What Changed: The End of Wartime Relief
An important moment has arrived for thousands of foreigners and stateless persons who remained in Ukraine throughout martial law. On May 7, 2026, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 141 of February 5, 2026 entered into force, introducing a mandatory renewal of temporary residence permits.
What does this mean in practice? Previously, under the wartime relief regime, temporary residence permits that expired after February 24, 2022 were treated as valid for the duration of martial law and for 30 days after its termination. That has now changed: an expired temporary residence permit is no longer recognized as a lawful basis for a foreigner’s stay in Ukraine.
Key Deadlines and Exceptions
The most important element is timing. Documents must be submitted within 90 days of the Resolution’s entry into force — from May 7 to August 4, 2026 inclusive. One key detail: the rules apply to all foreigners and stateless persons except citizens of the Russian Federation.
You may be interested to read about Termination of Ukrainian Citizenship — Voluntary Renunciation, Legal Guide 2025.
Without a lawyer– Confusion, bureaucratic hurdles, and unnecessary complexity – Long queues and missed or delayed deadlines – Higher risk of errors and negative consequences – Wasted time and money on avoidable problems |
With a lawyer– Clear guidance, transparency, and reliable support – Faster preparation with proper attention to deadlines – Better compliance with requirements and reduced risk of refusal – Saving time and money through proper document preparation |
Missing the August 4 deadline can cost you your legal status in Ukraine. If your situation is ambiguous — the permit expired long ago, the grounds for stay have changed, or there are document issues — it is best to verify everything with a specialist before filing, not after receiving a refusal.
How to Prepare for the Renewal
What should you pay attention to when preparing? You should update your documents — refresh translations, arrange health insurance, and account for any changes since you first obtained the permit. There is also a reassuring point: migration-law requirements have not become stricter than they were before February 24, 2022 — Ukraine is effectively returning to its normal, pre-war regulatory regime.
Applications for renewal are filed with the territorial bodies of the State Migration Service at your place of residence. This is where most difficulties arise: an incomplete document package, translation errors, and nuances in proving the grounds for residence. Any of these details can stretch the procedure beyond the deadline.
You may be interested to read about Entry Bans in the Schengen Information System (SIS): When and How They’re Registered.
What Documents to Update
What should a foreigner do right now? First, determine whether your specific permit falls under Resolution No. 141, meaning whether its renewal date fell after February 24, 2022. Second, gather and update your document package. Third, file your application with the State Migration Service without leaving it until the last days of July, when the load on the authorities is likely to be at its peak.
If you are unsure whether the new obligation applies to you, whether you have already missed earlier deadlines, or if you have received a prior refusal, professional support can help you complete the procedure without unnecessary risk and preserve your legal status in Ukraine.
Resolution No. 141 closes the era of “wartime relief” in the documentation of foreigners and returns migration control to its standard regime. For law-abiding foreigners, this is not a threat but rather a reminder to put their documents in order. The key is not to miss the August 4, 2026 deadline and to approach the renewal carefully.
We can assist you at every stage. Let us help you stay in Ukraine legally and confidently. Consider making an appointment for a consultation.