Switzerland’s Federal Council has extended protection status S for people from Ukraine seeking protection until 4 March 2028, while introducing a new eligibility restriction for new applications submitted after 20 August 2026. The development affects access to temporary protection, employment-related planning, and residence permit pathways for affected Ukrainian nationals and their employers.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
For employers, the extension provides a longer planning horizon for Ukrainian employees and candidates who hold, or may seek, protection status S in Switzerland. Work rights remain available where employment is properly notified to the relevant cantonal authority. Starting 20 August 2026, new applicants for status S must comply with Ukrainian military service obligations to be eligible. Existing status S holders and applications filed before that date are unaffected. The new requirement might affect the authorities’ processing times.
Background
Protection status S has been used in Switzerland to provide temporary protection to people from Ukraine and to relieve pressure on the asylum system. Switzerland has coordinated its approach closely with the European Union (EU). The Federal Council previously restricted protection status S to persons whose last place of residence was in occupied or conflict-affected regions of Ukraine.
Key Updates
Extension of protection status S
Switzerland has extended protection status S and related support measures until 4 March 2028. At the same time, Switzerland is aligning with the EU by limiting status S for new applicants who comply with Ukrainian military service obligations. Existing status S holders are not affected by the new restriction.
New military service compliance requirement
From 20 August 2026, protection status S will only be granted to individuals who are in compliance with military obligations they may have in Ukraine. The requirement applies to new applications submitted on or after that date and has no impact on individuals who have already been granted protection status S.
Five-year residence and B permit route
From March 2027, the first Ukrainians seeking protection in Switzerland will have completed five years of residence. Under the Asylum Act, persons in need of protection are entitled after five years to a B residence permit linked to protection status S. If protection status S is revoked, those B permits automatically cease to be valid.
Potential hardship permit route
People in need of protection may, subject to certain conditions, apply for a residence permit independent of protection status S under the Asylum Act provisions on hardship cases. If conditions are met, a hardship residence permit may be granted.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, employers may wish to:
- Map the workforce and identify employees with status S and candidates who may become eligible.
- Allow longer lead times for individual assessments of applications submitted after August 20.
- Review compliance and records management practices, particularly B permit requirements at the five-year mark.
Readers may wish to contact their usual immigration adviser or a member of the KPMG team in Switzerland (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 The Federal Council, The portal of the Swiss government, “Protection status S to continue, subject to further restrictions,” published on 19 August 2026.
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Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Switzerland.
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