Temporary Protection for Ukrainians in Europe
Temporary protection is a simplified legal status that European Union countries have been granting to Ukrainian citizens since 2022, which provides access to legal residence, employment, healthcare, and education without undergoing a lengthy asylum procedure. Obtaining temporary protection takes place at the migration service of the chosen country and confirms the individual's right to stay in the EU legally.
In July 2026, the EU Council decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028, so those who already have temporary protection status maintain their right to stay without additional complications. As of May 2026, over 4.3 million people who left Ukraine after the onset of the full-scale invasion are using this status.
Who is Eligible for Temporary Protection and What Documents Are Required
Citizens of Ukraine, stateless persons, and foreigners who resided permanently in Ukraine before February 24, 2022, and cannot return to their home country due to armed conflict are eligible for temporary protection. This applies to both those who left immediately after the invasion and those who crossed the border much later.
To apply to the migration service, a basic package of documents for temporary protection is required, which is accepted in most European countries.
- Foreign or internal passport of a Ukrainian citizen.
- Birth certificate of a child if the applicant is traveling with minors.
- Document confirming the place of residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022.
- Photograph of the required format.
- Completed registration form from the migration service of the host country.
The complete list of documents for temporary protection varies by country, so it is advisable to clarify local legislation in advance.
Obtaining Temporary Protection Status: Step-by-Step Procedure
The procedure for obtaining temporary protection in most European countries follows a similar logic, although the specific timelines and names of institutions differ.
- Contact the migration service or municipality in the place of actual residence.
- Submit documents for temporary protection and undergo biometric registration.
- Receive temporary confirmation of status during the application review period.
- Issuance of a temporary protection card or similar permit document.
- Annual renewal of status according to the new terms of the directive.
Overall, the review of the application lasts from a few days to two months, and a refusal can be appealed through administrative or judicial channels.
Temporary Protection in Poland, France, Germany, and Other Countries: Local Features
The International Law Firm "Zahist" has open offices in Poland, France, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic, so we assist with obtaining temporary protection precisely where our clients reside. Each country sets its own deadlines for applications, forms, and additional requirements, so there is no universal instruction that fits everyone.
Our experience shows that the most common difficulties arise not from the list of documents but from procedural details—making appointments, translating documents, and submitting them to the correct territorial unit.
Extension of Temporary Protection and New Rules for 2026
From August 2026, for new male applicants of conscription age, EU countries gained the right to verify compliance with Ukrainian military registration legislation, although this provision does not apply to those who already hold temporary protection status. The conditions for existing recipients of protection, including residence permits, remain unchanged, and the annual renewal of documents occurs according to the previous procedure.
Our experience shows how best to appeal a refusal to extend status or obtain a residence permit: it is crucial to submit an appeal within the established timeframe and include evidence of the circumstances that prevented timely submission.
Legal Assistance for Ukrainians Abroad: Why They Turn to the International Law Firm "Zahist"
Over the years, we have assisted thousands of Ukrainians in Europe in obtaining temporary protection and residence permits. Clients who seek legal assistance for Ukrainians at an early stage almost always complete the process faster and without refusals due to technical errors in the application, compared to those who try to navigate the process themselves.
For instance, during the mass extension of temporary protection status in 2025, our lawyers processed over 3,000 inquiries. Most clients noted that the assistance of a specialist relieved them of queues, language barriers, and the risk of missing submission deadlines.
If you are planning to obtain temporary protection or extend an existing status, the lawyers at the International Law Firm "Zahist" will support the process from the first consultation to receiving the protection card.
