Land for Combat Veterans in 2026: Regulations, Application Process, and Restrictions Under Martial Law

Combat veterans in Ukraine are entitled to receive land plots free of charge, but martial law has significantly altered the conditions for exercising this right. Find out what land entitlements combat veterans are entitled to, how to apply, and what restrictions are in effect in 2026

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Combatants in Ukraine have a legally enshrined right to receive land plots free of charge. However, since November 2022, the mechanism for exercising this right has been significantly restricted due to martial law. In a comment for Channel 24, lawyer Larysa Velychko explained in detail what remains available and what has been suspended for now.

Read also: How much does land cost in Ukraine in 2026 — current prices and market trends.

What are the land plot sizes provided for combatants?

The law establishes maximum limits for the free transfer of land depending on the intended use of the plot:

● for gardening — up to 0.12 hectares;

● for personal farming — up to 2.0 hectares;

● for residential construction — up to 0.25 hectares in villages, up to 0.15 hectares in towns, up to 0.10 hectares in cities;

● for summer cottage construction — up to 0.10 hectares.

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How to apply for land?

To obtain a land plot, a combat veteran must submit an application to the relevant executive authority or local government body. The application must specify the intended use of the plot and its approximate dimensions.

The following must be attached to the application:

● maps indicating the desired location;

● identity documents;

● proof of entitlement to benefits as a combatant;

● other certificates depending on the intended use.

The authority is required to review the application within 30 days and issue a decision granting permission or providing a reasoned refusal. If no response is received within the established time limit, the applicant has the right to file a lawsuit.

By the way, if you need to insure your property — Visit Ukraine offers an express property insurance service for Ukrainians, which allows you to quickly purchase a policy online.

What has changed under martial law?

Amendments to the Land Code of Ukraine, which took effect in November 2022, introduced a ban on the free transfer of state- and municipally-owned land to private ownership — and this ban applies specifically to combatants as well.

As lawyer Velychko emphasizes, the restriction applies not only to the transfer of land ownership itself but also to the issuance of permits for the preparation of land management documentation for such a transfer. In other words, the process is effectively frozen at the very outset.

At the same time, there are exceptions to the general rule. Free transfer remains possible for:

● owners of buildings located on the relevant plots;

● citizens who received land for use before January 1, 2002.

What types of land are not subject to privatization at all?

Certain categories of land cannot be privatized even outside the conditions of martial law. These include:

● public lands;

● plots under transportation and natural facilities;

● forest and water resources;

● defense lands and other special categories.

During martial law, most state-owned and municipal lands are effectively added to this list due to a general ban on their free transfer to private ownership. This means that even if all formal requirements are met, most applicants will not be able to exercise their right until martial law is lifted.

We remind you! Ukraine has a housing voucher program for IDPs from temporarily occupied territories. Read about who is eligible to receive up to 2 million UAH, how to apply through “Diyu,” and the eligibility requirements.

Photo: wirestock / Freepik

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