Bulgaria has extended temporary protection status for Ukrainians until 4 March 2027

This decision was taken in connection with the extension of the corresponding European Union directive, given the ongoing large-scale military conflict on the territory of Ukraine and the impossibility of a safe return for citizens.

Previously, temporary protection status was valid until 4 March 2026. However, the Council of the European Union unanimously decided to extend this regime for another year — until 4 March 2027, preserving the basic rights and conditions of stay for persons who have left Ukraine because of the war.

What the extension means

Temporary protection is an EU legal mechanism applied in exceptional cases of mass displacement of people, allowing a number of rights to be granted quickly and collectively:

• the right of residence;
• free access to the labour market;
• access to social benefits and medical care;
• the opportunity to study and to reunite with family.

The extension of the status means that persons already registered under temporary protection in Bulgaria will be able to remain in the country and enjoy these rights until March 2027, provided they re-register their documents. The Bulgarian authorities have approved new templates for registration cards, which will be valid until the new end date of protection. Re-registration will continue until 30 April 2026.

Re-registration and further steps

Persons under temporary protection must update their registration cards in order to keep their status valid until March 2027. It is important to apply in person to the migration authorities or to the Registration and Reception Centres in Bulgaria to complete the re-registration procedure.

Human rights organisations also point out that holders of temporary protection may consider alternative routes to legalisation, for example obtaining a national residence permit or humanitarian status in Bulgaria, especially those who plan to stay in the country for a longer period.

What will happen after March 2027

The extension is a temporary measure. According to European Commission sources, after March 2027 the temporary protection directive will cease to apply unless the situation in Ukraine changes radically for the better. European states are discussing possible coordinated transition routes from temporary status to national residence permits or other legal categories, as well as plans for a possible voluntary return home.

Transition to open-ended humanitarian status

Options for obtaining a long-term residence permit in Bulgaria