Are you leaving your country of residence but planning to return and don't know how to avoid losing your status? Find out how to preserve your right to reside abroad by planning your trip properly and following the requirements of local laws

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

GET

Many Ukrainians who left abroad because of the war are planning to return to Ukraine temporarily, but they want to retain the possibility of returning to their country of residence. This article explains how to act in order to leave safely and not lose your status.

How to leave for Ukraine for a certain period of time without losing temporary protection or other status?

In order to retain the right to return to your country of residence with all the privileges of temporary protection status/residence permit, you need to take into account several key nuances when planning your trip. Let us analyze each stage and the necessary steps in detail.

1. Understanding your status abroad

First of all, it is important to understand the grounds for your stay abroad:

● Temporary protection: granted in accordance with EU Directive 2001/55/EC and has a specific duration.

● Other types of permits: for example, a work visa, a student visa or a humanitarian residence permit.

Each status has its own conditions of return, so you should carefully read the requirements of the host country.

2. Notify the relevant authorities

Before returning to Ukraine, you must notify the local authorities or the migration service of your departure. Depending on the country, this may be a migration office or a municipality. Check whether you need to fill out an application or other documents, and be sure to find out the maximum period of stay outside the country in order not to lose your status.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

3. Maintain an official address

Keep your registration in the host country active. In many countries, this is important for continuing social benefits, health insurance, and migration status. If you plan to stay in Ukraine for a long time, consider finding a representative who can receive correspondence at your address.

4. Keep in touch with your host country

Keeping in touch with your host country is an important condition for returning. First of all, pay attention to these aspects:

● Contracts: Do not break contracts with your employer, school or landlord.

● Social ties: pay taxes if required by law and avoid closing bank accounts or insurance policies completely.

● Documents: keep receipts for services in the host country, IDs or other documents confirming your status, copies of contracts and insurance policies.

5. Time limits for returning

Most EU countries allow temporary absence for up to 90-180 days per year (check the conditions in a particular country, as some states allow you to leave for only 30 days or less). Exceeding this period may result in the loss of your status.

What documents do I need to keep?

To confirm your right to return:

● Keep your temporary protection certificate or residence permit;

● Keep copies of contracts (work, rent), insurance policies and registration;

● Keep tickets or other proof of the purpose and duration of your stay in Ukraine.

What should I do if my status is revoked?

If your status is canceled due to overstaying:

● Apply to the migration service of the country of residence with a request to restore it, explaining the reasons.

● In difficult cases, seek help from a lawyer or organizations supporting migrants (e.g. Caritas, Red Cross).

Tip: It is possible to retain the right to return to your country of residence if you comply with the law, maintain your official status and notify the relevant authorities. Therefore, before your planned trip or return, Visit Ukraine experts advise you to consult with migration lawyers - they will help you prepare properly to preserve all your rights.

Visit Ukraine's team of migration lawyers is ready to help at any stage:

1. Provide advice on migration law and your options, according to the current circumstances of your individual situation.

2. Prepare documents to maintain your status.

3. Accompany you at all stages of restoring your status or obtaining new permits (visas/residence permits/etc.).

MIGRATION LAWYER CONSULTATION – ORDER

Order an expert consultation now to avoid unforeseen situations and find a legally correct solution to your problem!

We remind you! In the previous article, Visit Ukraine lawyers have already explained how to move to Germany in 2025 with temporary protection status in another country. Follow the link to find answers to all your questions.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.