Deferral from mobilisation

The grounds for deferral are set out in the law and run to dozens of categories, from health to family circumstances. An error in the paperwork or an incomplete set of documents often leads to refusal even where a genuine ground exists.

Who is entitled to deferral

Deferral is granted only on the grounds expressly set out in Article 23 of Law No. 3543-XII. The most common are:

• three or more dependent children under 18 — provided there are no child maintenance arrears exceeding the total of three months’ payments (Article 23(1)(3))
• a child under 18 whose other parent has died, has been deprived of parental rights, has been declared missing or is serving a prison sentence, and also where you are raising and supporting the child on your own under a court decision (Article 23(1)(4))
• a child under 18 with a disability, or a child with a serious illness on the list in the law (Article 23(1)(5) and (6))
• permanent care of a wife (husband), child or parent who needs it according to a medical and social expert commission, a medical advisory commission of a healthcare facility or a decision of an expert team assessing everyday functioning (Article 23(1)(9))
• a wife (husband) with a Group I or II disability; with Group III — only in certain cases (Article 23(1)(11) and (12))
• a parent — your own or your spouse’s — with a Group I or II disability, where there are no other persons who are not liable for military service and are required by law to support them (Article 23(1)(13))
• a disability, or temporary unfitness for service for 6–12 months on a military medical board finding (Article 23(1)(2))
• full-time or dual-form study at a level higher than one already attained, and work as a teacher or researcher — on the conditions set by the law (Article 23(3)(1) and (2))
• the death or disappearance of a close relative — husband, wife, son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister — while defending Ukraine (Article 23(3)(4))
• reservation by your employer (Article 23(1)(1))

On the grounds related to care and to relatives’ disability (Article 23(1)(9)–(14)), only one person liable for military service can obtain deferral — the register enforces this (Article 23(10)).

Not sure whether your situation qualifies? The first consultation is free.

When to get in touch

• you fall within a category entitled to deferral but it has not been granted
• deferral has been refused
• a deferral has been cancelled and you do not understand why
• the ground for deferral has arisen recently (a change in family circumstances, or health)

What the lawyer does

• establishes whether your situation falls within the grounds in Article 23 of Law No. 3543-XII
• assembles the full set of supporting documents
• prepares the application and documents for filing through an administrative services centre or a request in the electronic account of a person liable for military service
• analyses the reasons for a refusal or a cancellation
• prepares the challenge to a refusal
• keeps track of the ground remaining valid and documented

Legal basis

The grounds for deferral are set out in Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine “On Mobilisation Preparation and Mobilisation” No. 3543-XII: among others, employees covered by reservation; persons with a disability or temporarily unfit on a military medical board finding for 6–12 months; those supporting three or more children under 18 (except those whose child maintenance arrears exceed the total of three months’ payments); parents of a child under 18 whose other parent has died, has been deprived of parental rights or declared missing, and in the other cases listed in Article 23(1)(4); parents and guardians of a child with a disability; subject to conditions, students, researchers and academic staff, and other categories. The procedure is set by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 560 of 16 May 2024: the application is filed in person through an administrative services centre (TsNAP), addressed to the head of the commission at the territorial recruitment centre, and where technically possible deferral is granted automatically on a request in the electronic account, based on data from state registers. If mobilisation is extended, the deferral is extended automatically as long as the ground still applies.

Mobilisation legislation changes frequently. This page reflects the position as of October 2026; before acting on it, take advice on the wording currently in force.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to go to the recruitment centre in person?

As a rule, no. The application is filed in person at an administrative services centre, addressed to the head of the commission at the territorial recruitment centre where you are registered for military service. The centre’s administrator prepares it electronically through the Diia portal and, once a decision is made, issues your updated military registration document there too. The application cannot be filed through a representative. If state registers confirm the ground, deferral can also be obtained through a request in the electronic account. Exceptions: students submit a certificate from the Unified State Electronic Database on Education (EDEBO) to the recruitment centre, and for reserved employees the deferral is arranged by the employer.

Can a deferral lapse automatically?

Yes. If data exchange between registers shows that the ground no longer exists, an automatically granted deferral is cancelled automatically. A deferral granted by the commission is cancelled by the recruitment centre commission within seven calendar days of establishing that the ground no longer exists, and a notice is sent by post, to the e-mail given in the application or to the electronic account. That is why it matters to keep the data in the registers up to date.

Can I get deferral to care for my parents?

Yes, in two cases. First, if your father or mother needs permanent care according to a medical and social expert commission, a medical advisory commission of a healthcare facility or a decision of an expert team assessing everyday functioning, and you provide that care (Article 23(1)(9); for your spouse’s parents the law sets additional conditions). Second, if one of your parents or your spouse’s parents has a Group I or II disability and there are no other persons who are not liable for military service and are required by law to support them; in that case only one person liable for military service can provide care — chosen by the person with the disability (Article 23(1)(13)).

My wife has a Group III disability — is that a ground for deferral?

Only in certain cases: if Group III was assigned as a result of cancer or the absence of a limb, hand or foot or of one of a pair of organs, or if your wife with Group III has cancer, a mental disorder, cerebral palsy or other paralytic syndromes (Article 23(1)(12)). A wife’s Group I or II disability is a ground without these conditions (Article 23(1)(11)). Separately, deferral for permanent care is possible if your wife needs it according to a medical commission (Article 23(1)(9)).

Can I get deferral on health grounds?

Yes, if you have been recognised as a person with a disability, or a military medical board has found you temporarily unfit for service for 6–12 months — with a further board review after that period (Article 23(1)(2)). Whether a particular illness leads to such unfitness is decided by the board (on challenging its finding, see the military medical board page).

Can a father raising a child alone get deferral?

Yes, if the child is under 18 and the other parent has died, has been deprived of parental rights, has been declared missing or absent, has been declared dead or is serving a prison sentence. Also if you are raising and supporting the child on your own under a court decision (Article 23(1)(4)).

How long does the review take and for how long is deferral granted?

The recruitment centre commission must consider the application within seven working days of its registration, or within no more than 15 working days if it has sent requests to state authorities. Until a decision is made, you cannot be called up. Deferral is granted for as long as the ground applies, but not beyond the mobilisation period; if mobilisation is extended, the deferral is extended automatically. Specific periods: temporary unfitness on a military medical board finding — no more than 12 months; study — one semester, but no more than six months.

Need legal assistance? Call us or leave a request — a lawyer will contact you and explain what to do in your situation.