How to return to Ukraine after the war: key legal, financial and social steps

Many Ukrainians are planning to return home after the war. Find out how to prepare legally, update documents and apply for compensation to ensure a safe and secure return

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Despite the ongoing war, more and more Ukrainians are beginning to plan their return home. Some people dream of rebuilding their destroyed homes, others want to start a business or reunite with their families. However, returning is not only an emotional moment, but also a serious legal and financial step. To ensure that everything goes safely, legally, and with the least amount of difficulty, it is important to think through your actions in advance and collect the necessary documents.

Returning to Ukraine after the war: how to prepare now?

Checking your status in Ukraine: military registration and mobilization

For men between the ages of 18 and 60, returning to Ukraine requires compliance with the rules of military registration. According to the current legislation, they are obliged to:

● Register for military service or update their data (through the ASC, territorial recruitment center or in the conscript's electronic office);

● Have up-to-date military registration documents with them when crossing the border;

● Be prepared to undergo a medical examination if you receive a call-up.

What to do before you arrive:

● Check whether you are wanted as a person evading military registration;

● Consult a lawyer about possible grounds for postponement (child custody, disability, study, etc.);

● Collect medical or other documents confirming these grounds in advance.

Checking and updating personal documents

Returning to Ukraine without valid documents can complicate almost all processes, from banking to enrolling your child in school. Before you arrive, make sure that:

● Your Ukrainian foreign passport is valid;

● The data in your internal passport or ID-card and RNOKPP are up to date;

● You have a registered place of residence (this is important for further actions in Ukraine: applying for social benefits, registering children for school, banking, etc.)

If your documents are lost or damaged, contact the Ukrainian consulate in your country of residence. There you can get a temporary identification document for return.

Tax status and financial obligations

Upon your return, you will become a tax resident of Ukraine again if you:

● Reside in Ukraine for more than 183 days in a year;

● Has a center of vital interests here (family, real estate, business, etc.).

Recommended actions:

● Notify the tax service of the return;

● If you were registered as an individual entrepreneur, check whether your registration has been canceled;

● If you have any, declare foreign income;

● Explore the possibility of importing currency, cars or property without taxation (there are temporary benefits for IDPs).

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Damaged property and compensation

If your home in Ukraine has been damaged or destroyed, it is important to document it. Several tools are now available for this purpose:

● The Diia app is a quick way to report damaged property;

● The Property and Infrastructure Restoration Fund - provides for the consideration of applications for compensation;

● Local authorities - can provide humanitarian aid or temporary housing.

In 2024, a unified register of damaged property was also introduced, which is the first step towards receiving compensation.

Children and return to Ukrainian education

● Check whether the child has Ukrainian citizenship and a birth certificate (if born abroad).

● If the child has studied at a foreign school, prepare documents for the recognition of their education in Ukraine.

● Children who were abroad with their parents do not need special permission to return.

Social benefits and medical care

After returning, you can contact:

● The Employment Center - to register as unemployed or to receive benefits;

● Social Protection - to resume IDP payments, pensions, subsidies, etc;

● NHSU - to renew a declaration with a family doctor and access to medical services.

Financial cushion and action plan

● Before returning, it is recommended to:

● Create a financial reserve for 3-6 months;

● Think about a living plan: whether you have housing, work, support;

● Check if you have access to Ukrainian banks (you may need a new bank card).

The procedure for returning to Ukraine involves a number of administrative, legal and tax issues. To avoid mistakes and loss of rights, we recommend that you contact Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers. They will help you:

● Check your status before returning;

● Provide individualized advice on military registration, documents, taxes;

● Accompany you during the preparation of the necessary documents.

You can get a consultation online, without queues and unnecessary stress.

We remind you! Europe is discussing strategies to curtail temporary protection for Ukrainians after 2026. Read what changes refugees can expect and what to consider now in our previous article.

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