The Swiss Federal Council has announced that Protection Status S for individuals displaced by the war in Ukraine will remain in effect until March 4, 2028, citing the continued instability and lack of a durable ceasefire in Ukraine.
The decision provides an additional 18 months of certainty for Ukrainian nationals already benefiting from Switzerland’s temporary protection regime, as well as for cantonal authorities, municipalities, employers, and educational institutions supporting their integration.
Protection Status S Extended
The Federal Council concluded that conditions in Ukraine do not yet support a return to normal migration measures and that Protection Status S remains the most appropriate mechanism for providing protection while avoiding additional pressure on Switzerland’s asylum system.
The extension aligns with a similar decision taken by European Union member states, which also agreed to continue temporary protection for displaced Ukrainians until March 4, 2028.
Swiss authorities indicated that they will continue to monitor developments in Ukraine and may reassess the policy if conditions substantially improve.
New Restrictions Effective August 20, 2026
While extending Protection Status S, Switzerland also announced additional eligibility restrictions for new applicants.
Beginning August 20, 2026, Protection Status S will only be granted to individuals who are complying with any military obligations they may have in Ukraine.
The new requirement primarily affects:
- Ukrainian nationals of military service age;
- Individuals listed in military reserve systems; and
- Persons who have voluntarily joined Ukraine’s armed forces.
The Federal Council stated that although Switzerland is not legally required to follow the EU’s approach, it has chosen to align with the EU’s recent policy changes in this area.
Importantly, the new restriction applies only to new applications submitted on or after August 20, 2026 and does not affect individuals who have already been granted Protection Status S.
Continued Geographic Restrictions
The new military-service compliance requirement is in addition to existing restrictions already implemented by Switzerland.
Since November 2025, Switzerland has limited Protection Status S eligibility to individuals whose last residence was located in:
- Occupied territories; or
- Regions directly affected by the conflict.
These restrictions were introduced following implementation of Motion Friedli (24.3378).
Integration Support Program Extended
The Federal Council also confirmed the continuation of Program S, Switzerland’s integration support initiative for Ukrainians under Protection Status S.
The program will now continue until March 4, 2028.
Under Program S:
- The federal government contributes CHF 3,000 per person annually to cantons.
- Funding supports:
- Language training;
- Educational access;
- Workforce integration; and
- Employment opportunities.
The extension is intended to support long-term integration efforts as many Ukrainians continue to reside in Switzerland with no immediate prospect of returning home.
Five-Year Residence Milestone Approaching
Beginning in March 2027, some Ukrainians will reach five years of residence in Switzerland under Protection Status S.
Under the Swiss Asylum Act, individuals who have held Protection Status S for five years become eligible for a:
B Residence Permit linked to Protection Status S.
These permits:
- Are issued by cantonal authorities;
- Do not require approval from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM); and
- Remain tied to the continued existence of Protection Status S.
If Protection Status S is eventually revoked, the linked residence permits would automatically expire.
Potential Hardship Permit Pathways
The Federal Council also noted that certain individuals may apply for a residence permit independent of Protection Status S through Switzerland’s hardship provisions.
Subject to eligibility requirements:
- Cantonal authorities may recommend approval; and
- SEM must approve the permit.
These provisions may become increasingly important for Ukrainians seeking longer-term residence solutions after extended stays in Switzerland.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.