How can a foreigner obtain a residence permit in Ukraine?

The validity of temporary and permanent residence permits is automatically extended until the end of martial law in Ukraine for all, except for citizens of the aggressor country. Find out how to get a new residence permit or exchange a lost or damaged document during the war

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In accordance with current regulations (Law of Ukraine ‘On the Legal Regime of Martial Law’ and Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1202 of 21 October 2022 ‘Certain Issues of the Implementation of Legislative Acts in the Field of Migration under Martial Law’), while martial law remains in force in Ukraine, the validity of temporary and permanent residence permits (except for those issued to citizens of the Russian Federation) is automatically extended for the duration of martial law and for 30 calendar days from the date of its termination or cancellation. This means that a permit for a foreign citizen or stateless person that has expired or is subject to replacement is still a legal basis for entry and residence in Ukraine.

However, there are cases when a foreigner needs to replace a lost document or obtain a new residence permit. We will tell you how to do this during the war.

Details on obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine

Where can I obtain a residence permit?

To apply for a residence permit in Ukraine, you need to collect the relevant documents (you can do this in person or remotely) and contact one of the following institutions:

– Territorial bodies of the State Migration Service of Ukraine

– Territorial division of the SMS

– State Enterprise ‘Document’ (Passport Service)

– Administrative Services Centre (ASC)

Please note! You can now apply for/exchange a permanent residence permit in Ukraine abroad at the Passport Service citizen service centres. For more information on how to obtain a residence permit outside Ukraine, please read here.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine

Citizens of most foreign countries may legally stay in Ukraine for 90 calendar days. To extend this period, a foreigner must obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine.

The right to obtain a temporary residence permit is granted to foreigners (except for citizens of the Russian Federation) who have arrived in Ukraine:

– for the purpose of employment in Ukrainian or foreign enterprises/companies/branches, etc. (including IT specialists);

– as a founder/investor/beneficial owner of a legal entity registered in Ukraine (provided that the share in the authorised capital is at least 100,000 euros);

– for the implementation of projects within the framework of international technical (or other) assistance;

– for the purpose of education;

– as a journalist / representative of foreign media;

– as a representative of non-governmental organisations participating in certain activities in Ukraine (e.g. volunteer);

– for the purpose of cultural, scientific, educational or religious activities based on international agreements or within the framework of special programmes;

– for family reunification with a citizen of Ukraine or marriage to a citizen of Ukraine;

– on the basis of purchasing real estate in Ukraine (under certain conditions);

– on the basis of opening a business or carrying out entrepreneurial activities in Ukraine.

Attention! If you have the status of “foreign Ukrainian”, obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine will have its own nuances.

Find out how to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine for a child here.

Is it possible to extend a residence permit in Ukraine?

In accordance with Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 25 April 2018 No. 322 "On approval of the sample, technical description of the form and the Procedure for issuing, issuance, exchange, revocation, transfer, withdrawal, return to the state, invalidation and destruction of temporary residence permits", the extension of the validity of temporary residence permits is not provided for. This means that before the expiry of the permit, a foreigner or stateless person must exchange it. Documents for extending a residence permit must be submitted no later than 15 days before the expiry date of the permit (the resolution does not apply during martial law in Ukraine).

A temporary residence permit is issued for 1 year (for founders/participants/beneficiaries – for 2 years) with the possibility of renewal, except in cases where the period of stay in Ukraine is predetermined by the terms of an international agreement (for the implementation of projects), an employment contract or the duration of studies.

Find out about the rights and obligations of foreigners who have obtained a residence permit in Ukraine on the Visit Ukraine portal.

What documents are required to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine?

The package of documents will depend on the type of permit you wish to obtain.

Documents required to obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine

Grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit – on the Visit Ukraine portal.

– foreign passport or document certifying the identity of a stateless person with a type D visa (unless otherwise provided by law) and a copy thereof;

– official translation into Ukrainian of the pages of the foreigner's passport (or identity document);

– medical insurance policy for the entire period of validity of the permit and a copy thereof;

– receipts for payment of state fees and fees for processing documents;

– documents confirming the grounds for obtaining a residence permit.

Detailed instructions on how to purchase medical insurance for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine can be found at the link.

The need to prepare other documents depends on the grounds on which the foreigner is applying for a residence permit.

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Documents required for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine

Grounds for obtaining a permanent residence permit – on the Visit Ukraine portal.

– foreign passport or document certifying the identity of a stateless person with a type D visa (unless otherwise provided by law) and a copy thereof;

– official translation into Ukrainian of the passport pages (or identity document) containing the foreigner's personal data;

– receipts for payment of state fees and document processing fees;

– confirmation of registration in the State Register of Individuals – Taxpayers, with details of the registration number of the account card (if available);

– a copy of the decision to grant immigration permission (or in accordance with the category of foreigners and stateless persons).

– medical insurance policy (on the Visit Ukraine portal, you can take out annual insurance policies for your comfort and safe stay in Ukraine);

Please note! If documents for obtaining a permanent or temporary residence permit are submitted by a third party, it is necessary to provide a document certifying the identity of the legal representative and their legal powers.

What to do after obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine – a step-by-step guide for foreigners.

Reasons for refusal to grant a residence permit in Ukraine

There are many reasons for refusal to grant a residence permit in Ukraine, among which the most common are:

– possession of a residence permit, refugee certificate or certificate of a person granted additional protection, which are valid at the time of application;

– incorrectly entered data or discrepancies with the information in the database;

– non-compliance of the documents provided (expired validity, damage or falsification of data);

– failure by the applicant to comply with court decisions or other state authorities, existing property obligations, etc.

However, refusal to issue a residence permit may also be due to other cases provided for by Ukrainian law.

Follow the link and find out how to apply for an electronic residence permit through Diia or how to add a permit to the list of relevant documents.

In order to ensure that the collection and submission of documents is quick and easy, and that the risk of refusal of service does not increase due to the applicant's negligence, we recommend that you consult a qualified lawyer. On the Visit Ukraine website, you can order a consultation with a migration lawyer who will answer all your questions about entering and staying in Ukraine, as well as advise you on obtaining the necessary documents for foreigners.

In addition, you can order comprehensive legal support, which includes not only unlimited consultations, but also direct assistance in collecting and submitting the necessary documents.

Earlier, we told you when foreigners need to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine.

Reminder! Earlier, we listed 10 non-obvious advantages of a residence permit in Ukraine for foreigners that are not mentioned in the reference books.

Photo: Telegram Fedorov

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