What are the grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine?

Obtaining a residence permit is a key step for foreigners who plan to legally reside in Ukraine. You can obtain a residence permit on various grounds. Find out what types of residence permits exist in Ukraine, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay in the country

Legal assistance on entry, stay and legalization of foreigners in Ukraine

GET

Foreigners who wish to legally reside in Ukraine have the right to obtain a residence permit. It can be temporary or permanent, depending on the grounds for stay. The main grounds for obtaining a residence permit and the peculiarities associated with their issuance are described in the article below.

Obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine is a process that requires the correct selection of a D visa and the preparation of documents in accordance with the law. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you determine what type of visa you need, prepare a complete set of documents, and accompany you through all stages of the application process. This will help you avoid refusals and unnecessary bureaucratic difficulties.

What are the types of residence permits in Ukraine?

1. A temporary residence permit is issued to foreigners who stay in Ukraine for a specified period of time for a specific purpose. As a rule, such a residence permit is valid for 1 year and can be extended on certain grounds.

2. A permanent residence permit gives the right to reside in Ukraine indefinitely.

At the same time, both types of residence permits have different grounds for obtaining them.

Main grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit

1. Employment in Ukraine. To obtain a residence permit, foreigners need a work permit issued by the relevant authority. The residence permit is issued for the duration of the employment contract, but not more than three years.

Special feature: managers and highly qualified specialists can apply for a residence permit on simplified terms.

2. Studying in Ukraine. Foreigners enrolled in Ukrainian educational institutions have the right to obtain a residence permit for the period of study.

Peculiarity: in order to extend the residence permit, a certificate of continuation of studies is required.

3. Participation in international technical assistance projects or volunteer activities. Persons cooperating with international organizations or volunteer foundations can obtain a residence permit on this basis.

Peculiarity: documents from the organization confirming the foreigner's participation in the project are required.

4. Religious activity: The residence permit is issued to foreigners who have arrived to perform religious work.

Peculiarity: an invitation from a religious organization registered in Ukraine is required for registration.

5. Family reunification. The residence permit is issued to family members of a person who already has a residence permit or is a citizen of Ukraine.

Peculiarity: it is necessary to confirm the family relationship.

We described what you need to do after obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine in our previous article.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Main grounds for obtaining a permanent residence permit

1. Immigration for permanent residence. A permanent residence permit is issued on the basis of an immigration permit issued within or outside the quota.

The immigration quota includes:

● Persons who have close relatives who are citizens of Ukraine.

● Individuals who have invested at least USD 100,000 in the Ukrainian economy.

● Scientists and cultural figures whose activities are of interest to Ukraine.

Non-quota immigration is available for:

● Spouses of Ukrainian citizens if the marriage lasts more than 2 years.

● Persons entitled to citizenship by territorial origin.

2. Investments in the Ukrainian economy. The minimum investment amount is USD 100,000.

Peculiarity: it is necessary to confirm the deposit of funds through the banking system of Ukraine.

3. Family reunification with a citizen of Ukraine. It is formalized after two years of marriage with a citizen of Ukraine.

Peculiarity: it is necessary to confirm the absence of fictitiousness of the marriage.

4. Humanitarian grounds. For persons who need additional protection or are refugees.

What you need to know before applying for a residence permit in Ukraine

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine has certain peculiarities. Here are the aspects you need to consider when you plan to obtain a residence permit:

1. Translation and legalization of documents - all documents issued abroad must be translated into Ukrainian and legalized (apostille or consular legalization).

2. Meeting the deadlines for submission - documents for obtaining a residence permit must be submitted in advance. Late submission may result in refusal or fines.

3. Confirmation of the legality of stay - when applying for a residence permit, it is necessary to prove that the foreigner is staying in Ukraine legally (visa or other permit).

4. Place of registration - a residence permit is valid only if the place of residence is registered.

At the same time, each ground for obtaining a residence permit may have additional requirements that must be taken into account when preparing documents. Advance planning, proper preparation of documents and consultation with lawyers will help to avoid mistakes and ensure the successful obtainment of a residence permit.

Contact Visit Ukraine specialists to consult on your situation or to receive full support in obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, accompany you at every stage of legalizing your stay in Ukraine.

Reminder! We previously wrote that obtaining an insurance policy is one of the key steps in obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine for foreigners. Find out what requirements the migration service has for insurance in 2025, what the policy should cover, and how to obtain it correctly in our article.

Photo: Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.