Living in Ukraine as a Foreigner During War: How Life Goes On?

Despite the war, foreigners continue to come to Ukraine, live, work and discover the country in a new way. Everyday life continues: cities function, services work, and tourists share experiences that break stereotypes. Learn more about what life is like for foreigners in Ukraine in 2025 and what you need to know for a safe stay

Insurance with war risk coverage for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Despite the war in Ukraine, life continues. Cities continue to function, services are available, and infrastructure is operational.

In this article, we will discuss what life is like for foreigners in Ukraine during the war, what you need to know about safety, legal residence, and opportunities to protect your health and property.

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.

By the way, how much does it cost to visit Ukraine as a tourist and how much does it cost to live in Ukraine for a month — we have provided detailed information at the links.

How to live in Ukraine during war?

Despite the difficult situation, most Ukrainian cities continue to function almost as usual. Utilities are working properly — providing water, cleaning, and heating during the heating season. Shops, pharmacies, cafes, fitness clubs, beauty salons, and banks have adapted to the new conditions and continue to provide services, even during prolonged alerts, by setting up shelters.

Jim Nathanson, a tourist from the United States who visited Kyiv, Bucha and Gostomel, recalled: “During the day, Kyiv looked like any other big city. The streets were crowded with people going about their daily business. When darkness fell, the city sparkled. Bars and restaurants were packed.” We described his experience in the article ‘Foreign tourists in Ukraine during the war: impressions from Jim Nathanson's trip’.

Internet and mobile networks are functioning steadily thanks to backup power sources and infrastructure upgrades. How to connect to mobile communications and the Internet in Ukraine — we explain here.

Public transport is operating in cities, and intercity routes have also been resumed, including trains. How public transport works in Ukraine in 2025, what fares and mobile apps are used — read more at the link.

Air raid sirens have become part of life, but society has adapted: shelters are available in most public buildings. The power grid has stabilised, and thanks to generators and uninterruptible power supply systems, vital infrastructure is maintained even in the event of attacks. How to contact emergency services in Ukraine and where to go for help — find out here.

How many foreigners visited Ukraine in 2024 and what you need to know about military tourism in Ukraine — read more at the links.

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Is Ukraine safe for foreigners?

The issue of safety is relevant for anyone planning to stay in Ukraine. The western regions — Lviv, Uzhhorod, and Ivano-Frankivsk — are considered the safest. Kyiv also remains popular among foreigners thanks to its convenient infrastructure, cultural life, and large expat community. Are tourists welcome in Ukraine? We answered this question in our previous article.

‘They don't understand that Kyiv is a normal city, and, you know, people, shops, businesses, everything is like in a normal city. They think that everything is just bombed out...’ said tourist Gebi Mimovich from Australia, who is already planning to return to Ukraine. "I heard the first sirens in Kyiv. It was during the day, I was sitting on the terrace of a café... Ukrainians weren't doing anything. And I thought — they know better when it's time to run. So I didn't do anything either,‘ Gebi recalls. We wrote about her courageous trip in the article ’What foreign tourists think about travelling to Ukraine during the war". Jonas from the United Kingdom adds: ‘There are many bomb shelters in cities, and I have never been more than five minutes away from one.’ He shared his experience in the article ‘Ukraine is Europe's hidden treasure.’

Foreigners receive up-to-date information through smartphone apps and international resources. People follow safety rules and plan routes to the nearest shelters in advance. By the way, we have described in detail what to do during an alarm here.

For greater peace of mind and confidence, especially during a long stay, it is recommended to take out war risks insurance for foreigners in Ukraine. Such a policy can be conveniently purchased online on the Visit Ukraine portal. This is an important element of a safe stay in the country.

Legal stay in Ukraine: residence permit and migration rules for foreigners in 2025

Ukraine has clear migration control rules. Foreigners can apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit on various grounds: employment, study, family reunification, volunteer work, marriage to a Ukrainian citizen.

We talked about 10 not-so-obvious advantages of a residence permit in Ukraine in our last article.

The procedure includes submitting an application, passport, proof of grounds, medical insurance, photos, and other documents.

‘I describe Ukraine as an amazing country full of amazing people with a rich heritage and a strong history that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime,’ said Mark from the United Kingdom. His story is in the article ‘Travelling to Ukraine during the war: the experience of a tourist from the United Kingdom’.

Legal support is often needed, and this is where Visit Ukraine specialists come to the rescue, accompanying the legalisation process, helping to prepare documents, obtain a residence permit, register a place of residence, etc.

Preparing documents is not only about complying with the law, but also about feeling confident and protected in Ukraine.

Foreigners driving in Ukraine: how to drive and keep your car safe in Ukraine?

Foreigners can use their national driving licence in Ukraine, but if they are staying for a long time, it is recommended to exchange it for a Ukrainian one.

In large cities, it is important to follow parking rules — give preference to guarded parking lots or underground car parks. Some cities have an electronic parking system that works through apps. To find out how to rent an apartment in Ukraine as a foreigner and choose a safe area to live in, read our separate guide.

‘Every city I visited was different, but they are all beautiful. And surprisingly clean, even during the war,’ said Liepa from Latvia, who travelled around Ukraine gathering material for a book about the war. Read more about her experience in the article ‘Why foreign tourists are travelling to Ukraine during the war’.

For additional protection, we recommend taking out voluntary Mini Hull insurance Ukraine — a convenient option for foreign-registered cars or vehicles in high-risk areas. Depending on the package you choose, the policy covers damage from accidents, natural disasters, evacuation and even the risks of war.

Medical care and foreigner insurance Ukraine: how to stay protected?

Ukraine has a well-developed network of medical facilities. Foreigners can go to public hospitals, but most prefer private clinics because of the comfort, quality of service and English-speaking staff.

How to use foreign cards in Ukraine and what you need to know about card and cash payments in Ukraine — find out more at the links.

It is worth adding that insurance covers the cost of medical services, including emergency care.

The Visit Ukraine portal offers both basic medical insurance and special policies covering military risks, which reduces risks and ensures quick access to quality care.

Stay informed and connected

Install apps for alerts and government services:

– Air Alarm (Google Play|App Store);

– Diia (Google Play|App Store);

– Kyiv Digital (Google Play|App Store).

They provide information about alerts, news, available services, and allow you to submit documents and register your car or accommodation.

Also, remember about the Visit Ukraine portal — it is not only a service platform but also a source of verified information: entry rules, news, changes in legislation, risk warnings. We recommend adding this resource to your bookmarks.

Are you interested in which cities in Ukraine are most often visited by foreigners? We have analysed the experience of visitors and shared the statistics at the link.

And if you are just planning a trip, be sure to check out the answers to the most common questions foreigners ask about Ukraine — from toasts and culture to superstitions and rules of etiquette:

– Top questions foreigners ask about Ukraine.

– Toasts and family values: cultural characteristics of Ukrainians.

– Never do this in Ukraine: 10 rules for tourists.

– What not to do in Ukraine: a guide to superstitions.

Let's sum up: is it worth living in Ukraine as a foreigner today?

Moving to Ukraine 2025 is a challenge, but also a new opportunity. Despite the security risks, the country is alive, adapting and developing. Foreigners can legally work, study, start a business and volunteer.

With the right preparation, compliance with the law, insurance and support from trusted services such as Visit Ukraine, your stay here can be safe and unforgettable.

Reminder! In 2025, travel to Ukraine remains possible and safe, provided that current recommendations are followed and modern digital tools are used. Find out which digital services help foreigners feel safe in Ukraine by following the link.

Photo: Freepik

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

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

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

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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