Is legalisation being scrapped? How some European countries are gradually closing their doors to men from Ukraine

European countries are gradually changing their residency rules for Ukrainians, particularly for men of conscription age. Some countries are introducing additional checks, requiring proof of military status, or redirecting applicants to more complex asylum procedures. Find out which countries are tightening their residency requirements and who this might affect

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In several European countries, policies regarding Ukrainian men of conscription age are gradually changing. This does not amount to a complete ban on legalisation, but the rules are becoming noticeably stricter. Some countries are already introducing additional checks, requiring documents confirming military status, or referring applicants to more complex asylum procedures. This is reported by Relocate.

These changes primarily affect new applicants. However, once temporary protection expires in 2027, the new requirements may also affect Ukrainians who are already in Europe.

In which countries are conditions becoming more difficult

Currently, the most noticeable changes are being observed in Denmark, Norway and the Baltic states — Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. These countries are gradually developing a separate approach towards men of conscription age from Ukraine.

Most often, this involves additional checks, confirmation of military status or stricter requirements for legal residence. In some cases, applicants are subject to individual review procedures, which require more documents and time.

Denmark

Denmark was one of the first countries to effectively introduce separate rules for Ukrainian men of conscription age.

New applicants aged between 23 and 60 must provide an official document from the Territorial Centre for Recruitment and Social Support (TCRS). This must state that the person has been granted a deferment from mobilisation or has been declared unfit for military service.

Without such a document, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) may refuse to consider an application for protection.

For Ukrainians who have already been granted temporary protection, the situation remains stable for now — the status is valid until March 2027. However, after this date, the authorities plan to tighten the requirements, particularly regarding employment and integration.

Norway

Norway has opted for a different model. From 2026, new male applicants of conscription age will no longer be automatically eligible for collective temporary protection.

They must now undergo an individual asylum procedure. This involves a personal interview, a detailed examination of their circumstances, and confirmation of the personal risks of returning to Ukraine.

The procedure is significantly more complex and may take longer. During the case review, they may also be asked to provide documents confirming their military status or state of health.

Exceptions may apply, for example, to men who are the sole carers of minor children or who have confirmed medical restrictions.

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The Baltic States

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia follow a similar approach, although the specific rules differ in each country.

In these countries, checks are being tightened when extending temporary protection and when issuing new residence permits. In some cases, the applicant’s region of origin and their travel outside the country of residence are taken into account.

Particular attention is paid to travel to Russia or to temporarily occupied territories. Such travel may constitute grounds for revoking an already granted protection status.

Furthermore, in a number of cases, Ukrainians are being encouraged to switch to other types of permits — for example, through employment, study or family reunification.

Who may face serious difficulties

Men are at the greatest risk of future refusal if they:

— do not have formal employment

— cannot confirm a deferral from mobilisation

— are applying for the first time after 2026

— have no family or long-term ties in the country of residence

— have spent a long period outside the country where they received protection.

It is precisely these factors that most often prove decisive when renewing status or switching to a different type of residence permit.

Despite the tightening of rules, the current temporary protection for Ukrainians in most European countries remains in force until March 2027. However, experts advise preparing for future changes in advance.

Ukrainians are advised to obtain documents confirming their military status in advance, secure legal employment, and closely monitor the deadlines for renewing residence permits.

It is also important to avoid travelling to Russia or the occupied territories, as such trips may serve as grounds for the review or revocation of protection status.

In many countries, free consultations for Ukrainians are provided by human rights organisations and UN agencies, which help them understand the new rules and prepare documents for status renewal.

Although temporary protection will remain in effect until 2027, the question of the future legal status of Ukrainians in Europe is already becoming relevant. The legal nuances of legalization may vary depending on the country of residence, so in complex situations, it is worth seeking professional help. For example, migration lawyers at Visit Ukraine help Ukrainians understand the rules of residence, document processing, status renewal, or obtaining other forms of legal residence in European countries.

Reminder! The Lithuanian government has reported an increase in the number of Ukrainian refugees and provided new data on their status. Find out how many Ukrainians remain in the country and which documents they need to update.

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