for those leaving Ukraine.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].