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Legal aid for residents of occupied territories

Residents of temporarily occupied territories

Receive remote advice and learn when the state covers representation of interests in court and procedural documents in matters related to war and occupation.

Eligibility and application procedure

What you need to know

Residents of temporarily occupied territories may receive legal advice remotely. In matters connected with armed aggression and occupation, the state may also fund representation of interests in court and procedural documents.

Protect your digital safety

If browsing history or messages may put you at risk, use a safe device, remove sensitive messages and do not store documents where other people can access them.

How legal aid can help

01

Understand your rights

Receive a confidential consultation and a clear explanation of the available procedures.

02

Prepare documents

Get help with applications, complaints, claims, appeals and other procedural documents.

03

Protect your interests

Where provided by law, a lawyer may defend you or represent your interests in court and before public authorities.

Matters you can raise

Lost documents

Establishing legal facts and restoring identity, civil status, employment or property documents.

Property affected by the war

Damaged or destroyed housing, ownership, inheritance and compensation procedures.

Payments and employment

Pensions, benefits, employment records and rights affected by occupation.

Remote access

Safe ways to receive advice and submit documents when an in-person visit is impossible.

How to start

1

Choose a safe contact channel

Call, write online or visit a legal aid bureau. You may apply where you actually live.

2

Explain what happened

Tell the lawyer what decision or action you need to challenge and what documents you currently have.

3

Confirm the legal ground

The lawyer will check eligibility, explain the scope of services and identify any supporting documents.

Do not delay your first consultation because documents are missing. Bring what you have, and tell the lawyer if contacting you by telephone or message could create a safety risk.

Legal basis

The right to free secondary legal aid and its scope are defined by Article 14 and other provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On Free Legal Aid”.

View the law