Ukrainians in Lithuania: temporary protection extended until March 2027

Ukrainian citizens who are forced to leave the country due to the war have the opportunity to remain in Lithuania under temporary protection until March 4, 2027. Previously, this period was set to expire in 2026.

Local sources reported this.

The Lithuanian government has officially announced the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war. Now the documents granting the right to reside are valid until March 2027, in accordance with the latest decisions of the European Union.

As noted by Acting Prime Minister Rimantas Šajjus, in accordance with the EU decision, the period of validity of temporary protection is extended until March 4, 2027, and Lithuania is adopting this practice.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Migration Department receives approximately 30-40 new applications for temporary residence permits daily. Following the adoption of the latest decision, existing permits will be automatically extended for one year, simplifying the process for Ukrainians and reducing the administrative burden on migration services.

On September 16, the European Council adopted a formal recommendation that sets out a mechanism for the gradual phasing out of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens. This status will be valid until at least March 4, 2027.

The ministry also reported that the extension of temporary protection means that foreigners working in Lithuania are not required to learn the Lithuanian language while staying under this status. In early July, the government decided that war refugees are exempted from the requirement to know the Lithuanian language.

Currently, about 47,600 people have received temporary protection in Lithuania.