Military registration of women: everything you need to know

The ongoing war against Ukraine has significantly changed approaches to the issue of the state’s defense readiness. One of the key directions for improving national security is the expansion of the list of persons subject to military registration, including women. Recent legislative changes, social discourse, and the shortcomings of law enforcement make the issue of women’s military registration both relevant and complex for legal analysis.

Regulatory framework for women’s military registration: current acts and trends
Until 2022, women’s military registration was mostly declarative in nature, with minimal practical implementation. A key shift occurred with the adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On military duty and military service,” as well as the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Order No. 35 dated February 7, 2022, which approved the list of specialties and professions obligating women to register for military service.

The law states that women who are fit for military service by health and age (from 18 to 60 years), and have specialties or professions needed by the Armed Forces, are subject to mandatory military registration. In practice, however, application of this norm raises a number of issues—from determining specific professions to guaranteeing women’s rights in connection with fulfilling this obligation.

Throughout 2023–2025, the legislative process continued, and the issue of women’s military registration was periodically clarified. Certain professions remained disputed, especially in healthcare, IT, communications, law, finance, and education. Sometimes, the government revised the list according to actual defense needs and mobilization plans.

Practice of registration organization: procedures, documents, and liability
The procedure for military registration consists of several stages:

1. Personal application to the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCRC&SS) at the place of registration.
2. Submission of documents: passport, TIN, diploma (to confirm specialty), medical certificate, and other documents upon request.
3. Medical examination to determine fitness.
4. Entry of data into the Registry of military liable persons.

Important: Registration does not mean being called to military service or direct participation in combat—it is merely reservist personnel preparation. Women may be called up only in case of mobilization and during martial law, as needed and considering family and medical status.

Administrative liability for evading military registration remains low for now: fines range from 510 to 1,700 UAH, in some cases up to 3,400 UAH (Art. 210-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Ukraine). However, recent legislative changes signal a gradual strengthening of sanctions, especially regarding evasion of medical examinations or deliberate concealment of profession.

Practical aspects for employers: challenges and algorithms
New obligations regarding the military registration of women have been imposed on legal entities (employers). The employer should assist in registration, maintain personal military documents, and inform employees about the need to complete these procedures.

Since 2024, absence of military registration for an employee with a listed specialty may result in administrative liability for the employer and fines (Art. 43 of the Code of Administrative Offenses), as well as inspections by TCRC&SS bodies. To avoid risks, HR departments should audit specialties, provide information and control the registration process, and maintain proper military documentation.

Women’s rights, guarantees, and restrictions under military registration
Women on military registration retain all social guarantees provided by labor and family law. Military call-up cannot infringe on rights to leave, health protection, maternity or childcare.

Special attention should be paid to the grounds for deferment or exemption from service: pregnancy, caring for children under three, health status, as well as a critical family situation (for example, caring for a disabled person). The procedure for deferment is the same as for men (application to TCRC&SS with supporting documents).

During actual service, women may be assigned to non-combat positions, as well as positions in civilian structures of the Armed Forces—doctors, lawyers, psychologists, operators, etc. The law guarantees retention of the workplace and average salary during service or mobilization.

Chronology and key changes of 2022–2025
2022: MOD Order No. 35—specialties list clarified for the first time.
2023: Cabinet reviewed timeframes and specifics, deferred the implementation of certain provisions.
2024: Introduced employer-level inspections, some cities launched information campaigns.
2025: Technical additions to the registration procedures—electronic registries, remote submission of documents, personal notifications in “Diia.”

Judicial practice and dynamics of disputes
As of autumn 2025, judicial practice regarding women’s military registration is gradually taking shape. The most common disputes are due to:

• appeals against refusals to grant deferment (especially for family reasons);
• appeals against administrative fines for late registration.

In general, courts support the state’s position on the mandatory nature of registration and recognize the right to deferment or exemption if there are grounds provided by law. Some cases regarding freedom of profession or discrimination are still under consideration, but currently, no clear violations of women’s rights have been established.

Conclusion and recommendations
Women’s military registration is becoming part of Ukraine’s security policy and is gaining greater importance. Legal entities and individuals are advised to carefully monitor legislative changes, ensure proper and timely processing of documents, and consider guarantees and peculiarities of women’s status in the military registry.

Under martial law, ensuring protection of women’s rights in military registration should remain a priority for lawyers, HR professionals, and the state. Maintaining the balance between duty and rights is the key principle of modern Ukrainian legal policy.

Svitlana Krutorogova – attorney at the Law Firm “WINNER”.
If you have any questions or issues related to the military registration of women or the need to protect their rights, contact our team for professional legal support and consultations. Your safety and confidence in the correctness of your actions are our priority.