Invitation letter to enter Ukraine: how to obtain and when is it needed?

An invitation is the basis for obtaining a B, C or D type visa to enter Ukraine. Find out when a foreigner or stateless person needs to obtain an invitation and how to do it

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An invitation to Ukraine is an official document required to obtain a short-term visa (type C), long-term visa (type D) or transit visa (type B) at a diplomatic mission or consulate of Ukraine abroad.

How to obtain an invitation to enter Ukraine and when it is required is explained below.

How to enter Ukraine in 2025: entry rules, list of documents and who may be refused entry — find out more at the link.

Read also: Is it safe in Ukraine now: advice for those planning a trip.

Detailed information you need to know before travelling to Ukraine can be found at the following links:

– Travelling to Ukraine for tourism;

– Working in Ukraine;

– Immigrating to Ukraine;

– Studying in Ukraine;

– Supporting Ukraine.

When does a foreigner need an invitation to Ukraine?

An invitation to Ukraine is one of the requirements for obtaining a Ukrainian visa. It can be called an official letter of recommendation or confirmation from a Ukrainian citizen or company that they assume certain responsibilities for the stay of the invited foreigner in Ukraine.

Thus, an invitation gives a foreigner the right to:

– obtain a visa;

– freely cross the Ukrainian border for a specified period;

– legally stay in Ukraine;

– apply for a residence permit.

Border control in Ukraine: what you need to know before travelling — read here.

Types of invitations to Ukraine

1. Business invitation — issued by a legal entity/company registered in Ukraine.

2. Guest/private invitation — issued by an individual (usually a relative/friend/fiancé or fiancée).

3. Tourist invitation — issued by a travel agency.

4. Invitation to study — issued by a Ukrainian higher education institution in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Important! The maximum period for which an invitation can be issued is 90 days.

Read also: How can foreigners obtain an e-Visa to enter Ukraine?

Who can issue an invitation to Ukraine?

Only the host party can issue an invitation to enter Ukraine. This can be either an individual or a legal entity that is legally residing in Ukraine. In this case, the invitation can be issued not only by a citizen of Ukraine, but also by a foreigner residing in Ukraine on the basis of a residence permit in Ukraine.

Is there any liability for inviting a foreigner to Ukraine — find out at the link.

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What documents are required to issue an invitation and how to do it?

To issue an invitation to Ukraine for a foreigner/stateless person, the host party must comply with certain rules.

▶ Business invitations from a legal entity or company must include the following information:

– details of official registration in Ukraine (EDRPOU/FOP number, registration number, location).

– personal data of the invited person;

– purpose of entry into Ukraine, period of stay, dates of departure and entry;

– obligations of the person confirming that they will cover the financial expenses related to the foreigner's stay in Ukraine and departure from the country.

To issue such an invitation, it is not necessary to contact a notary for conclusion or certification; it is sufficient to draw it up on the company's letterhead and affix the seal of the legal entity and the signature of the manager.

▶ A guest invitation from an individual is drawn up by a notary (without contacting the migration service) and must include the following information:

– full name, passport details, place of residence of the host;

– passport details of the invited person;

– purpose of the trip, duration of stay, number of entries/exits and place of residence in Ukraine and abroad

– obligation to cover all possible expenses related to the stay and departure of the invited person from Ukraine.

To apply to a notary, you must also prepare copies of passports/documents proving the identity of both parties without citizenship. You must also provide the identification code of the person inviting you to Ukraine. This invitation must be submitted to the Ukrainian consulate in the country of the invited person. Upon arrival in Ukraine, the foreigner must have the invitation on hand to present to border guards (upon request).

▶ To issue an invitation to study or a tourist invitation, only the passport details and scanned copies of the passport/document certifying the stateless person's identity are required from the foreigner. If available, scanned copies of previously obtained visas to Ukraine must also be submitted.

How much money must be in the account to invite a foreigner to Ukraine — read here.

Planning a trip to Ukraine?

If you need legal assistance or comprehensive support with issues related to entry into Ukraine, border crossing rules, and the necessary documents and rules for staying in the country, you can request a consultation with a qualified immigration lawyer from the Visit Ukraine portal.

Our experienced specialists can help you with any questions regarding entry and stay in Ukraine, as well as with the collection of necessary documents.

Order a consultation and get answers to all your legal questions regarding entry into Ukraine!

Reminder! Travelling around Ukraine in your own car is a convenient and flexible way to see the country. However, to avoid misunderstandings, it is important to know the rules for temporary import of vehicles, the terms of stay and the necessary documents. How long can foreigners stay in Ukraine in their own car — read here.

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;

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