Who is eligible for collective protection?

You may be granted collective protection if you*:

  • are a Ukrainian citizen, and you resided in Ukraine before 24 February 2022. This also includes Ukrainian nationals who were on holiday or a visit outside Ukraine, or who had fled for fear of war. If you were not in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, you must not have been abroad for more than 90 days to be eligible.
  • have been granted protection in Ukraine before 24 February 2022.
  • are a close family member of someone who has been granted collective protection, regardless of their nationality. By definition, close family members include a spouse, cohabitant, or children under the age of 18. To be considered a spouse or cohabitant, the marriage or cohabitation must have been entered into before 24 February 2022. You and your family member may apply at the same time.
  • are in the category, other family member, and were part of the same household as the person granted collective protection prior to 24 February 2022. Examples of what may count as other family member includes children over the age of 18, grandparents or siblings. You and your close family member apply at the same time. The requirement to be part of the same household is considered fulfilled, even if the applicant stayed somewhere else than in the household before 24 February 2022 (for example, on holiday or to visit family), unless the applicant can be considered to have moved out of the household (for example, for studies).
  • are a Ukrainian citizen and already had legal residency in Norway before 24 February 2022. This also applies if you had been granted a residence permit in Norway before 24 February 2022 but entered the country later. Your previous basis for being in Norway must have ended or be set to end less than two months after you apply for protection.
  • are a Ukrainian citizen with legal residency in Norway, but the basis for your residence permit was invalidated (for example, a work permit if you have lost your job). The previous basis for being in Norway must have come to an end or be set to end less than two months after you apply for protection.

The regulations describing who is eligible for collective protection are published on UDI § Regulations:

There are separate rules for children born in Norway, see Resident permits for children born in Norway and select the relevant category.

If you have ties to Ukraine but do not meet the criteria listed above, you are not eligible for collective protection in Norway.

*Even if you meet the criteria listed above, you will not be granted protection if you have:

If you are not eligible for collective protection, we will assess your need for protection on an individual basis.