Residence permit in Ukraine

The difference between applying for a temporary and permanent residence permit

Extension of the duration of stay on the territory of Ukraine

• Turnaround time – around 3 days
• Price – 1500 UAH

The process of the extension of the duration of stay on the territory of Ukraine for foreigners and stateless individuals is regulated by the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine of April 25, 2012 #363 “Порядок розгляду заяв іноземців та осіб без громадянства про продовження строку перебування на території України”.

Basis for receiving the service:

• A submitted application to obtain an immigration permit;
• Obtaining Ukrainian citizenship;
• Certain circumstances that preclude exiting Ukraine (pregnancy, childbirth, medical treatment in Ukraine, nursing an ill Ukrainian citizen);
• Applying for inheritance;
• Other cases when there is a necessity to extend the period of stay.

Laws that manage the process of extension of the duration of stay on the territory of Ukraine:

• Порядок продовження строку перебування та продовження або скорочення терміну тимчасового перебування іноземців та осіб без громадянства на території України, stated in the Resolution the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of December 15, 2012 #150
• Порядок розгляду заяв іноземців та осіб без громадянства про продовження строку перебування на території України, stated in the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine of April 25, 2012 #363.

Obtaining an invitation letter for foreigners to apply for visa documents to enter Ukraine

• Turnaround time – from one working day
• Price – from 1400 UAH

On April 16, 2017, the Resolution #118 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine «Об утверждении Правил оформления виз для въезда в Украину и транзитного проезда через ее территорию».

This document regulates the process of obtaining a visa for foreigners and stateless individuals to enter Ukraine and transit through the country.

There are several visa types such:

• Transit (B type) visas;
• Short-term (C type) visas;
• Long-term (D type) visas.

Transit (B type) visas. B type visas are issued in cases where a foreigner/stateless person intends to transit through Ukraine and each transit period does not exceed 5 days. B type visas are issued as single / double / multiple entry visas valid for a maximum of 1 year or another period depending on supporting documents.

Short-term (C type) visas. C type visas are issued in cases where a foreigner/stateless person intends to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within every 180 days. C type visas are issued as single / double / multiple entry visas valid for 6 months or another period depending on supporting documents but cannot be issued for more than a 5 year-term.

Long-term (D type) visas. D type visas are issued in cases where a foreigner/stateless person intends to apply for a temporary residence permit to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days. D type visas are issued as multiple entry visas valid for 90 days.

Documents required for all types of visas (unless otherwise provided by Ukrainian law or international agreements):

1. Passport/travel document should comply with these requirements:
   • It must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from Ukraine;
   • It must have at least 2 pages without any visas/marks/stamps;
   • It must be issued for no more than 10 years.
2. A completed and signed visa application form.
   • Disabled foreigners or stateless individuals can submit their visa application through their official representatives;
   • Under aged children can submit a visa application signed by their parents or official representatives;
   • Individuals mentioned in the applicants’ documents and those, who accompany them must submit their own visa applications.

3. The applicant’s coloured photograph (size 3,5 x 4,5 cm).
4. A valid medical/travel insurance, which should provide a minimum of €30 000 coverage.
   • При оформлении многократной визы, полис медицинского страхования должен быть действителен на момент первой поездки в Украину.

5. Proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of the stay and return.
   • This document must be submitted during transits as well;
   • It is also possible for the applicant to provide a document, stating that the person can legally earn the sufficient funds in Ukraine.

Также лицо может предоставить документы, в которых будет указанно, что он состоянии получить необходимые денежные средства на территории Украины законным способом.

6. A receipt of payment of the visa fee (unless otherwise provided by Ukrainian law or international agreements).

One of the requests for obtaining a short-term visa (single-, double- and multiple-entry) is an invitation letter to Ukraine.

Both legal entities and natural persons can issue an invitation letter for a foreigner or a stateless individual.

A legal entity, registered in Ukraine, must submit the invitation on an official form.

The personal data of the inviter must be stated in the invitation: the number stated in the United State Register of Legal Entities, Individual Entrepreneurs and Public Organizations of Ukraine, the registration number, the date and signature. Necessary data: the inviter’s full name, the date and place of the person’s birth, citizenship, the passport data, residence place, the reason to enter Ukraine, the period of the stay, the number of entries and the inviter’s residence place in Ukraine.

The inviter must bear the costs of the stay and return of the invited person.

A natural person (a Ukrainian citizen or a foreigner residing in Ukraine on a basis of a residence permit) must issue an invitation through a notary.

One must state in the invitation his or her full name, passport data or the data of the residence permit and the residence address. The invited person’s data must be provided as well: the inviter’s full name, the date and place of the person’s birth, citizenship, the passport data, residence place, the reason to enter Ukraine, the period of the stay, the number of entries and the inviter’s residence place in Ukraine.

In addition to the invitation, one should submit a copy of the Ukrainian passport or of the residence permit.

Foreigners can apply to their local Consulate or diplomatic body to obtain an invitation, not earlier than three months before the date of arrival to Ukraine.

The documents for obtaining a visa can be submitted personally, through a representative or via post, after registering the visa application on the Visa Information System (VIS).

We offer a range of services for clients that are applying for an invitation:

• Legal advice and assistance throughout the process of applying for an invitation.

Legislation governing the process of issuing an invitation to enter Ukraine:

Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of March 1, 2017, #118 «Про затвердження Правил оформлення віз для в’їзду в Україну і транзитного проїзду через її територію».

Immigration permit

• Turnabout period – up to 3 months
• Price – from 6 000 UAH

The process and conditions of immigrating to Ukraine are managed by the Law of Ukraine “Про імміграцію” and by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of December 26, 2002 #1983 “Про затвердження Порядку формування квоти імміграції, Порядку провадження за заявами про надання дозволу на імміграцію і поданнями про його скасування та виконання прийнятих рішень».

The immigration permit can be obtained within and beyond immigration quotas, which are established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

Immigration permits within the established quotas are granted to:

• Individuals working in the areas of science and culture, whose immigration would be in the interests of Ukraine;
• Highly-skilled specialists and workers who whose skills would be appreciated in the country;
• Foreigners who have invested finances in the Ukrainian economy (not less than 100,000 USD);
• Individuals who are full-blood siblings, grandparents or grandchildren of a Ukrainian citizen;
• Individuals who were formerly citizens of Ukraine;
• Parents, spouses of immigrants and their minor children;
• Individuals who continuously lived on the territory of Ukraine for three years after they were recognized as victims of human trafficking.

Immigration permits beyond the established quotas are granted to:

• Foreigners married to Ukrainian citizens for longer than two years, as well as children and parents of Ukrainian citizens;
• Individuals who are guardians of Ukrainian citizens or are under guardianship of a Ukrainian citizen;
• Individuals who have the right to acquire Ukrainian citizenship on the basis of their geographic origin;
• Individuals whose immigration is the matter of national interest for Ukraine;
• Foreign Ukrainians, spouses of foreign Ukrainians, their children if they are entering Ukraine together and are to stay in the country.

Required documents:

1. An application for immigration permit (общий, от законного представителя несовершеннолетнего или недееспособного лица);
2. 3 photographs printed on matte paper (size 3,5 x 4,5 cm);
3. A notarized Ukrainian translation of the foreigner’s passport or of a personal identification of stateless individual;
4. A document confirming the person’s residence in Ukraine and abroad;
5. Information about the foreigner’s family;
6. A copy of marriage certificate (if the applicant is married);
7. A document confirming the person’s basis to obtain an immigration permit (marriage with a Ukrainian citizen, family etc.);
8. Document confirming that the person is not afflicted with chronic alcoholism, toxic substance or drug abuse, or infectious diseases, the list of which is defined by the national healthcare authority;
9. A certificate of absence of convictions issued by the competent authority of the applicant’s country;
10. Other documents stated in the Law of Ukraine «Про імміграцію», according to the category of immigrants;
11. A receipt proving the payment for the State Migration Service of Ukraine’s services (while applying for an immigration permit the state charge is not paid for).

We offer a range of services for clients that are applying for an immigration permit:

• Legal advice and analysis throughout the process of applying for an immigration permit;
• Preparation of the application and motion for the permit;
• Finding the best strategy to obtain the permit;
• Customer advocacy throughout the whole process of applying for the permit is our top priority;
• Assistance in speeding up the process of the application’s consideration by the migration bodies of Ukraine.
• Once the client has obtained an immigration permit, we may continue assisting during the process of obtaining a Ukrainian residence permit (this service is paid for separately).

Grounds for refusal of granting the permit:

• If an individual was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for more than one-year term for committing an offence recognized as crime in Ukraine and the convicted has not been expunged according to the procedure established by law;
• If an individual has committed crime against peace, war crime or crime against humanity as defined in the international law, and is wanted for committing an offence recognized as felony according to Ukrainian laws, or is facing criminal charge with the pre-trial investigation pending;
• If an individual is afflicted with chronic alcoholism, toxic substance or drug abuse, or infectious diseases the list of which is defined by the national healthcare authority;
• If an individual has knowingly provided false information or submitted forged documents when applying for an immigration permit;
• If an individual is banned from entering Ukraine on grounds defined in the law;
• In other cases stated by the laws of Ukraine.

Laws that manage the process of obtaining an immigration permit:

• The Law of Ukraine “Про імміграцію”
• The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of December 26, 2002 #1983 «Про затвердження Порядку формування квоти імміграції, Порядку провадження за заявами про надання дозволу на імміграцію і поданнями про його скасування та виконання прийнятих рішень»

Application for a Ukrainian temporary residence permit

• Turnaround time – 15 days;
• Price – 3500 UAH.

A Ukrainian temporary residence permit is an identification card of a foreigner or stateless person that allows them to stay in Ukraine on a legal basis. It is granted for a year with possible extensions.

The process of obtaining such a permit is managed by Laws of Ukraine “Про правовий статус іноземців та осіб без громадянства”, “Порядком оформлення, виготовлення і видачі посвідки на постійне проживання та посвідки на тимчасове проживання”, approved by the regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 28 March, 2012 #251 and “Тимчасовим порядком розгляду заяв для оформлення посвідки на постійне проживання та посвідки на тимчасове проживання”, approved by the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine of 15 June, 2013 #681

Once you have reached sixteen years, you are eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit.

Foreigners and stateless individuals can apply for a temporary residence permit at a local migration body at the place of their residence.

The list of required documents for obtaining a Ukrainian temporary residence permit:

Laws that manage the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit:

• Law of Ukraine «Про правовий статус іноземців та осіб без громадянства»
• Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 25 April, 2018 #322 «Про затвердження зразка, технічного опису бланка та Порядку оформлення, видачі, обміну, скасування, пересилання, вилучення, повернення державі, визнання недійсною та знищення посвідки на тимчасове проживання»
• Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 28 March, 2012 #251 «Про затвердження Порядку оформлення, виготовлення і видачі посвідки на постійне проживання та посвідки на тимчасове проживання і технічного опису їх бланків»
• Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine of 15 June, 2013 #681 «Про затвердження Тимчасового порядку розгляду заяв для оформлення посвідки на постійне проживання та посвідки на тимчасове проживання»

Application for a Ukrainian permanent residence permit

• Turnaround time – up to 4 months
• Price – 8000 UAH

A Ukrainian permanent residence permit is an identification card of a foreigner or stateless person that allows them to reside in Ukraine for an unlimited period of time. It also grants them the same rights and freedoms, as Ukrainian citizens have, except the right to elect and be elected, as well as the ability to hold public office.

The process of obtaining such a permit is managed by Laws of Ukraine “Порядком оформлення, виготовлення і видачі посвідки на постійне проживання та посвідки на тимчасове проживання”, approved by the regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 28 March, 2012 #251 and “Тимчасовим порядком розгляду заяв для оформлення посвідки на постійне проживання та посвідки на тимчасове проживання”, approved by the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine of 15 June, 2013 #681

Depending on the circumstances of arrival, a Ukrainian permanent residence permit can be obtained within or beyond immigration quotas.

The main requirement for a foreigner or a stateless individual to obtain a Ukrainian permanent residence permit is to possess an immigration permit. 

A permanent residence permit does not have a time limit. A person must change the permanent resident’s certificate every ten years and in the age of 25 and 45.

A Ukrainian permanent residence permit allows:

• Arrival to Ukraine without a visa or any other document;
• Reside in Ukraine for an unlimited period of time;
• Labour in Ukraine without additional governing body’s permits.

Laws that regulate the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit:

• The Law of Ukraine «Про імміграцію».
• Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of December 26, 2002, #1983 «Про затвердження Порядку формування квоти імміграції, Порядку провадження за заявами про надання дозволу на імміграцію і поданнями про його скасування та виконання прийнятих рішень».
• The Law of Ukraine Про Єдиний державний демографічний реєстр та документи, що підтверджують громадянство України, посвідчують особу чи її спеціальний статус.
• Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine of 15 June, 2013 #681 «Про затвердження Тимчасового порядку розгляду заяв для оформлення посвідки на постійне проживання та посвідки на тимчасове проживання».

Leaving Ukraine for permanent residence

• Processing time – up to 3 month
• Price – from 3500 UAH

The Law of Ukraine «Про громадянство» allows individuals, who permanently reside abroad, to renounce of Ukrainian citizenship. However, the sole fact of permanent residence abroad does not mean that the person has met all the requirements of the Ukrainian legislation.

To reside abroad legally one should obtain a permit to leave Ukraine for permanent residence. (An individual receives a stamp “permanent residence” with the chosen country)

The process of obtaining a permit to leave Ukraine for permanent residence:

1. An individual should submit an application to the State Migration Service of Ukraine at the place of residence;
2. Then the person receives the permit;
3. After that the person is to be removed from previous residence place in Ukraine;
4. Finally, the person obtains the “permanent residence” stamp with the chosen country stated.

If the person is already residing abroad, he\she must approach the Consulate of Ukraine at the residence place.

Laws that manage the process of returning to Ukraine from permanent residence abroad:

• The Law of Ukraine of 21 January, 1994 № 3857-ХІІ «Про порядок виїзду з України і в’їзду в Україну громадян України»;
• The Law of Ukraine of 20 November, 2012 № 5492-VI «Про Єдиний державний демографічний реєстр та документи, що підтверджують громадянство України, посвідчують особу чи її спеціальний статус»;
• The Law of Ukraine of 11 December, 2003 № 1382- IV «Про свободу пересування та вільний вибір місця проживання в Україні»;
• The Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 2 March, 2016 № 207 «Про затвердження Правил реєстрації місця проживання та Порядку передачі органами реєстрації інформації до Єдиного державного демографічного реєстру»;
• The Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 25 March, 2015 № 302 «Про затвердження зразка бланка, технічного опису та Порядку оформлення, видачі, обміну, пересилання, вилучення, повернення державі, визнання недійсним та знищення паспорта громадянина України»;
• The Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 4 June, 2007 № 795 «Про затвердження переліку платних послуг, що надаються підрозділами Міністерства внутрішніх справ, Національної поліції і Державної міграційної служби, і розміру плати за їх надання»;
• The Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 26 October, 2011 № 1098 «Деякі питання надання підрозділами Міністерства внутрішніх справ, Національної поліції і Державної міграційної служби платних послуг»;
• The Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine of 16 August, 2016 № 816 «Про затвердження Порядку провадження за заявами про оформлення документів для виїзду громадян України за кордон на постійне місце проживання».

Returning to Ukraine from permanent residence abroad

• Processing time – up to 1 month
• The price depends on the personal circumstances of the applier.

According to Article 33 of the Constitution of Ukraine, any Ukrainian citizens that have left to reside abroad, can return to their motherland anytime.

To move abroad for permanent residence, Ukrainians need a tourist passport and a travel document for a child.

Any Ukrainian can return to the country with this passport, without applying for some additional documents.

The list of required documents is stated in Article 2 of the Law of Ukraine «Про порядок виїзду з України і в’їзду в Україну громадян України».

First step: removing oneself from the consular register at the residence place abroad (in Ukraine)

Before returning to Ukraine, the person that was registered in a Consulate of Ukraine abroad must remove himself from the consular register. Therefore, one should provide an application of removal from the consular register due to returning to Ukraine, a tourist passport and a receipt of the consular fee payment. After providing these documents, the person is removed from the register right away and receives a stamp in the passport, confirming this procedure.

If there is no opportunity to submit the documents in person, they can be sent by post.

If one decided to stay in Ukraine while being in the country, this procedure can be done at the local State migration service of Ukraine at the chosen residence place.

Important! One can be registered in the consulate again only after obtaining a new permit to move abroad for permanent residence.

Second step: choosing a residence place in Ukraine

The process of choosing a residence place and registration in Ukraine is managed by the Law of Ukraine «Про свободу пересування та вільний вибір місця проживання в Україні». Therefore, one can freely choose a residence place in Ukraine, except cases, stated in the law. According to Article 6 of this law, a Ukrainian must register his or her residing place during 10 days after moving to the place.

Laws that manage the process of returning to Ukraine from permanent residence abroad:

• The Constitution of Ukraine;
• The Law of Ukraine «Про порядок виїзду з України і в’їзду в Україну громадян України»;
• The Law of Ukraine «Про свободу пересування та вільний вибір місця проживання в Україні»;
• The Regulation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of 26 June, 1992, #2503-XII «Про затвердження положень про паспорт громадянина України, про свідоцтво про народження та про паспорт громадянина України для виїзду за кордон»;
• The Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 7 May, 2014 #152 «Про затвердження зразка бланка, технічного опису та Порядку оформлення, видачі, обміну, пересилання, вилучення, повернення державі, знищення паспорта громадянина України для виїзду за кордон, його тимчасового затримання та вилучення»;
• The Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine of 21 December, 2004 #1603 «Про затвердження Порядку провадження за заявами про оформлення паспортів громадянина України для виїзду за кордон і проїзних документів дитини».