How to obtain an immigration permit to Ukraine after the expiration of a contract with the AFU?

Foreigners who have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine have the right to immigrate to Ukraine after the expiration of their contract. Find out what is required to obtain a permanent residence permit in Ukraine after serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and how to apply for immigration

Legal advice on migration issues

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Since the start of the full-scale invasion, thousands of foreigners have joined the Armed Forces, defending the country alongside the Ukrainian military. For many of them, Ukraine has become not just a place of service, but a home they want to stay in. For them, service was not just fulfillment of a contract - it was an act of courage, gratitude and solidarity.

After the contract ends, a crucial question arises: how to obtain an immigration permit legally and stay in Ukraine permanently. Ukrainian law provides for special grounds for foreigners who served in the Armed Forces, but the procedure requires careful preparation of documents. The procedure is regulated by the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration” and other legal acts, and therefore requires compliance with clear legal conditions. It is important to note that the period of consideration of documents can take up to one year, so you should take care of your legal situation in advance. We have put together a detailed guide to help you go through this process confidently and without mistakes.

To apply for membership in the International Legion, please follow the link.

In the previous article, we described how a foreigner can obtain an immigration permit to Ukraine, the procedure, possible grounds and required documents.

Who is eligible to apply for immigration after serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine?

Foreign nationals who have served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine have the right to stay in the country after the completion of their contract on legal grounds. This right is enshrined in Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration”, which defines the categories of persons who can obtain an immigration permit outside the quota.

These categories include:

- Foreigners who have served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for at least three years.

- Persons who have outstanding services to Ukraine or have received the status of a combatant.

- Family members of foreign military personnel who wish to live with them in Ukraine.

In addition, the following are mandatory conditions for submission:

- A valid identity document and legal residence in Ukraine;

- No criminal record in their home country and in Ukraine;

- Compliance with the deadlines for submitting documents: it is advisable to submit an application before the expiration of the temporary residence permit.

To confirm the right to apply, you must provide a certificate from a military unit or the Ministry of Defense confirming that you have served. If a foreigner has received awards or has veteran status, this may be an additional reason for a positive decision by the State Migration Service (SMS).

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What documents are required for submission?

After completing service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a foreigner can apply for an immigration permit to the State Migration Service of Ukraine. To ensure that the process goes smoothly, it is important to prepare a full package of documents in advance.

The main documents include:

1. An application for an immigration permit in the prescribed form (to be submitted electronically when submitting documents);

2. A copy of the national passport (with a notarized translation into Ukrainian);

3. Certificate from the military unit or the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine confirming the completion of service and the term of the contract;

4. A copy of a temporary residence permit or other document confirming legal residence in Ukraine;

5. Certificate of no criminal record from the country of origin and from the territory of Ukraine;

6. A document confirming the place of residence in Ukraine (lease agreement, statement of the host party, etc.);

7. Medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that are the basis for refusal of entry or residence;

8. A document confirming the absence of chronic alcoholism, substance abuse, drug addiction, or infectious diseases, the list of which is determined by the central executive body on health care;

9. Photos of the established size (3.5×4.5 cm);

10. If necessary, documents for family members, if a joint application is submitted;

11. All foreign documents must be translated into Ukrainian and notarized. If a foreigner has the status of a combatant or has been awarded state honors, it is also advisable to attach these documents, as they may become a positive factor in the application process;

12. For persons referred to in paragraph 9 of part two of Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine “On Migration”: originals (returned upon presentation) and copies of documents confirming the fact of military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard of Ukraine;

13. For persons referred to in paragraph 10 of part two of Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine “On Migration”: documents confirming the fact of military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard of Ukraine, and the conclusion (resolution) of the military medical commission on declaring a person unfit for military service for health reasons as a result of diseases, injuries (traumas, contusions, mutilations) received during the performance of military service;

14. Receipt of payment of the administrative service fee.

Please note! The website of the State Migration Service of Ukraine emphasizes that if an application for an immigration permit is submitted within 30 days from the date of the decision to terminate Ukrainian citizenship or cancel the decision to formalize the acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship by a foreigner or stateless person, the original (returned upon presentation) and a copy of such a decision must be submitted.

The period for consideration of the application may not exceed 6 months from the date of submission of the application.

After obtaining an immigration permit, the applicant must submit an application form for a permanent residence permit in Ukraine within one year from the date of issuance of the permit. This can be done in Ukraine or abroad.

To learn more about the procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine through investment, please follow the link.

The procedure for obtaining an immigration permit

The procedure for obtaining an immigration permit to Ukraine after serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine consists of several stages. It can take up to a year, so it is important not to delay the submission of documents, especially if your temporary residence permit is about to expire. It is best to start preparing while you are still in service or immediately after the end of your contract.

Let's consider the main stages of the procedure:

Preparation of documents

Gather all the necessary certificates, translations, and certifications. Check their validity periods, as most documents (e.g., a certificate of no criminal record or a medical certificate) have a limited validity period.

Submitting an application to the State Migration Service (SMS)

The documents are submitted in person to the territorial unit of the SMS at the place of residence. On the day of submission, the data is verified, biometric data is taken, and a receipt is issued for the documents.

Consideration of the application

The SMS checks the grounds, authenticity of documents and information from other authorities (including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Security Service of Ukraine). The review period usually lasts up to 1 year, but may be shorter if the package of documents is complete and does not require any clarifications.

Obtaining a decision

If the decision is positive, the foreigner receives an immigration permit. Next, you need to apply to the same department of the SMS for a permanent residence permit.

Obtaining a permanent residence permit

After paying the state fee and submitting photos, a residence permit is issued, which allows you to legally reside in Ukraine without any time limit.

The cost of the service is UAH 179.79 + administrative fee (in the amount of 0.5 of the subsistence minimum established for able-bodied persons as of January 1 of the calendar year) - in 2025, this is UAH 1514.00.

Do not wait until the last day of service - start collecting documents 2-3 months before the end of the contract. If your temporary residence permit expires while your application is being processed, ask the SMS for an extension of your legal stay. If you change your place of residence, notify the migration service so that you do not miss the notification of the decision.

Earlier, we explained how foreign volunteers can obtain a residence permit in Ukraine.

Extension of the period of stay in Ukraine for foreigners after the end of the contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has submitted to the Verkhovna Rada Draft Law No. 14160, which clarifies the legal status of foreigners and stateless persons who participated in the defense of Ukraine. The document envisages important changes, including an increase in the period of legal stay in the Armed Forces from three to six months after the end of the contract. This will allow foreign veterans to apply for documents for further residence or immigration without haste.

It is also proposed to introduce quotas for the immigration of combatants, to allow for the status of combatant or war-related disability, and to take into account the period of service as part of continuous residence for permanent residence. In addition, it is planned to introduce a new document - a “foreigner's certificate for traveling abroad”. If adopted, the law will significantly simplify legalization for those who fought on the side of Ukraine and improve social protection for both the military and their families.

How does Visit Ukraine'steam of lawyers help with post-service immigration?

The issue of immigration for foreigners who have served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine has a clear legal basis, but requires a professional approach to paperwork. Visit Ukraine's team of lawyers specializes in migration law and accompanies such applicants at every stage of the process: from verifying the grounds to obtaining a permanent residence permit.

The lawyers help to prepare the application correctly, avoid common mistakes in translations and notarizations, and collect all the necessary proof of service in the Armed Forces. They advise on the terms, grounds and possibilities of extending legal stay during the proceedings. If necessary, the specialists undertake full legal support at the SMS, including representation of the applicant's interests.

In addition, Visit Ukraine offers personalized consultations for military families, assists in the preparation of immigration documents for spouses and children, and explains the next steps on the path to Ukrainian citizenship. This comprehensive approach ensures that everyone who has defended Ukraine can stay here legally, without legal risks and with full confidence in their status.

Leave a request for a consultation on the website, and our specialists will answer all your questions and help you navigate the complex legal aspects of citizenship refusal and acquisition.

We remind you! Obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine for foreign students can be a complicated process that requires careful preparation of documents and knowledge of the law. Read more about what is required to obtain a document and how to simplify the process of applying for and obtaining a residence permit.

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