Can you change a tourist e-visa to a family visa or extend it while in Ukraine? Visit Ukraine lawyers explain

Want to change your tourist visa to a family visa while in Ukraine? Find out if this is possible, how to obtain a residence permit based on marriage, and how to avoid deportation using a real example from VU lawyers

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A client contacted the Visit Ukraine team with the following request: is it possible to change a tourist e-visa to a family visa while in Ukraine if he is married to a Ukrainian citizen, or at least extend the visa without leaving the country? In this article, Visit Ukraine lawyers explain in detail the current rules and advise on how to proceed in such a situation.

Is it possible to change the type of visa in Ukraine to extend your stay – consultation with a Visit Ukraine lawyer

Unfortunately, it is not possible to change the type of visa without leaving Ukraine. All visas, including national (type D) visas, are issued only at Ukrainian diplomatic missions abroad – consulates or embassies.

Conclusion: while in Ukraine, you cannot change your tourist e-visa to a family or other type of visa.

For more information on obtaining a long-term visa (type D) and a residence permit in Ukraine, please follow the link.

Can a tourist e-visa be extended?

No, tourist e-visas cannot be extended, except in cases of force majeure. Such exceptions include:

● an emergency situation in the country;

● hospitalization;

● closure of borders or other circumstances that make departure impossible.

Marriage to a Ukrainian citizen is not a reason for automatic visa extension.

However, this situation can be resolved, for example, by obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine on the basis of marriage to a Ukrainian citizen. This is a legal way to extend your stay, but the application procedure requires a type D visa.

Who can apply for a residence permit in Ukraine on the basis of marriage?

To apply for a residence permit, you must meet two criteria:

1. You are in Ukraine legally (i.e., your visa is still valid or you have a valid period of stay).

2. You are officially married to a Ukrainian citizen.

By the way, you can order a turnkey service for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine on the Visit Ukraine portal. Our team of lawyers understands how difficult it can be for a foreigner to understand all the intricacies of Ukrainian legislation, and therefore provides comprehensive support, which includes not only consultations, but also assistance in collecting, submitting, and obtaining the documents you need.

For more information, please contact Visit Ukraine customer service (Telegram | WhatsApp).

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What documents are required?

● Passport with a notarized translation into Ukrainian;

● Marriage certificate;

● Document confirming place of residence (rental agreement or statement from spouse);

● 4 photos 3.5x4.5 cm;

● Receipt for payment of administrative fee;
● Insurance policy.

How to apply: steps to follow

1. Gather the required documents;

2. Submit the application to the territorial division of the State Migration Service (migration service);

3. After consideration, obtain a residence permit for 1 year and apply for a foreigner's ID card.

The consideration period is up to 15 working days.

For more information about the D-14 spouse visa for entry into Ukraine, please follow the link.

What to do if your visa has expired?

If your stay has become illegal (your visa has expired), you should immediately contact the migration service. Explain the situation, provide documents confirming your marriage and your intention to stay legally. There is a chance to avoid a fine or deportation by applying for legalization or voluntary departure.

Conclusion of Visit Ukraine lawyers

1. It is impossible to change a tourist visa to a family visa in Ukraine.

2. It is almost impossible to extend a tourist e-visa, except in cases of force majeure.

3. The best option is to obtain a residence permit on the basis of marriage.

4. It is important to act before the end of the legal period of stay in Ukraine.

Need legal assistance with legalizing your stay in Ukraine?

Contact the lawyers at Visit Ukraine. Our specialists will help you:

● Assess your chances of obtaining a residence permit;

● Collect all the necessary documents;

● Prepare an application to the State Migration Service;

● Legalize your stay in Ukraine without the risk of deportation.

Contact us now — we will help you stay in Ukraine legally!

We remind you! In the previous article, Visit Ukraine lawyers also explained how to invite a foreign fiancé to Ukraine — read more here.

Photo: Freepik

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