A new law has been adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine that is set to change the lives of millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs). However, rushing to re-register documents now could be a mistake: experts and legislators urge citizens not to replace their current IDP certificates or re-register until the document officially comes into force.
Timeline for entry into force
Law of Ukraine No. 4924-IX "On Ensuring the Rights and Freedoms of Displaced Persons" was adopted by parliament on July 1, 2026. Despite approval, the document has not yet begun to regulate the daily lives of citizens. According to the provisions, it will enter into force three months after official publication — this will happen on October 22, 2026.
Until that date, all issues regarding the issuance of certificates, cancellation of status, or appointment of financial assistance continue to be regulated by current legislation. This means that for millions of Ukrainians who received IDP status in different years, the situation remains stable.
Extract instead of certificate
One of the main innovations of the new law is the change in the format of status confirmation. The document confirming the registration of a person will become an extract from the Unified Information Database on IDPs. It is important that this document will have legal force in both paper and electronic form.
However, the mechanism for obtaining such extracts has not yet been established. The Cabinet of Ministers must bring its regulatory legal acts into compliance with the new law and determine the practical steps for implementation. Until the subordinate acts are adopted, there is no clear algorithm of action for displaced persons.
Risks for families with children
There is a category of citizens who should be especially vigilant. Families who received IDP status back in 2014 but did not move again after the start of the full-scale invasion may face problems. In particular, they may be denied child benefits if they attempt to re-register documents before clarifying acts are adopted.
Furthermore, in July, the Cabinet of Ministers already updated the procedure for the functioning of temporary accommodation centers, changing settlement conditions and grounds for eviction. These changes operate within the framework of current legislation and do not require immediate intervention by citizens.
Experts recommend waiting until October 22, 2026, and for official clarifications from state authorities. Until then, the current certificate remains the only valid document confirming the rights of a displaced person.
