Temporary residence permit in Ukraine: is it necessary to obtain a D visa first?

A D visa is the basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit, which opens up opportunities for study, work, or family reunification. Find out what types of D visas are provided for by law and how they relate to residence permits

Legal assistance on entry and stay in Ukraine for foreign citizens

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More and more foreigners are considering Ukraine as a country for studying, working, or developing a business. However, a temporary residence permit is required for legal stays of more than 90 days. The question arises: is it possible to obtain it without applying for a D visa?

The answer is clear: no, a D visa is a mandatory requirement. This is explicitly stated in Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons.”

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.

Why is a D visa required?

A D visa (long-term) is issued specifically for those who come to Ukraine to apply for documents for a stay of more than 90 days. It is the legal basis for issuing a temporary residence permit.

Without this visa, it is impossible to apply for a residence permit, as the law clearly links the type of visa to the basis for residence.

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Types of D visas and their connection to residence permits

Each D visa is issued for a specific purpose, and the type of residence permit a foreigner will receive is determined accordingly. For example:

D-04 — employment. If a foreigner has a work permit in Ukraine, they receive a D-04 visa and then apply for a work permit.

D-10 — cultural, educational, scientific, sports, or volunteer activities. This option is suitable for participants in international programs or projects.

D-13 — study. For students of Ukrainian universities.

D-14 — family reunification with a Ukrainian citizen (on the basis of marriage).

D-12 — founder or participant of a legal entity. This visa allows entrepreneurs who have invested in Ukraine to obtain a work permit.

In general, the type of work permit is always determined by the purpose specified in the D visa.

Main grounds for obtaining a work permit

Among the most common grounds listed in the law are:

- employment or conclusion of a gig contract;

- study at higher education institutions;

- family reunification (with a Ukrainian citizen or a person who already has a temporary residence permit);

- volunteer or cultural activities;

- participation in international technical assistance projects;

- conducting business in Ukraine as a founder or participant in a company.

Separate provisions also provide for the possibility of obtaining a permit for volunteer medical workers during a period of martial law or for persons who provided assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Therefore, it is impossible to obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine without applying for a long-term D visa. It is this visa that entitles you to apply for a residence permit, the type of which depends on the purpose of your stay.

If you are planning to study, work, volunteer, or reunite with your family in Ukraine, you must first obtain the correct type of D visa and then apply for a residence permit.

Visit Ukraine specialists work with individual applicants as well as families or companies planning to legalize their stay in Ukraine. You will receive personal consultation, a clear action plan, and professional support until you receive your permit. This will make the legalization process quick, understandable, and safe.

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.

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