Protection Status S Extended with New Military Service Compliance Restriction

Current rules

Protection status S for individuals from Ukraine is extended until 4 March 2028. However, new applications submitted on or after 20 August 2026, will only be granted to individuals who are in compliance with their military obligations in Ukraine. This restriction applies to Ukrainian nationals of conscription age, those on the reserve list, and those who have voluntarily joined the armed forces.

Overview

On 20 May 2026, the Swiss Federal Council approved revisions to various national ordinances to implement parts of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. These changes, alongside legal amendments passed by Parliament, will become effective on 12 June 2026. The measures aim to enhance border controls, streamline asylum procedures with a new screening process, and reduce secondary migration within the Schengen area.

What changed in the latest version

This policy change gives clear information and stability to Ukrainian protection seekers, cantons, communes, and employers. It extends Protection Status S for another 18 months, until 4 March 2028. However, it greatly limits who can get Protection Status S if they apply now. Switzerland's practice is now the same as the EU's recent decision. This means new applicants must meet Ukrainian military duties. So, new male applicants who are old enough for military service, on the reserve list, or have joined the armed forces voluntarily, must show they meet these duties to get protection. The change also confirms that the federal government will continue to support integration measures. It will give 3,000 Swiss francs per person each year to cantons. It also explains how people who already have status S can get a B residence permit after five years.

Explained simply

If you're from Ukraine and have Protection Status S in Switzerland, you can stay longer, until March 2028. But if you're applying for this status starting 20 August 2026, you'll now need to show that you're following any military duties you have back in Ukraine. If you already have the status, this new rule doesn't change anything for you. Switzerland is doing this to match what other European countries are doing.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v14Effective 20 Aug 2026EffectiveHigh impact
   Protection Status S Extended with New Military Service Compliance Restriction

   The Swiss Federal Council has extended protection status S for people from Ukraine. This status will now last until 4 March 2028. The Council made this decision on 19 August 2026. At the same time, the Council added a new rule for people who apply from 20 August 2026. These new applicants will only get protection status S if they meet their military duties in Ukraine. This rule affects Ukrainian citizens who are old enough for military service, those on the reserve list, and those who have joined the armed forces voluntarily. This new rule does not affect people who already have protection status S.

Timeline

1. Action deadline

   4 Mar 2028

   Verify compliance with Ukrainian military obligations for all new applications for Protection Status S submitted on or after 20 August 2026.

2. Takes effect

   20 Aug 2026

   Protection status S for individuals from Ukraine is extended until 4 March 2028. However, new applications submitted on or after 20 August 2026, will only be granted to individuals who are in compliance with their military obligations in Ukraine. This restriction applies to Ukrainian nationals of conscription age, those on the reserve list, and those who have voluntarily joined the armed forces.

3. Announced

   19 Aug 2026

   The Federal Council has extended Protection Status S for Ukrainian individuals in Switzerland until 4 March 2028, ensuring continued support. Effective 20 August 2026, new applications for Protection Status S will require compliance with military obligations in Ukraine, aligning Switzerland's policy with the European Union's recent decision. This measure provides clarity for affected individuals