How can a foreigner move to live in Ukraine?

In order to move to Ukraine, a foreigner needs to obtain the relevant documents, because without them, the period of stay will be limited to a certain number of days. We will tell you what grounds there may be for legal long-term stay in Ukraine, what documents are required and how to obtain them

Legal assistance on migration issues for foreigners

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The stay of foreign nationals and stateless persons in Ukraine is regulated by migration law. According to the current rules, foreigners can move to the country for permanent residence, but they need to have legal grounds and appropriate documents to do so. Without documents - foreigners from visa-free countries can stay in the country for 90 days within 180 days. Citizens of countries with a visa regime are limited to the period for which the visa was issued.

According to Ukrainian law, in order to legally reside in Ukraine, a foreigner must obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit. 

Detailed information that will be useful when planning a trip to Ukraine can be found here:

– Travel to Ukraine for tourism.

– Employment in Ukraine.

– Immigration to Ukraine.

– Studying in Ukraine.

– Travelling to Ukraine by car.

– Popular destinations in Ukraine.

– Support Ukraine.

Ways to legalize foreigners in Ukraine: how to obtain a residence permit?

The most common grounds for obtaining a residence permit include marriage, work, business, and volunteering in Ukraine. Let's talk about each method of legalization further in the article.

To legally stay in Ukraine, foreigners often need to have medical insurance. Visit Ukraine offers policies that take into account military risks — both standard and annual for residence permits and visas. Choose reliable protection right now!

Marriage with a Ukrainian citizen

If a foreigner decides to start a family with a Ukrainian citizen by entering into an official marriage, he or she will be eligible for legalization in the country. The marriage procedure is very simple. We have described in detail what documents a foreigner needs and how to submit them in this article.

After the marriage is officially registered, the foreigner can apply for a temporary residence permit in Ukraine:

– Foreign nationals from visa-free countries can apply for a temporary residence permit immediately after the marriage.

– Foreign nationals from visa countries must travel abroad and apply to a Ukrainian diplomatic mission to obtain a D-14 visa (on the basis of marriage), and then return to Ukraine and apply for a residence permit. 

A temporary residence permit on the basis of marriage is issued for a period of 1 year. However, a person has the right to extend it an unlimited number of times as long as the couple remains married. After being married for more than 2 years, a foreigner has the right to apply for an immigration permit, which is the basis for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine.

For details on how to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine for family reunification, read this article.

How to become a volunteer in Ukraine and get a residence permit?

In general, a temporary residence permit on the basis of volunteering can be obtained by persons over 16 years of age who arrived in Ukraine at the invitation of a volunteer organization for the purpose of volunteering. However, such an organization must have an official status and be registered with the National Social Service of Ukraine (NSSU). You can find information about such organizations on the official website of the NSSU.

How to become a volunteer in Ukraine, read this article.

A residence permit is issued for a period of 1 year and can be extended an unlimited number of times if a person continues to volunteer in registered NSSU organizations.

For details on how to obtain a residence permit on the basis of volunteering, read this article.

To submit documents to state authorities or employers in Ukraine, foreigners often need an apostille and translation. Visit Ukraine's lawyers will help you correctly formalise and legalise your documents in accordance with the requirements.

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Employment of foreigners in Ukraine

In order to obtain a residence permit on the basis of employment, first of all, a foreigner needs to obtain a work permit in Ukraine. We have described how to do this in detail in this article.

After obtaining such a permit and officially being employed by a Ukrainian company, a foreigner can apply for a residence permit in Ukraine. It should be borne in mind that this type of residence permit is issued only if the foreigner has a D-04 visa. 

How to obtain a special visa and apply for a residence permit in Ukraine on the basis of employment, read this article.

Opening an individual enterprise or limited liability company in Ukraine requires legal literacy. The team of business lawyers at Visit Ukraine accompanies foreigners at all stages — from obtaining a tax number to registering a company. Start your own business in Ukraine with professional support.

Starting a business in Ukraine by a foreigner

Currently, there are two ways to register your own business in Ukraine:

– opening a sole proprietorship (individual entrepreneur);

– opening an LLC (legal entity).

In general, each of these options is the basis for a long-term stay in Ukraine, but requires a different approach and algorithm of actions. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that in order to start a business, a foreigner must obtain a tax number. Read how to do this here.

Recently, e-residency has also been introduced in Ukraine, but this system allows foreigners to do business in Ukraine only remotely. Read how it works in this article.

Planning to move to Ukraine?

Applying for a residence permit, visa or work permit can seem like a complicated process. Visit Ukraine's lawyers provide advice and full support with documents for the legalisation of foreigners.

Seek expert help and save time and effort!

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Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

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