Migration quota in Ukraine: who can obtain permanent residence and who is allowed to immigrate outside the quota

Obtaining permanent residence in Ukraine for foreigners is regulated by a migration quota and certain exceptions outside of it. Learn more about which categories of persons can apply, what documents are required, how the procedure works, and who has the best chance of obtaining an immigration permit in Ukraine in 2025

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

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Ukraine remains an attractive country for foreigners who wish to reside here permanently for personal, professional, or family reasons. To regulate migration processes, the state sets an immigration quota—a specific number of foreigners who are allowed to obtain an immigration permit each year. However, the law also provides for exceptions when a permit can be obtained outside the quota.

In this article, we will look at what a migration quota is, who can obtain permanent residence in Ukraine under the quota, and who can obtain it without it.

What is a migration quota?

A migration quota is a limited number of immigration permits set annually by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. It is introduced in the event of a mass arrival of foreigners in order to balance the interests of the state and the needs of immigrants.

If you belong to one of the quota categories, you have the right to apply for an immigration permit. However, the number of places is limited, and not all applicants can receive a positive decision.

Who can obtain an immigration permit under the quota?

Quota categories include:

- scientists and cultural figures whose activities are important for Ukraine;

- highly qualified specialists and workers who are in high demand in the Ukrainian economy, as well as their families;

- investors who have invested at least $100,000 in the Ukrainian economy;

- full siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren of Ukrainian citizens;

- persons who were previously citizens of Ukraine;

- the spouse of an immigrant, if the marriage has lasted more than two years, their children under the age of 18, and incapacitated parents;

- persons who have lived in Ukraine for three years after receiving the status of a victim of human trafficking;

- foreigners who have served in the Armed Forces, National Guard, or other military formations for three or more years, or who have become unfit for service due to health reasons;

- persons who have lived continuously in Ukraine on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the last five years (in cases specified by law).

Important: Every year, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine approves a list of specialties for which the demand can be met through immigration. For example, in 2025, it was determined by Order of the Ministry of Economy No. 574 of January 21, 2025. This means that foreign specialists in these specialties have priority in obtaining an immigration permit.

Moving to another country is an important step, and we know how to make it easier. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you gather all the necessary documents, explain each stage of the process, and ensure that you obtain permanent residence without any unnecessary difficulties. We are always here to make your immigration to Ukraine comfortable and safe.

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Documents required to obtain an immigration permit (permanent residence)

To apply for an immigration permit, a foreigner or stateless person must prepare and submit:

1. Application form (filled out when submitting documents);

2. Passport (original + copy with translation into Ukrainian, certified in accordance with the established procedure);

3. Document confirming the legality of stay in Ukraine (visa, entry stamp, temporary residence permit, etc.);

4. Three 3.5 x 4.5 cm photographs;

5. Document confirming place of residence (extract from the community register, lease agreement or proof of ownership of the dwelling, or written consent of the owner of the dwelling);

6. Documents confirming marital status (marriage certificate, documents confirming family composition, etc.);

7. Medical certificate confirming the absence of serious infectious diseases, alcoholism, or drug addiction;

8. Certificate of no criminal record from the country of previous residence (not required for certain categories);

9. Receipt for payment of the administrative fee;

10. Documents confirming the basis for immigration (e.g., investment, family ties, military service, etc.).

Applicants aged 12 and older must provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints), and those aged 14 and older must also provide a digital signature.

Who can obtain an immigration permit outside the quota?

There is a category of persons who can obtain a permit without regard to the quota. These include:

- the husband or wife of a Ukrainian citizen (if the marriage has lasted more than two years), their children and parents;

- the husband or wife of a deceased military serviceman who was a citizen of Ukraine (during martial law and for 6 months after its end);

- guardians and custodians of citizens of Ukraine, as well as persons under their care;

- persons who are entitled to Ukrainian citizenship by territorial origin;

- persons whose immigration is in the national interest of Ukraine;

- Ukrainians living abroad, their spouses and children;

- stateless persons who have lived in Ukraine with a temporary residence permit for at least two years.

Thus, outside the quota, permission is most often granted to family members of Ukrainian citizens, Ukrainians living abroad, and persons whose immigration is important to the state.

How to obtain an immigration permit?

The procedure consists of several stages:

1. Collecting documents. These include a passport, confirmation of legal residence in Ukraine, documents on family or other grounds, a certificate of no criminal record, medical certificates, etc.

2. Submitting an application.

- If you live abroad, contact the consulate or embassy of Ukraine.

- If you are legally residing in Ukraine, submit your documents to the territorial divisions of the State Migration Service of Ukraine.

3. Awaiting a decision. The application review process takes up to 6 months in Ukraine or up to 1 year through diplomatic missions abroad.

4. Obtaining a permit. If the decision is positive, you have the right to apply for a permanent residence permit within a year.

Cost of the service

- Administrative fee – 0.5 of the minimum subsistence level for able-bodied persons (in 2024 – UAH 1,514);

- Payment for the State Migration Service service – UAH 179.74;

- Consular fee (if documents are submitted abroad) – in accordance with the tariffs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Thus, obtaining permanent residence in Ukraine is possible both within and outside the quota. The quota provides for a limited number of places for certain categories, while outside the quota, permission is mostly granted to family members of Ukrainian citizens, Ukrainians abroad, and persons important to the interests of the state.

By contacting Visit Ukraine, you receive comprehensive legal support — from consultation to complete turnkey agreement execution. We work transparently, officially, and in the client's interests to ensure that the apartment donation process is as quick and hassle-free as possible.

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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