Switzerland will stop issuing residence permits to Ukrainians of military age from August 20, 2026, unless they provide a document confirming their military service. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the Federal Council's statement, this decision aligns with the European Union's decision to stop granting temporary protection to military-liable Ukrainians. Since July 31, the EU Council requires Ukrainians of conscription age entering EU countries to provide documentary proof of fulfilling their military obligations. Without such a document, temporary protection will no longer be granted.
Switzerland is not obliged to implement the EU Council's decision, but the Federal Council considers it necessary to align its practice with the position of EU member states in the country's interest. Therefore, the S protection status will now only be granted to individuals fulfilling their military duties in Ukraine.
The restriction applies to Ukrainians of military age, citizens in the reserve, and those who voluntarily joined the armed forces. This measure applies to all applications submitted from August 20, 2026. However, it does not affect those who already hold this status, authorities said.