From 1 May, deferrals from conscription will be processed in a new way: what conscripts need to know

From May 2026, the procedure for exemption from military conscription in Ukraine will undergo a complete overhaul. Conscripts will no longer be required to submit documents in person to the Territorial Conscription Commission. All applications must be submitted online via the ‘Reserve+’ app or through the Administrative Service Centre. Find out who is eligible for deferment and how to apply for it correctly

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From 1 May, the rules for applying for a deferment from mobilisation are changing in Ukraine. Military registration and enlistment offices will no longer accept documents directly from those liable for military service. Ukrainians must now submit their applications digitally via the ‘Reserve+’ app or submit paper documents to the Administrative Service Centre. This is reported by UNIAN.

How do you apply for a deferment of mobilisation under the new rules?

To apply for a deferment from 1 May, you must submit an electronic application via the ‘Reserve+’ app if your details are in the registers. If you only have paper documents, you must contact your nearest Administrative Service Centre. Staff will scan the documents and forward them to the Military Registration and Enlistment Office. Processing the application takes 7 to 14 days. During this period, Ukrainians cannot, by law, be mobilised or referred to a medical examination board.

Where and how do you submit documents for a deferment from military service?

You can now only submit documents for a deferment online via a smartphone or in person through the administrators at Administrative Service Centres (ASC). This completely eliminates the need for a personal visit to the Territorial Recruitment Centre.

The ‘Reserve+’ app is ideal for citizens whose medical, educational or family details are already digitised and available in state electronic registers. Once your status has been successfully confirmed, it is recommended that you download the extended extract in PDF format and keep it with you at all times.

The second option is intended for those whose documents exist exclusively in paper form. ASC administrators will scan your certificates without taking the originals and send them to the system for processing by TCC staff. It is important to note that whilst your application is being processed (up to two weeks), the law prohibits your mobilisation or compulsory referral to a military medical commission (MMC).

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Who is eligible for a deferment from mobilisation in Ukraine?

The right to a deferment is retained by reserved workers, parents of large families, people with disabilities, full-time students and carers. The grounds for exemption from service, set out in Article 23 of the Law on Mobilisation, have not changed.

First and foremost, deferrals are granted to employees of critical enterprises (in the defence, energy, medical and transport sectors), as well as judges and diplomats. Parents with multiple children (three or more) are exempt from conscription, provided they have no outstanding maintenance debts, as are single parents and those raising a child with a disability.

As regards health, deferrals are granted to men with any category of disability or those recognised as temporarily unfit following a medical examination (this status requires periodic confirmation).

In addition, full-time and dual-track students pursuing their first degree, researchers (on a 0.75 FTE basis), former prisoners of war, and carers of seriously ill relatives are entitled to exemption. The procedure for applying for a deferral to care for relatives is one of the most complex: internal guidelines require strict verification of grounds, so the package of supporting documents must be as comprehensive as possible.

Tip: If you are planning to travel abroad, you can consult with immigration lawyers via Visit Ukraine regarding the necessary documents and procedures—this will help you prepare in advance and avoid mistakes.

Reminder! Automatic extensions of deferrals from mobilisation are currently in place in Ukraine, but not for everyone at the same time. Find out how to check your status, who is eligible for an extension, and what to do if it has not been extended.

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