Temporary protection in Switzerland for Ukrainians

Switzerland for Ukrainians in 2026: temporary protection, S status, benefits

Switzerland accepts refugees from Ukraine in 2026 and continues to provide temporary protection in the form of S status. This status allows for legal residence, work, social benefits, medical care, and access to education.

In 2026, new rules will apply to those who are new arrivals in Switzerland. From November 1, 2025, the criteria for granting protection will change, and it is important to take these updates into account before traveling.

Will Switzerland accept refugees from Ukraine in 2026?

Yes. The Swiss Federal Council has extended the temporary protection status S until March 4, 2027. This decision was justified by the unstable situation in Ukraine and the impossibility of safe mass return of citizens.

Who can obtain S status in Switzerland?

The following can obtain S status:

• Citizens of Ukraine who left the territory due to the war;
• Members of their families;
• Foreigners who legally resided in Ukraine before the full-scale invasion and cannot return to their country of origin.

Important: S status is not granted if a person has already been granted temporary protection in another EU country.

New rules: who can get temporary protection in 2026?

From November 1, 2025, temporary protection will not be granted automatically to all Ukrainian citizens. Applications will be considered individually, taking into account the applicant's region of origin.

📍 Which regions are considered “safe” for return?

As of January 2026, Switzerland considers returning to these regions permissible:

• Volyn
• Rivne region
• Lviv
• Ternopil
• Zakarpattia
• Ivano-Frankivsk
• Chernivtsi

If you are from these regions, you may be denied S status unless you can prove that your individual return is unsafe (e.g., due to personal threats, political activity, loss of housing, etc.).

How to apply for S status?

1. Upon arrival, contact a federal reception center in Switzerland.

2. Register and submit your documents.

3. Wait for your application to be processed.

Will those who have already received protection lose their status?

No. Those who already have S status are not subject to the new rules. Also, the changes do not apply to family members of Ukrainians with S status who are still in Ukraine.

Short-term trips to Ukraine with S status

Switzerland has updated the rules for temporary departure of Ukrainians with protection status. It is allowed to stay in Ukraine for up to 15 days within 6 months (previously - 15 days per quarter).

Benefits for Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland in 2026

Persons with S status are entitled to social assistance. The amount of payments may vary depending on the canton, but is approximately

• CHF 300-500 per adult/month.
• 150-250 CHF per child per month.
• Payment for housing, health insurance and meals.

For example: in the canton of Zurich, an adult receives ~400 francs per month, in Geneva - more.

Integration program for Ukrainians with S status

Switzerland continues the S Integration Support program.

Every Ukrainian with S status can receive up to CHF 3,000 annually for:

• Swiss language courses
• professional training
• support in finding a job;
• adaptation in the local community.

Legal assistance from Visit Ukraine

If you:

- have been refused a status;

- from a “safe” region and do not know how to prove an individual threat;

- want to file an appeal or an alternative application (for example, for asylum)

Visit Ukraine's team of lawyers is ready to help:

• Prepare documents for S status
• Support the application process
• File an appeal
• Advise on return and reintegration programs

👉 Order a legal consultation

Tips before traveling to Switzerland

1. Check the current list of safe and unsafe regions - the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) regularly updates it.

2. If you are from a region that is recognized as safe, prepare evidence of an individual threat (medical, social, legal, etc.).

Everything for a safe trip to Switzerland

You can arrange everything you need on the Visit Ukraine platform:

- health insurance

- bus, train or plane tickets

- legal advice