Why Temporary Protection was created
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians fled within weeks. The normal asylum process — which can take years — was not designed for this scale or speed. The EU activated its Temporary Protection Directive for the first time in its history, giving all EU member states (including Ireland) a fast-track route to give Ukrainians legal status immediately.
Temporary Protection is not asylum. It does not require proving individual persecution. It applies to a whole group of people based on their nationality and the situation in their country.
What Temporary Protection gives you in Ireland
Rights under Temporary Protection
- The right to live in Ireland legally
- The right to work — any job, any employer, no work permit needed
- Access to the public healthcare system
- Access to social welfare payments and housing supports
- Free primary and secondary education for children
- The right to open a bank account
- An IRP card showing your status (Stamp 4T)
How it differs from refugee status
Temporary Protection
- Granted automatically to Ukrainian nationals who fled after 24 February 2022
- No individual assessment needed — it applies to the group
- Currently extended to 4 March 2027
- Linked to the situation in Ukraine — not permanent
Refugee Status (International Protection)
- Based on individual circumstances — you must prove a personal fear of persecution
- Takes 1–3 years to process in Ireland
- If granted, gives long-term or permanent residence rights
- More secure long-term, but a much longer and harder process
Who is covered
Temporary Protection in Ireland covers Ukrainian nationals who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and who left on or after that date. It also covers some non-Ukrainian nationals who were living in Ukraine (for example, as students or long-term residents) but were unable to return to their home country safely.
How long does it last
Temporary Protection in Ireland is currently extended to 4 March 2027. This was confirmed at EU level. The extension does not require you to reapply — your status continues automatically. However, your IRP card (the physical card showing your status) has its own expiry date and must be renewed separately — see the Renewal 2027 page for details.
Common questions
Do I need to do anything to keep my Temporary Protection status?
No new application is needed for the extension to 2027. Your status is extended automatically. However, your IRP card may need to be renewed — check the expiry date on the card itself.
What happens after March 2027?
Unknown. The EU will decide whether to extend again based on the situation in Ukraine. If you plan to stay in Ireland long-term regardless of what happens in Ukraine, it is worth exploring your options — particularly the pathway to Stamp 4 residency. See the Rights and Entitlements page for more.
Can my family join me in Ireland?
Yes. Family members who fled Ukraine and have Temporary Protection status in another EU country can transfer to Ireland. Family members still in Ukraine can also apply to come to Ireland under the scheme. Contact the International Protection Office for details.
More Temporary Protection Guides
Have an Irish form you don't understand?
Photograph it and get a plain-language explanation field by field — free, no account needed. Available in Ukrainian and 26 other languages.
Open the app →