Legal status of Ukrainians in Romania: temporary protection

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1. Stay based on visa-free regime.

If you have a foreign biometric passport, you have the right to stay in EU countries for 90 days within a 180-day period. You have the right to work in Romania, even if you decide not to apply for temporary protection. In this case, you need to submit an application for a work permit to the General Inspectorate for Immigration. More information: IGI | WORK (gov.ro).

2. Obtaining temporary protection.

Temporary protection will be granted in Romania to the following individuals:

• Ukrainian citizens who resided in Ukraine before February 24, 2022, regardless of the moment of departure from Ukraine;

• Citizens of third countries or stateless persons who received international protection or similar national protection in Ukraine before February 24, 2022;

• Family members of the above-mentioned individuals, regardless of whether the family member can safely and stably return to their country or region of origin;

• Citizens of third countries and stateless persons who can prove that they have a legal place of residence in Ukraine, have a permanent residence permit issued in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine, and cannot return to their country of origin under safe conditions.

Temporary protection may also be granted in connection with family reunification with a person who has temporary protection or as an exception in other cases.

Temporary protection can be granted for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of automatic renewal twice for an additional 6 months each. After that, the Council of the EU can decide to extend temporary protection for a period of up to 1 year. Therefore, the maximum duration of temporary protection is 3 years. Currently, temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU has been extended until March 2024.

However, temporary protection can be terminated at any time by the decision of the Council of the EU if it is determined that the situation in the country allows for the safe and reliable return of individuals who have been granted temporary protection.

After obtaining temporary protection in Romania, you will have:

• The right to receive a document granting permission to reside in Romania.

• The right to employment.

• The right to receive free primary medical care and appropriate treatment, emergency care, as well as free medical care and treatment in cases of acute or chronic life-threatening illnesses, through the national system of emergency medical care and qualified medical assistance.

• The right to education.

• Temporary housing.

• The right to receive financial assistance.

3. Obtaining refugee status.

You can apply for asylum directly at the border crossing point or, if you have entered Romania as a migrant, you can apply for asylum later anywhere in Romania.

Obtaining temporary protection status does not deprive you of the right to apply for refugee status.

A person who has applied for refugee status is entitled to the following rights, among others:

• The right to legal assistance during the asylum procedure.

• The right to a free interpreter during the asylum procedure.

• The right to receive information in a language they understand.

• The right to receive a temporary identity document.

• The right to be accommodated in a regional reception center (if you lack financial means for independent living).

• The right to reside in Romania.

• The right to free basic medical assistance, emergency medical care in hospitals, and free medical care for acute/chronic illnesses.

• The right to education.

• The right to work after obtaining refugee status or after 3 months from submitting the asylum application if no decision has been made.

For more information: IGI | Asylum Procedures (gov.ro)