Following the Council of the EU decision, Finland proposed to extend temporary protection until 4 March 2028, with certain exceptions relating to the possibility to legally leave Ukraine. Thus, as of 5 August 2026, displaced persons from Ukraine will qualify as eligible for temporary protection only if they can prove to have the legal right to leave Ukraine. Consequently, those who have not fulfilled their military service obligations in Ukraine are excluded from temporary protection as of 5 August 2026. The restriction applies for new applications only.
The legal authorisation to leave Ukraine can be proved with a stamp on the passport when leaving Ukraine or by presenting an official document attesting compliance with military legal obligations or an exemption, for example by presenting the document in the Reserv+ application.
The change will not affect those who have already been granted temporary protection prior to 5 August 2026. There is no need to apply for a new residence permit to extend temporary protection.
The Ministry of the Interior announced that the government’s decision to extend temporary protection is scheduled for 6 August 2026.
- Finnish Immigration Service | Maahanmuuttovirasto (5 August, 2026), Tilapäinen suojelu jatkuu tietyin poikkeuksin 4.3.2028 asti [Temporary protection continues until 4 March 2028 with certain exceptions],