Norway: collective protection extended, but rules tightened for men aged 18–60 from 5 May 2026
Norway
In short. Collective protection in Norway has been extended (issued for one year, up to 5 years in total, renewal is automatic). But from 5 May 2026 men aged 18–60 applying for the first time no longer receive it — only through ordinary asylum with stricter requirements. Those who already have protection or whose permit is being renewed are not affected.
- The temporary collective protection scheme for Ukrainians has been extended by another year (decision announced on 2 March 2026): those who have had protection for four years are extended into a fifth year. According to the plans, this is the final extension — until March 2027. The permit is valid for 1 year at a time, up to a maximum of 5 years.
- From 5 May 2026, men aged 18–60 who apply for the FIRST time on that day or later no longer receive collective protection.
- The change does NOT apply to those who already have collective protection, or to those whose permit the UDI is renewing — renewal takes place automatically.
- There are exceptions: sole care of children in Norway, documented exemption from / inability to perform military service in Ukraine, medical evacuation via the EU mechanism (UCPM), and accompanying relatives.
- Men aged 18–60 who do not fall under an exception can apply for ordinary asylum, but the requirements, in the UDI's wording, are "significantly stricter" than for collective protection.
Norway is keeping its temporary collective protection scheme for displaced persons from Ukraine in force, but at the same time it is tightening the criteria for men of conscription age. Both changes have been officially confirmed by the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and the Norwegian government.
What was extended
The government decided to extend the collective protection scheme by another year (decision announced on 2 March 2026). In the UDI's wording, the extension also applies to those who have already had collective protection for four years — they are extended into a fifth year. According to the plans, this is the final extension of the scheme — until March 2027.
- The residence permit under collective protection is issued for one year at a time.
- The total maximum duration is up to 5 years, provided that you continue to meet the requirements of the permit and the scheme remains in force.
- Renewal takes place automatically: there is no need to submit a separate application — the UDI updates the permit roughly three weeks before it expires and notifies you by letter (or to your digital mailbox).
What was tightened from 5 May 2026
The main new change concerns men. In the UDI's wording: the change applies to persons who apply on 5 May 2026 or later. This means that:
- Men aged 18 to 60 no longer receive temporary collective protection if they apply for the first time on that day or after it.
- Their cases will be assessed under the rules of individual protection (ordinary asylum). The UDI notes that the requirements for protection on an individual basis are "significantly stricter" than for collective protection.
Who the change does NOT apply to
The UDI emphasises: the change does not apply to those who already have collective protection, or whose residence permit is being renewed. If you are already in the scheme — your permit will be extended in the usual way.
Exceptions for men aged 18–60
Some men in this age group can still obtain collective protection if they:
- have parental responsibility, are guardians or other close relatives who solely accompany children or care for children already in Norway;
- can document that they are exempt from military service in Ukraine or are clearly unable to perform it;
- have received an offer of medical evacuation to Norway through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), or are accompanying relatives of such persons.
The applicant must themselves document or convincingly substantiate that they meet these conditions.
Why this matters
According to media reports and government estimates, Norway has received many Ukrainians, and since autumn 2025 some municipalities have reported pressure on services and a shortage of housing (this is background context, not an official UDI statement). According to the UDI's planning estimates (the note "anslag per januar 2026"), the expected number of applications for collective protection for 2026 has, by contrast, been raised — to 13,300 (1,800 more than in the October 2025 note). The expected number of ordinary asylum applications from Ukrainian citizens for 2026 is estimated at around 1,200. These are planning assumptions, not actual totals.
What you should do
- If you already have collective protection — there is nothing to do: the permit will be extended automatically, and the new restrictions do not concern you.
- If you are a man aged 18–60 and have not yet applied — check whether you fall under one of the exceptions, and prepare your documents in advance (about children, exemption from service, etc.).
- Verify current dates and details only on the official UDI portal.
Related guides
Official sources
- UDI — Men aged 18–60 can no longer be granted temporary collective protection (effective 5 May 2026)
- UDI — I want to know more about extensions of residency in Norway
- UDI — Ukrainians have their temporary collective protection extended
- UDI — My application for collective protection has been granted (duration, up to 5 years)
- UDI — Information for people fleeing the war in Ukraine
Questions
- Has collective protection been cancelled for all Ukrainians in Norway?
- No. The collective protection scheme has been extended by another year (decision of 2 March 2026): those who have had protection for four years are extended into a fifth year, roughly until March 2027. The permit is issued for one year at a time, up to a maximum of 5 years, and is renewed automatically. The tightening applies only to new applications from men aged 18–60.
- From what date do the new restrictions for men apply?
- The change applies to persons who apply on 5 May 2026 or later. Men aged 18–60 who apply for the first time on that day or after it no longer receive collective protection.
- I already have collective protection. Will I lose it because of the new rules?
- No. The UDI states explicitly that the change does not apply to those who already have collective protection or whose permit is being renewed. Your permit will be extended in the usual way.
- What exceptions remain for men aged 18–60?
- Protection is possible if you solely accompany / care for children in Norway; document an exemption from or inability to perform military service in Ukraine; or have received a medical evacuation through the EU mechanism (UCPM) or are an accompanying relative of such a person.
- What should a man aged 18–60 who does not fall under an exception do?
- You can apply for ordinary asylum (individual protection). However, the UDI notes that the requirements for protection on an individual basis are "significantly stricter" than for collective protection.
- Do I need to submit an application to renew collective protection?
- No. Renewal takes place automatically: the UDI updates the permit roughly three weeks before it expires and notifies you by letter. There is no need to submit a separate application.