“Exit from temporary protection”: Visit Ukraine lawyer on changes in EU migration policy and the future of Ukrainians abroad

The EU is planning to abolish temporary protection, and Ukrainians will have to look for new ways to legalize themselves. In this article, Visit Ukraine lawyer Anna Fedoryshyna explains what is happening and how to act now. Find out which countries remain attractive, where to start legalization and what to do to avoid being “outlawed”

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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The war is still ongoing, and millions of Ukrainians remain abroad, including in the European Union, which has granted them an unprecedented legal mechanism since 2022: temporary protection. This status was a lifesaving, but temporary solution. As early as 2025, the EU is already talking about an “exit strategy,” and member states are increasingly talking about deporting those who fail to legalize.

We talked to Anna Fedoryshyna, a migration lawyer at Visit Ukraine, about which countries are most attractive for legalization, what is changing in European politics, and how to act to avoid being deprived of rights. She advises Ukrainians around the world on a daily basis and knows how the migration situation is changing from the inside.

Where do Ukrainians most often go to get a residence permit or permanent residence nowadays?

“Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic remain the most popular countries for legalization among Ukrainians,” explains Anna, "And what's important is that people no longer just stay under temporary protection, but move on to long-term statuses".

According to the lawyer, these countries offer relatively clear mechanisms for legalization - through employment, education, business, or participation in integration programs. And most importantly, it is here that more and more Ukrainians are beginning to apply for a national residence permit, which in the future allows them to obtain permanent residence.

"In Germany, the number of applications for a residence permit for employment has increased significantly. Also, many Ukrainians apply for the Blue Card, which is an option for highly skilled professionals. In Poland, the predominant reason for applying for a residence card is work and family reunification. And in the Czech Republic, educational programs and work visas are popular," she adds.

The key trend in recent years is a shift in emphasis from humanitarian statuses to full-fledged immigration. Ukrainians are increasingly applying not only for themselves, but also for their children, partners, and parents. That is, they are making a decision to stay in the EU for a long time.

What will change in EU policy in 2025?

Anna explains that this year the European Union may change the rules of the game:

"The European Commission has developed a new deportation plan for those who have been denied asylum. The possibility of detention for up to two years is being considered. In addition, the EU countries are already discussing the abolition of temporary protection for Ukrainians, which, let me remind you, is valid at least until March 2026".

Officially, the Directive has been extended until 2026, but, according to Anna, as early as the summer of 2025 (in particular, during the European Council meeting in June), a “wind-down plan” may be discussed. For Ukrainians, this means one thing: we can't wait any longer.

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Why is temporary protection not a guarantee of a residence permit or permanent residence?

"Temporary protection is not a residence permit. It is a temporary, humanitarian mechanism. It does not count as legal residence in most countries when it comes to permanent residence.", - explains the lawyer.

To legalize, Ukrainians need to change their status. There are options: official employment, study, entrepreneurship, family reunification. But everywhere there are strict requirements: a stable income, housing, language skills. And most importantly, in some countries (such as Germany or Poland), the period of temporary protection does not count toward the total length of residence required for permanent residence.

"The closer the end of the protection program is, the more people will remain in the gray zone. Losing your status means facing the threat of deportation or losing access to healthcare, education, and work. Therefore, we advise you to apply for a residence permit now, without waiting for 2026.", - emphasizes Anna.

By the way, you can read more about the future of temporary protection, as well as existing scenarios and risks, in our previous interview with the expert.

What are Ukrainians doing: returning or legalizing?

There are currently three main areas of behavior:

1. Integration abroad: Many of those who have been in the EU for a long time are planning to stay. Especially in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic - people have already put down roots.

2. Return to Ukraine: Some people are returning, especially if they have family in Ukraine or have lost their jobs/housing abroad.

3. Legalization in third countries: There are those who try to apply for programs in Canada, the United States, and Australia. This requires additional support, counseling, and documents.

"Each story is unique. But what is common is that Ukrainians need legal support. Because the EU systems are complex, and a mistake in documents or terms can be very expensive."

How we can help: legal support for Ukrainians abroad

Visit Ukraine's lawyers support Ukrainians in their legalization abroad - from the initial consultation to the full preparation of documents for a residence permit, work visa or study. Our specialists work with Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Canada, the United States, and other countries.

● Do you want to stay in the EU after your temporary protection expires?

● Not sure how to prepare documents for a residence permit or adapt to the country's requirements?

● Need help with an employment or study contract?

Contact the lawyers at Visit Ukraine - our specialists will find a solution!

We remind you! The Czech government is considering the possibility of terminating temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in the event of a long-term ceasefire in Ukraine. Minister of the Interior Vit Rakusan announced plans to tighten the asylum procedure and introduce new approaches to the reception of war veterans. Read how this may affect Ukrainians in the Czech Republic in our previous article.

Photo: Freepik

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