How not to lose a residence permit in Ukraine: common reasons for revocation that are not mentioned during consultations

A residence permit in Ukraine can be revoked even for formal violations. Find out what mistakes most often lead to the loss of a residence permit and how to protect your status in Ukraine

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Ukrainian law clearly regulates the grounds for revoking a residence permit (temporary or permanent). However, in practice, foreigners face pitfalls that are often not mentioned during initial consultations. In this article, we consider the most common (but often overlooked) reasons for the loss of a residence permit and explain how to avoid them.

Key reasons for revocation of a residence permit in Ukraine and how to avoid them

1. Long-term travel outside Ukraine - more than 180 days

This is one of the most insidious reasons for revoking a permanent residence permit. According to Art. 12 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons”, a residence permit may be revoked if a foreigner has been outside Ukraine for more than 180 days during a calendar year, except for valid reasons (study, medical treatment, etc.).

However! The Migration Service does not always take into account explanations if you have not submitted official confirmation of the reasons for your long-term stay abroad. Without this, the risk of losing your residence permit is very high.

Recommendation: If you are planning a long-term departure, consult a lawyer in advance and prepare documents that, if necessary, will confirm the validity of the reasons for your absence.

2. Change of residence without notifying the SMS

Many people do not know that when changing the address of residence (even within the same city), a foreigner is obliged to register a new place of residence within 30 days. Failure to do so leaves you “without address” in the register, which is grounds for revocation of your residence permit.

Recommendation: Always register a new address through the ASC or the SMS unit immediately after moving.

3. Loss of registration (discharge by the homeowner)

Another “silent” reason is if the owner of the home where you are registered checks you out without your knowledge. The absence of an up-to-date registration automatically means a violation of the conditions of stay in Ukraine. This is especially critical for foreigners with a temporary residence permit.

Tip: Check your registration status regularly, especially if you live in rented housing. If you have any doubts or have a situation with your statement, contact a lawyer immediately.

4. Other common reasons why a residence permit may be revoked

In addition to the three reasons described above, there are other common grounds for revoking a temporary or permanent residence permit:

● Fictitious marriage. If it is established that the marriage was concluded solely for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit, the residence permit will be revoked and the foreigner may be banned from entering Ukraine.

● Administrative or criminal violations. Even a minor violation may be grounds for revocation of status.

● Expiration of the grounds for stay. If the residence permit was obtained, for example, on the basis of work (and the work permit was revoked), study (and it was completed) or volunteer activities (and the organization was closed or changed its status) the right to stay is automatically lost.

See also: How a foreigner can obtain documents from Ukraine remotely.

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How not to lose your residence permit in Ukraine: practical tips

In order to avoid unpleasant situations with the revocation of a residence permit in Ukraine, foreigners should follow a few key rules:

1. Do not leave the territory of Ukraine for more than 180 days without a valid reason and relevant supporting documents.

2. Register a new address of residence no later than 30 days after moving.

3. Regularly check whether you have been deregistered without your knowledge.

4. Avoid fictitious grounds for obtaining a residence permit - the law severely punishes such cases.

5. Contact a lawyer in case of any changes in your status, grounds for stay or personal circumstances.

Legal support from Visit Ukraine is your guarantee of security

A residence permit is not only a document, but also a complex legal status that requires constant attention. Visit Ukraine specialists will help you:

● check the relevance of your registration and the legality of your stay;

● timely register a change of address or prepare documents for residence permit extension

● prepare an appeal to the SMS, and, if necessary, appeal against the revocation;

● get an individual consultation on any issue related to your status.

Do not risk your legal status in Ukraine. Order a legal consultation right now - we will help you keep your residence permit.

We remind you! The process of applying for a residence permit in Ukraine is partially possible remotely, but some stages require personal presence. Read our previous article to find out what stages of residence permit application can be completed online.

Photo: Freepik

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