Calculatorpreliminary calculation
Response to a public information request
Public information request response deadline calculator
Enter the confirmed time the proper information holder in Kyiv or Kyiv region received the request. The tool distinguishes a request for existing recorded information from a citizen appeal and does not replace checking the grounds for the urgent 48-hour period.
Check the applicable regime and end date
First determine whether you are requesting information that already exists. Then select the general period or 48 hours only if the criteria in part two of Article 20 of the Law are met.
The time limit under the Law “On Access to Public Information” can be calculated after confirming the proper information holder.
Use the incoming stamp, electronic confirmation, or other evidence. The day of receipt is not counted in the 5 or 20 working days.
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
An extension is possible because of a large volume of information or the need to search a substantial amount of data. Notice must be provided no later than the original 5 working days.
Preliminary response deadline
estimated period is running20 working days is the overall limit from receipt, not another 20 days after the initial five.
- Confirmed receipt
- 23 October 2026
- Start of counting
- 24 October 2026
- General time limit — 5 working days
- 30 October 2026
- Overall extension limit — 20 working days
- 20 November 2026
- Extension notice must be sent by
- 30 October 2026
- Deadline status
- estimated period is running: in 7 days
Working days are calculated using the transparent assumption of Monday–Friday. The records custodian’s actual schedule may differ; during martial law, the calculator does not automatically exclude public holidays that fall on weekdays.
The brief summary is easy to paste into a message to a lawyer or save for yourself.
How the 5 days, 48 hours and extension work
The general rule under Article 20 of the Law “On Access to Public Information” is a response no later than five working days from receipt of the request. The confirmed receipt day is excluded; the count starts the following day.
If a request concerns a large volume of information or requires searching a significant amount of data, the information holder may extend the review period to a total of up to 20 business days. The extension must be justified in writing, and the requester must be notified no later than the initial five business days.
A response within 48 hours is provided not for every request marked “urgent,” but for statutory risks and matters of public importance. The requester must explain the urgency.
Calculation methodology
Calendar review methodology
- The user distinguishes a request for information already recorded from a citizen appeal or a request to create a new analysis.
- The base is the confirmed date the proper administrator received it; the day of receipt is excluded.
- The general time limit is calculated as 5 working days using a Monday–Friday model.
- If there is a timely written, reasoned notice, the calculator shows an overall maximum of 20 business days from the same starting point.
- The expedited procedure requires the exact date and time; add 48 continuous hours in the Europe/Kyiv time zone to the time of receipt.
Example of a request in Kyiv
The proper authority in Kyiv confirmed receipt on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 of a request for a copy of an already adopted decision and its attachments. There are no grounds for the 48-hour period.
- Regime: general
- Receipt by the proper administrator: 18.08.2026
- Workweek in the model: Monday–Friday
Estimated fifth working day is August 25, 2026. If the administrator timely and reasonably extended the review, the overall 20-working-day limit is September 15, 2026.
Separately check the administrator’s actual schedule, proof of registration and the content of the extension notice. The calculator does not automatically exclude August 24 just because it is a holiday.
What to keep to track the deadline
- The full text of the request with a precise list of documents or information that already exist.
- Electronic confirmation, incoming reference number, stamp, or postal proof of receipt by the proper authority.
- Notice of referral and the new registration date if the addressee was not identified immediately.
- Written extension notice showing the date, reason, and new deadline.
- For the 48-hour period, provide a copy of the urgency justification and the exact time receipt was confirmed.
Official sources
- Law of Ukraine “On Access to Public Information”Articles 19–22 set the request format, 5-working-day and 48-hour periods, extensions, and forwarding to the proper information holder.
- Civil Code of Ukraine: rules for calculating time limitsArticles 253–255 are used to determine when a period starts and ends.
- Guidance by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights on access to informationOfficial practical material explains the limits of an information request, dealing with the information holder and the response procedure.
- Ombudsman guidance on prompt access to information of public interestOfficial guidance helps classify urgent access and the duty to justify the 48-hour procedure.
- Prepared
- The methodology was prepared by the website editorial team based on official sources.
- Checked
- Calendar logic and limits of the regimes reviewed by a lawyer without publishing personal data.
- Important
- The tool provides a preliminary result and does not replace checking the request’s content, the information holder’s authority, and proof of receipt.
Current as of . The calculation is preliminary and depends on the documents and circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
How is an information request different from an appeal by a citizen?
The request concerns information already recorded and held by the authority. An appeal contains a proposal, application, complaint, or request to resolve an issue. A different law applies to appeals, with longer time limits.
Does the day of receipt count toward the five working days?
No. The calculator starts counting on the next calendar day and counts only Monday through Friday as a transparent baseline assumption.
When can you request a response within 48 hours?
Only when the request concerns protection of life or liberty, environmental conditions, accidents, disasters, dangerous natural events, or other circumstances expressly set out in part two of Article 20. The request must explain the specific grounds.
Does an extension mean another 20 working days after the first five?
No. The law sets a general limit of up to 20 working days from receipt of the request. Written notice of the reason for extension must be given no later than the original five working days.
What to do if the request was sent to the wrong authority?
Keep the forwarding notice and obtain proof of the date the proper authority accepted the request. Enter that new date in the calculator.
Are time limits suspended because of martial law?
Martial law does not create an automatic general pause for all requests. Specific restrictions may depend on the content, access to data, and security, but the information holder must act within the law and explain its decision.
Free initial consultation
Need to check a request or a late response?
A lawyer in Kyiv can check the subject of the request, proper information holder, proof of receipt, grounds for the 48-hour period or extension, and next remedy.
- the calculator result can serve as a reference for a conversation
- documents, deadlines, or contract terms may change the conclusion
- briefly describe the circumstances in the form if needed