What will change in Ukraine from March 1: details
1 March 22:23
March 2026 will bring several significant changes for Ukraine. Among them is the traditional indexation of pensions, which takes place every year on March 1. Some mobile phone tariffs will also increase, 11th graders will begin registering for the National Multidisciplinary Test, and clocks will be set to daylight saving time, writes "Komersant Ukrainian".
Pension indexation from March 1, 2026
On March 1, 2026, Ukraine will see its annual pension indexation, with Ukrainians’ payments increasing by 12.1%.
The increase will happen automatically, meaning that there is no need to apply separately to the Pension Fund. However, it is important to note that not all citizens will see their payments indexed — some payments will remain unchanged.
Pension increases for families of the deceased
Starting March 1, 2026, targeted assistance will increase for families of defenders who died or went missing while defending Ukraine from Russian aggression.
One disabled family member or child of a defender will now receive at least UAH 12,810 (previously this amount was UAH 7,800). A family with two or more pension recipients will receive at least UAH 10,020 for each person (previously it was UAH 6,100). There is another important innovation: from March 1, 2027, payments to the relatives of deceased and missing military personnel will be recalculated annually.
Updated National Cashback
From March 1, 2026, Ukraine will launch an updated National Cashback program, now with two levels: 5% and 15%:
- 15% will be credited for the purchase of Ukrainian goods in high-import categories (i.e., cosmetics, household chemicals, household goods, repairs, clothing and footwear, stationery), as well as for certain food products—cheese, pasta, cereals;
- 5% will be awarded to buyers of other Ukrainian goods (including sweets, beverages, meat, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, canned goods, bread, frozen foods, and others).
We would like to remind you that previously, cashback amounted to 10% of the price of any goods from Ukrainian manufacturers. No changes are expected in terms of accrual and methods of spending funds.
Registration for NMT 2026
Registration for the NMT (National Multisubject Test) begins in March.
When is registration for the 2026 NMT:
- main registration – from March 5 to April 2, 2026;
- additional registration – from May 11 to May 16, 2026.
You can register and find out all the details on the website of the Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment.
The NMT sessions themselves will take place:
- main session – May 20 to June 25;
- additional session – July 17-24.
On March 3, it will also be announced in which countries and cities the National Multisubject Test can be taken outside Ukraine.
Withdrawal of 1, 2, 5, and 10 hryvnia banknotes
Starting March 2, 2026, the National Bank of Ukraine will stop accepting 1, 2, 5, and 10 hryvnia banknotes issued between 2003 and 2007. This means that they can no longer be used for payments in stores, banks, and other institutions.
As an alternative, Ukrainians can use coins of the corresponding denominations, which will remain in circulation. Citizens who still have old banknotes can exchange them for new ones at National Bank branches for an indefinite period.
Increase in mobile communication tariffs
From March 1, 2026, the cost of Kyivstar’s mobile tariffs will increase. According to the technical community MZU, the price increase could be between 50 and 90 UAH.
Vodafone is also raising rates for more than 20 prepaid and contract plans. Prices will increase by an average of 40-70 UAH, depending on the rate and type of service.
The changes only apply to old tariffs that are not available to new subscribers.
Switch to daylight saving time
On the night of March 28-29, 2026, Ukraine will switch to daylight saving time—the clock hands will need to be moved forward one hour. The procedure was supposed to be abolished in 2024, but Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet signed the relevant law.
It should be noted that modern electronic devices, such as smartphones and computers, make the transition automatically. However, mechanical watches need to be adjusted manually.
