Is it possible to leave the EU after applying for temporary protection and then return?

Many Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in EU countries are wondering whether they can leave the country for a certain period of time and return without any problems. The rules vary from country to country, and ignorance of the nuances can lead to loss of status. Find out more about the conditions for departure and return for holders of temporary protection in the EU

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After submitting documents for temporary protection in EU countries, many Ukrainians have a question: is it possible to leave for a while, for example, to visit relatives in Ukraine or travel to another country, and then return without risking losing their status?

In this article, we explain the basic rules, risks and recommendations to avoid problems at the border or cancellation of your protection.

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What is temporary protection status and when does it apply?

Temporary protection status in the EU is granted to Ukrainians in accordance with Directive 2001/55/EC and provides legal residence, the right to work, access to education and social assistance. It remains in force as long as the EU officially continues to provide protection (as of 2025, it has been extended until at least March 2026).

Basic rights and restrictions for Ukrainians with temporary protection

– Rights: residence in the country, work, access to healthcare and education.

– Restrictions: obligation to comply with the rules of the country of residence, registration of residence, notification of departure.

Temporary protection for Ukrainians: conditions for status in different EU countries

The rules for maintaining temporary protection status in EU countries vary, and it is particularly important to take into account the length of your absence from the country that granted you protection. Even short trips can affect the legality of your stay if you do not notify the authorities in advance.

– Poland. If you have PESEL UKR status, it is directly linked to your actual stay in the country. Leaving Poland for more than 30 consecutive days may be grounds for revoking this status. Once you lose your status, you will have to reapply for your right to reside or stay on other grounds.

– Germany. Short trips abroad are permitted here — usually up to 90 days — without the risk of losing temporary protection status. However, there is an important condition: it is recommended to notify the migration service (Ausländerbehörde) in advance of such an absence to avoid misunderstandings. If the departure is delayed for a longer period, the status may be reviewed.

– Czech Republic. In this country, the issue of absence is regulated more strictly. If a person who has been granted temporary protection stays outside the Czech Republic for more than 180 days without a valid reason, their status may be revoked. It is important to always keep track of the duration of your absence and keep your tickets, medical or work documents if you have valid reasons.

It is important to remember that conditions may change and each country has its own nuances. If you are planning a trip or a long absence, make sure you do not violate the rules. If in doubt, contact the trusted immigration lawyers of the Visit Ukraine portal who work with Ukrainians in your country of residence. This will allow you to maintain your status and avoid problems with legalisation.

Leaving the EU under temporary protection: can you leave the country if you have applied for temporary protection but have not yet received your card?

In general, no. While your application is being processed, you are not officially allowed to leave the country where you submitted your documents. You risk being denied.

Risks of leaving while your application is being processed:

– Your application may be automatically closed.

– You may not be allowed back in at the border because you do not have confirmed status.

– Your departure will be considered as a lack of need for protection.

In 2023–2024, there were cases in Poland and Germany where applicants left without a decision and, upon return, border guards did not recognise the application as sufficient grounds for entry.

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Can I leave the EU and return after receiving temporary protection status?

In most EU countries, temporary protection status is directly linked to your actual stay in the country that granted it. If you plan to leave the country for a long time, it is important to bear in mind that a long absence may be grounds for reviewing or revoking this status.

Different countries have their own rules on how long you can be away. Some say a month, others a few months. Short trips are usually okay, but if you're planning a longer trip, the immigration office recommends letting them know in advance to avoid any confusion.

If your absence is prolonged and there are no official reasons for it, the authorities may consider that you no longer need protection in that country. In this case, your status may be revoked, and you will have to reapply for documents or obtain another type of permit to continue your legal stay.

To avoid losing your legal status, be sure to check with the local authorities before your trip to find out how long you are allowed to be absent in your case. In difficult situations, it is worth seeking advice from a lawyer who specialises in immigration law.

It is also important to have medical insurance for the duration of your trip — without it, you may encounter problems returning or receiving assistance in the event of an unforeseen situation.

What happens if you leave the EU with temporary protection: when should you refrain from travelling?

There are situations when leaving the country that has granted temporary protection may create risks. If you are involved in court or administrative proceedings, any trip may affect the consideration of your case and delay the decision.

It is also important to bear in mind that in many countries, temporary protection status is linked to your place of residence or work.

Losing your home or job due to a long absence may be grounds for reviewing or revoking your status.

Special attention should be paid to long trips without prior notification to the migration authorities. Such trips are sometimes considered a refusal of protection. For example, if a person returns for a long time to the country they left because of war, this may be interpreted as a lack of threat to their safety.

What to do if you need to leave urgently: advice from a lawyer

If you have an urgent need to leave the country for a certain period of time, act officially and notify the migration authorities in advance. The safest way is to submit a written application or send an email — many countries have special online forms for this purpose.

Be sure to keep copies of all correspondence and try to obtain written confirmation from the immigration service that you have notified them of your departure. This will help avoid misunderstandings and preserve your status.

If necessary, you can contact lawyers specialising in migration issues to help you prepare your application or other documents. Such services are offered, in particular, by Visit Ukraine and other organisations working with Ukrainian citizens abroad.

Tips for safe travel outside the EU

– Check the conditions for returning to your country.

– Have valid medical insurance.

– Check your documents before departure: passport, temporary protection card, registration.

– Consult with lawyers if you have any doubts.

Are you planning to leave and afraid of losing your temporary protection status?

Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers will help you assess the risks, prepare requests to the migration authorities and protect your rights.

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Reminder! Since the beginning of the war, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to seek refuge in European Union countries. The temporary protection mechanism has become a key tool for their integration and support. As of May 2025, more than 4.28 million Ukrainians are under protection in the EU, and this number continues to grow. Find out which countries provide the most support to Ukrainians, where there has been an increase or decrease in numbers, and how the composition of refugees is changing here.

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