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

UPDATE APRIL 27, 2023:  Ukrainian nationals under temporary protection status residing in Albania will automatically receive an extended permit valid until September 2023, 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. 
• Documentary Requirements. There are no documentary requirements to apply for this status. 

UPDATE JANUARY 18, 2024: Austria has extended temporary protection status until March 4, 2025. Permits will be automatically extended and sent to the permit holder’s 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. 

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. 

UPDATE NOVEMBER 27, 2023: Belgium has extended temporary protection status until March 4, 2025. Affected status holders can extend their status in-person by visiting their local town hall in Belgium starting January 4, 2024.

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. 

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. 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). 

• 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.
• UPDATE FEBRUARY 13, 2024: Temporary Protection Status has been extended to March 4, 2025. 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. Bulgarian Refugee Agency offices have already begun issuing protection cards valid until March 4, 2025.
• 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.

• UPDATED MARCH 15, 2023:  To extend their Temporary Protection Status, displaced persons from Ukraine should visit the Croatian Ministry of Interior in their place of residence to certify the extension of their Identity Card no later than April 30, 2023, if possible. There is no need to apply for the extension of temporary protection.  The extension will be recorded in the existing 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. 

• 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 FEBRUARY 2, 2024: Czech authorities have confirmed that temporary protection status holders seeking to extend their permit to March 2025 must submit an online extension application on or before March 15, 2024. The application process is currently open. Individuals with pending extension applications will retain the right to live and work in the Czech Republic. Successful extension applicants will need to collect their new visa sticker from government offices by September 30, 2024.
• UPDATE NOVEMBER 29, 2023: Temporary protection status holders will be able to extend their protection status to March 2025 (the exact date is not clear), with online renewal applications likely to be available from early 2024. Renewal application procedure details are still being finalised and we will provide further updates when available.
• UPDATE APRIL 24, 2023: As of March 31, 2023, the Czech Embassy in Ukraine is accepting the following applications. The application must be submitted in person.   
  
  • long-term visas for family purposes and for long-term stays for family reunification; 
  • long-term stays for scientific research; 
  • Blue Cards if they are submitted by Ukrainian citizens who have been granted or applied for temporary protection status in another EU Member State; 
  • Long-term visas or long-term stay for study at an accredited study program at a university or scholarship stay (i.e. does not apply to language courses, etc); and 
  • Permanent residence of Czech expatriates (holders of a certificate of membership of the expatriate community). 
• The applicant must register in advance to submit the application and must apply to either the embassy in Kyiv or the consulate general in Lviv, depending on local jurisdiction. Previously, Ukrainian nationals could only apply if they were in a third country and held a residence permit in that country. 
• 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 – December 6, 2024: Residence permits granted under the Special Act have been extended until March 17, 2026, 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 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 JANUARY 31, 2024: Finland has confirmed that all residence permits granted on the basis of temporary protection (including foreign nationals who were residing in Ukraine with a temporary residence permit) will be extended until March 4, 2025, with extensions to go into effect between February 9-16, 2024 and permit holders to receive mail and a text message from government authorities confirming the extension. Applications for new residence permit cards will be possible only from February 17, 2024. Update - March 5, 2024: Despite the fact that from September 7, 2023, Finland stopped issuing temporary protection residence permits to foreign nationals who had been residing in Ukraine on a temporary basis, this extension applies to any such individuals who were granted protection prior to that date.
• UPDATE OCTOBER 26, 2023: Finland has extended its temporary protection regime until at least March 4, 2025 for a) Ukrainian citizens (and their dependents), including those who had left Ukraine before February 24, 2022; b) individuals (and their dependents) who had been granted international protection in Ukraine prior to February 24, 2022; and c) Ukrainian permanent residence permit holders (who are unable to safely return to their home country). However, this extension does not currently apply to foreign nationals who were residing in Ukraine with a temporary residence permit. A decision regarding this category is expected in the near future.
• 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).
• 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. 

• 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 - November 28, 2023: Extension: Temporary protection residence permits that are still valid as of February 1, 2024 will be extended automatically until March 4, 2025.
• 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. 

• UPDATE FEBRUARY 26, 2024: Temporary Protection Residence Permits have been automatically extended until March 4, 2025.
• UPDATE MARCH 24, 2023: Temporary Protection Residence Permits that expire by March 4, 2023 are automatically renewed for an additional period of six months until September 4, 2023. If during the above period, the European Commission does not terminate temporary protection as a residence status, these permits will be further renewed for an additional six months until March 4, 2024. 
• 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.  

• 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 26, 2024: Iceland has extended temporary collective protection for those affected by the situation in Ukraine until March 2, 2025. To receive the extension, individuals must attend a photo shoot for their new residence permit card no earlier than four weeks before and no later than four weeks after their current residence permit is set to expire. Photo shoot appointments can be booked via the Immigration Office Noona or county offices.

UPDATE February 23, 2023: Icelandic authorities have published further guidance for those extending residence permits until March 2, 2024 based on temporary protection. Individuals must attend an appointment to submit a photo for their new residence permit within 30 days before the current permit expires or status may not be extended.

UPDATE February 3, 2023: Icelandic authorities have extended temporary collective protection for those affected by the situation in Ukraine until March 2, 2024. Individuals who have already been issued a residence permit on the basis of collective protection do not need to submit a residence permit renewal application; if already submitted, they will be refunded accordingly. Immigration authorities are expected to publish detailed instructions regarding the permit extensions and issuance of new residence permit cards. See more information here on the issuance and extension of work permits.

• 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.  

• UPDATE JANUARY 8, 2024: Effective January 4, 2024, all current residence permits granted on the basis of temporary protection have been automatically extended until March 4, 2025. This extension is free. All future temporary protection residence permits will also be valid until March 4, 2025.
• UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: The government has started contacting Temporary Protected Status holders in a phased manner to verify their address to issue Irish Residence Permits.
• UPDATE APRIL 14, 2023: Irish authorities have confirmed that Temporary Protection Status has been extended until March 4, 2024. Current status holders are not required to obtain an updated certificate and may use the expired certificate until this date. As a reminder, no specific action is required on the part of beneficiaries, but a confirmation notice can be printed from the Irish immigration website upon request from foreign authorities or travel carriers.
• UPDATE FEBRUARY 16, 2023: An automatic extension has been granted for all Temporary Protection Status holders in Ireland, until March 2024. While no specific action is required on the part of beneficiaries, a confirmation notice can be printed from the Irish immigration website.   
• 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 JANUARY 2, 2024: The validity of all Temporary Protection Status permits set to expire on December 31, 2023 have been extended to December 31, 2024. This extension is automatic. Furthermore, effective January 1, 2024, holders of temporary protection status permits will be able to apply for any work permit for which they would otherwise be eligible. Applicants must meet all relevant criteria for an employment-based residence permit (for instance, having a local employment contract), and pay the contribution fee of between EUR 40 to 50.
• UPDATE FEBRUARY 27, 2023: The validity of Temporary Protection Status permits has been extended to December 31, 2023.
• 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).  

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2, 2023: Beginning January 1, 2023, Ukrainian nationals who apply for Temporary Protection Status in Latvia will be issued a two-year Temporary Residence Permit after they fill out a residence permit application and submit a copy of their passport. Ukrainian nationals who received Temporary Protection Status in Latvia in 2022 will have their long-term visas and Temporary Residence Permits extended until March 4, 2024, regardless of the document’s specified validity period. Temporary Protection Status visas and Temporary Residence Permits already issued will continue to be valid in Latvia, but Ukrainian nationals can request a new Temporary Residence Permit if: 

• • they need to travel outside of Latvia (however, if the individual renounces Temporary Protection Status and leaves for another country or returns to Ukraine, a new Temporary Residence Permit will not be issued); 
  • the visa or Temporary Residence Permit issued to the person has been lost or damaged; or 
  • the individual had previously been issued a visa, but the person needs to obtain a residence permit in order to use electronic signature options, or the individual previously issued residence permit has expired, but the individual wants to continue using the electronic signature options. 
    
• 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. This status was previously set to expire on March 4, 2025.
• UPDATE AUGUST 22, 2024: Lithuania is considering an automatic extension of Temporary Protection Status until March 4, 2026. Currently, this protection status is set to expire on March 4, 2025.
• UPDATE FEBRUARY 8, 2023: Temporary Protected Status holders can now apply for renewal of their status until March 4, 2024 by submitting an application form online via their MIGRIS account; a digital temporary residence permit will be issued by the Migration Department and sent to the foreign national via their MIGRI account, which can be printed for use. They can also apply to change their status to another type of work/residence permit. 
• 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 DECEMBER 3, 2024: Luxembourg has extended temporary protection until March 4, 2026. Protection holders will now be issued with a biometric card. Government authorities will notify current protection beneficiaries about the renewal process, including how to obtain the biometric card. Individuals granted temporary protection status in Luxembourg from December 5, 2024 will need to commence the process of obtaining a biometric card upon arrival.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 7, 2024: Luxembourg has confirmed that it is extending temporary protection until March 4, 2025. Extensions are not automatic, and the government has stated that it has already contacted all temporary protection beneficiaries regarding the renewal process. Individuals who do not extend their temporary protection before March 4, 2024 will lose the right to live or work in Luxembourg, as well as any right to government assistance. Authorities have further announced that any protection beneficiary residing in Luxembourg whose temporary protection certificate will expire on March 3, 2024 and who has not received the renewal procedure letter should contact the Directorate for Immigration via [email protected].

UPDATE APRIL 21, 2023: Temporary Protection status holders may now apply for a Luxembourg residence permit. Applicants will need to renounce the status of temporary protection when obtaining a local permit. 

• 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. 

• 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.  

Updated June 19, 2024 

Scope.

• Ukrainian nationals. Temporary protection status is available until March 4, 2025 for Ukrainian citizens who left Ukraine after November 26, 2021 (or before that date if they were already resident in the Netherlands), as well as their spouses, partners, minor unmarried children and other cohabiting dependent relatives in Ukraine.
  • Non-Ukrainian nationals.
    • • Temporary protection status is available until March 4, 2025 for non-Ukrainian nationals who either had Ukraine-issued refugee status or held a permanent Ukrainian residence permit on February 23, 2022, and who left Ukraine after November 26, 2021. Temporary protection status is available until March 4, 2025 for non-Ukrainian nationals who either had Ukraine-issued refugee status or held a permanent Ukrainian residence permit on February 23, 2022, and who left Ukraine after November 26, 2021 and their dependents.
      • Update May 17, 2024: Temporary protection status for non-Ukrainian nationals and their dependents, who held a temporary Ukrainian residence permit on February 23, 2022, and who left Ukraine after November 26, 2021 has been extended, and the new end date of this protection status is pending a decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Non-Ukrainian nationals who held a temporary residence permit in Ukraine can collect a residence sticker that can prove their right to live and work in the Netherlands. By way of context, previously, this protection status had been set to expire on March 4, 2024. This followed efforts in 2023 by the Netherlands government to exclude this group from temporary protection status, which were subsequently overturned by a January 2024 Council of State decision (which affirmed continued protection status of this category until March 4, 2024).

• 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. Starting November 1, 2022, Ukrainian refugees have been 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.

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

• 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.
• UPDATE FEBRUARY 23, 2024: National temporary protection status has been automatically extended until March 4, 2025. Following recent reforms, Ukrainian nationals who hold other nationalities will not be eligible for continued temporary protection status if they are a national of a country that is considered safe by the Norwegian government.
• 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. 

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 – May 8, 2024: Temporary Protection status has been further extended until December 31, 2024 (following two additional extensions of six months each, in October 2023 and March 2023). 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. 
   

• 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 21, 2024: All temporary refugee statuses have been automatically extended until March 4, 2025. 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.

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.

• 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. 

• February 27, 2024:  The Spanish Ministry of Interior has issued updated guidelines affirming that the validity of Foreigner Identity Cards issued to individuals impacted by the Ukrainian conflict and the immigration status of recipients of temporary protection in Spain has been automatically extended until March 4, 2025. Thus, acquiring a new Foreign Identity Card is not required. We are currently liaising with authorities to determine if individuals who desire to do so can still request a replacement Foreign Identity Card with the extended validity. We will report on relevant developments.

  • 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 – January 5, 2024: From January 29, 2024, temporary protection status holders will be able to apply to extend their protection status to March 4, 2025. Affected individuals must apply for such extension no later than March 4, 2024. 

• 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 SEPTEMBER 10, 2024: S-status for Ukrainian nationals has been extended until March 4, 2026.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 1, 2023: S-status for Ukrainian nationals has been extended until March 4, 2025.

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.  

Various schemes exist in the United Kingdom for Ukrainian citizens seeking to stay.

• Update – November 26, 2024: New Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme. Effective February 4, 2025, a new Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme will be introduced, which will allow Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members who are in the United Kingdom with status under a Ukraine scheme (i.e., Homes for Ukraine Scheme, the Ukraine Family Scheme or the 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. The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme will replace the current Ukraine Extension Scheme on February 4, 2025. The Homes for Ukraine Scheme and the Ukraine Family Scheme will remain in place. Additionally, UK authorities have revised immigration rules to clarify 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.

• Update – February 20, 2024: New extension scheme. The UK government has announced a new Ukraine extension scheme that will enable temporary protection beneficiaries under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Extension Scheme to apply for an 18-month extension. In this extended period, they will retain the same rights to access work, benefits, healthcare, and education. Those who were granted leave outside the rules because they required sanctuary in the United Kingdom from Ukraine will also be eligible. Applications for extensions will open online from early 2025. Individuals will be able to make their applications within the last three months of an existing visa.
• Ukraine Family Scheme.
  • Update – February 20, 2024: Effective immediately, the Ukraine Family Scheme has been closed to new applications. Despite this closure, current beneficiaries of the scheme retain the right to enter and reside in the United Kingdom; while applications that were received prior to the closure will be assessed per the rules in place the day before the rule changes.
  • 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.
  • Update – February 20, 2024: The period of permission granted to new Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme applicants, including eligible minors, has decreased to 18 months (down from the previous 36 months).
  • 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.
  • UPDATE FEBRUARY 20, 2024: Effective May 16, 2024, the Ukraine Extension Scheme (UES) will close to new applications. However, children born in the United Kingdom after March 18, 2022 to Ukraine Scheme beneficiaries may be 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.
  • UPDATED MAY 18, 2023: The Ukraine Extension Scheme will be further extended to allow applications by those with permission in the United Kingdom granted between May 16, 2023 and November 16, 2023. The changes are expected to be introduced through changes to the Immigration rules due to happen in July 2023, with all applications to be made before May 16, 2024. Those granted permission after May 16, 2023 will be able to apply to the Ukraine Extension Scheme once the new rules are in force in August 2023.
  • 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.

• 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.

Check our Spotlight page on the evolving situation and firm resources.