Emigration to Kosovo for Ukrainians: how to move there in 2025?

Many Ukrainians are considering moving to the Balkans, and Kosovo is becoming one of the most interesting destinations on the map. The country attracts with its affordable cost of living, opportunities for work and study, as well as the prospect of obtaining citizenship. Learn more about the rules of entry, visas and conditions for legalising your stay in Kosovo in 2025

Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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In 2025, more and more Ukrainians are considering the Balkans as a place to move to and find new opportunities. Despite its youth as a state, Kosovo attracts with its affordable cost of living, developing economy, and openness to foreign specialists.

How to properly organise your move and what documents are needed to legalise your stay — we will tell you more in this article.

Useful information that may come in handy when planning a move to Kosovo can be found here:

– Entry rules for Ukrainians in Kosovo.

– Employment in Kosovo for Ukrainians.

– Immigration to Kosovo for Ukrainians.

– Education in Kosovo for Ukrainians.

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Do Ukrainians need a visa to visit Kosovo in 2025?

As of 2025, Ukrainians do not need a visa to enter Kosovo for a short-term stay (up to 90 days within 180 days). However, if you plan to stay longer, study or work, you need to apply for a long-term visa or residence permit in advance.

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Visa to Kosovo for Ukrainians: what types are there?

The following types of visas are available to Ukrainians:

– Short-term visa (type C) — for trips lasting up to 90 days (at the end of the visa-free period or if you do not have a biometric passport).

– Long-term visa (type D) — for study, work or family reunification.

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What documents are required for a visa to Kosovo?

To apply for a long-term visa (type D), you usually need:

– a foreign passport valid for at least 6 months;

– a completed visa application form;

– two biometric photographs;

– proof of financial solvency (bank statement or contract);

– a document confirming the purpose of your stay (employment contract, invitation from an educational institution, etc.);

– a certificate of no criminal record;

– medical insurance.

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Steps for obtaining a visa to Kosovo

1. Choose the purpose of your trip — work, study, or other.

2. Prepare documents — collect the necessary package, taking into account the requirements for a specific category.

3. Submit your documents — since Kosovo does not have a diplomatic mission in Ukraine, documents are usually submitted through Kosovo consulates in other countries (e.g. Serbia or North Macedonia).

4. Wait for a decision — the processing time for applications can take from several weeks to two months.

5. Obtain a visa and enter Kosovo.

6. Registration upon arrival — you must register with the local authorities within the first few days of your stay.

For successful document processing, it is recommended to contact qualified visa lawyers. Specialists will advise you on the necessary documents, help you prepare your application and provide full legal support throughout the process, from start to finish.

Emigration to Kosovo for Ukrainians: how to move in 2025?

Moving to Kosovo involves several stages: preparing documents, applying for a long-term visa, obtaining a residence permit and (if necessary) a work permit. Below we will look at the main options for legalising your stay.

Temporary residence permit based on family reunification in Kosovo

Family reunification in Kosovo gives family members of Kosovo citizens and residents the right to obtain a temporary residence permit in the country for a period of 1 year. This applies to foreign spouses and children.

To obtain a temporary residence permit on the basis of marriage, a foreigner must submit:

– copies of family members' passports;

– marriage certificate;

– birth certificates of children or adoption/guardianship documents;

– a valid document certifying the identity of a Kosovo citizen or residence permit holder;

– proof of financial means (bank statement, employment contract, etc.).

In the case of cohabitation without formal marriage, a certificate of at least three years of cohabitation or a birth certificate of a joint child must be provided.

Temporary residence permit based on employment in Kosovo

Residence permits for foreigners coming to Kosovo for work are issued for a period of more than 3 months. The application must be submitted to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare of the Republic of Kosovo.

Required documents:

– passport valid for at least 3 months longer than the desired period of stay;

– employment contract signed in accordance with Kosovo law;

– proof of sufficient means of subsistence;

– documents on education or professional qualifications;

– in case of self-employment — business registration and business plan.

Permanent residence permit in Kosovo

Permanent residence can be obtained by:

– persons who have lived in Kosovo for at least 5 years with a temporary residence permit;

– spouses of Kosovo citizens or persons with permanent residence (after 3 years of marriage);

– minor children of foreigners with a permanent residence permit.

Required documents:

– valid passport;

– certificate of no criminal record and criminal proceedings;

– proof of financial solvency;

– document confirming basic knowledge of one of the official languages of Kosovo.

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How can Ukrainians obtain Kosovar citizenship?

A foreigner can apply for citizenship after 5 years of permanent residence and provided they have integrated into Kosovar society.

Required documents:

– birth certificate;

– confirmation of five years of residence in Kosovo;

– certificates of tax compliance;

– proof of housing;

– administrative fee (150 euros).

For foreigners married to a Kosovo citizen, the requirements are less stringent: you must have lived together for at least 3 years in marriage and 1 year continuously in Kosovo.

Working in Kosovo for Ukrainians

To work in Kosovo, a foreigner must find an employer willing to apply for a work permit. Applications must be submitted in person no later than three months before the planned trip.

There are the following types of work permits in Kosovo:

– Type A — for a period of 6 months;

– Type B — for 1 year for a specific profession and region, with the possibility of extension;

– Type C — for residents with a Type B permit, valid for up to 5 years;

– Type D — for self-employed persons in a specific region, for 1 year;

– Type E — for self-employed persons without restrictions, valid for 5 years.

Documents required to obtain a permit:

– residence permit or valid visa;

– information about the position and working conditions;

– certificate from the labour exchange confirming that there are no candidates among Kosovo citizens.

The employment contract with the employer must be signed within 15 days after the permit is issued.

Diplomats, employees of international organisations, NGOs, and key managers of international companies are exempt from the work permit requirement.

Kosovo's immigration legislation has many nuances and is constantly changing, which can complicate the process of applying for documents on your own and increase the risk of rejection.

The qualified lawyers at Visit Ukraine specialise in visa and migration issues and will help you choose the best way to move, avoid mistakes in your documents and save time. Our experts will provide professional support at all stages — from choosing a visa category to successfully obtaining a residence permit.

Get advice right now and take the first step towards moving to Kosovo!

Reminder! Insurance abroad is often a prerequisite for travel, but there are exceptions when you can do without a policy. When you don't need to take out insurance when travelling abroad, what are the risks of not having a policy, and why you should take care of protection in advance — we explain here.

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