MAGISTERS / IMMIGRATION LAW
Temporary Residence Permit Renewal in Ukraine
Protect your right to reside legally in Ukraine. We provide legal assistance with temporary residence permit replacement.
An immigration lawyer will review your grounds for residence, the permit’s expiry date and the documents required by the State Migration Service (SMS). We assist with residence permit replacement, time-sensitive applications and appeals against refusals.
KYIV · KHARKIV · ODESA · ONLINE CONSULTATIONS
Official legal services agreement · Individual document review · Assistance with the State Migration Service
WHEN YOUR RESIDENCE CARD IS EXPIRING
Renewing temporary residence means replacing the permit card
Foreign nationals who wish to continue living legally in Ukraine often search for “residence permit renewal”. Under the current procedure, however, this involves replacement of the temporary residence permit when its validity expires. The State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) issues a new card where the grounds prescribed by law are met.
What to check in advance
Check whether your current permit is still valid, whether your grounds for residence remain in place, whether employment, family or education documents are up to date, and whether your passport translation is correctly certified. Problems with these points often lead to delays or refusals.
We review your circumstances before submission, rather than after the SMS has identified deficiencies.
Temporary and permanent residence involve different procedures
Temporary residence is linked to a specific legal basis, so the permit card must be replaced when its validity expires. A permanent residence permit confirms a different status: replacing its plastic card does not mean applying again for permanent residence authorisation.
Learn more: permanent residence permits in Ukraine.
Do not confuse these two procedures. Replacing a temporary residence permit and extending a foreign national’s permitted stay without a residence permit are different legal processes. We identify the correct procedure after reviewing your status and documents.
CRITICAL DEADLINES
When should you apply to renew a residence permit?
The old rule to apply “strictly 15 days before expiry” no longer reflects the current procedure. An application for replacement may be submitted up to the last day of the card’s validity, but delaying preparation is risky.
If an application is submitted with fewer than 15 working days remaining, the SMS extends the authorised period of temporary residence during consideration under the established procedure. This does not automatically extend the validity of the old card.
ELIGIBILITY GROUNDS
When can a temporary residence permit be replaced?
Renewal is not simply a question of the expiry date printed on a plastic card. You must show that the legal grounds for residence still apply. Requirements differ depending on the foreign national’s category.
01 / FAMILY
Marriage and family reunification
We assess the family-based grounds, marriage or kinship documents, and the sponsor’s lawful status. If family circumstances have changed, we review the implications in advance.
02 / EMPLOYMENT
Employment in Ukraine
We check the valid work permit for employing a foreign national, the employment agreement or the documents supporting a statutory exemption. The work permit’s expiry date may affect the residence permit’s validity.
03 / STUDY
Education and student status
We verify continuing enrolment, the educational institution’s details and the study period confirmed by the relevant order. Expulsion may terminate the original grounds for residence.
04 / OTHER GROUNDS
Volunteering, projects and religious activities
We review the host organisation’s documents, the continuing validity of the grounds and any special requirements applicable to the category.
05 / BUSINESS
Founders, shareholders and beneficial owners
We assess whether the statutory conditions for residence as a shareholder or beneficial owner of a Ukrainian legal entity are still satisfied.
06 / CHANGES
Changing the grounds for residence
If the previous grounds no longer exist, replacement based on the old documents may be impossible. We devise a separate legal strategy taking account of deadlines and immigration status.
DOCUMENTS FOR THE SMS
What documents are needed to renew a temporary residence permit?
The precise list depends on the legal basis and circumstances of replacement. When a temporary residence permit is expiring, the following documents are usually checked:
- A foreign passport or other identity document, subject to statutory exceptions
- A duly certified translation of the passport page containing personal details
- The current temporary residence permit to be replaced
- Documents confirming that the legal grounds for residence remain valid
- Health insurance covering the new card’s validity period, unless a statutory exception applies
- Proof of payment of the administrative fee or entitlement to an exemption
- Ukrainian taxpayer registration number and extract confirming registered address, if available
- Any additional documents required for the relevant category of applicant
Not a generic online checklist, but documents matched to your circumstances
For replacement upon expiry, the basic application must be supplemented by the documents required for your particular grounds for residence. Before submission, we cross-check passport, permit, insurance, employer or host-organisation details.
HOW WE WORK
Legal assistance with residence permit renewal: four stages
MAGISTERS Law Firm assists clients under a formal legal services agreement. We do not issue government documents or make decisions on behalf of the SMS. Our role is to prepare the application from a legal perspective and protect the applicant’s interests.
STAGE 01
Legal assessment
We establish the permit type, expiry date, grounds for residence and risks of late application
STAGE 02
Document preparation
We prepare a tailored checklist and review translations, insurance and supporting documents
STAGE 03
SMS application
We help prepare the application, organise submission and assist throughout the agreed stages of the procedure
STAGE 04
Issuance and follow-up
We review the outcome and advise on receiving the new card, address registration and future immigration status
Need advice about replacing a residence permit in Kyiv, Kharkiv or Odesa? We start by assessing your individual circumstances and deadlines.
TIMING AND FEES
How much does temporary residence permit renewal cost in Ukraine?
Costs comprise official government payments and the lawyer’s professional fee. These must be kept separate: government charges are not fees for legal representation.
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS
UAH 1,140
The combined government charge for issuing or replacing a temporary residence card in 2026, as stated on Ukraine’s Diia public services portal. It includes state duty, the administrative service charge and the blank card cost. Statutory exemptions may apply.
Confirm the applicable charges with the relevant authority on the application date.
LAWYER’S PROFESSIONAL FEE
Quoted after reviewing your documents
The professional fee depends on the grounds for residence, scope of review, urgency and whether representation or an appeal is required. We agree the scope of legal assistance and payment terms before starting work.
Formal legal services agreement. No promises of a guaranteed SMS decision.
The standard SMS processing period is up to 15 working days after documents are accepted. Time needed to obtain missing documents, translations or remedy deficiencies is additional.
IF YOU HAVE MISSED THE DEADLINE
What should you do if your temporary residence permit has expired?
It is not enough to say “simply apply for renewal”. We need to establish the expiry date, circumstances of stay, grounds for replacement and whether any special rules apply. Once the permit has expired, the available steps depend on the legal framework and the facts of the case.
The permit expired recently
We examine whether lawful documentation can be restored, which procedures are available at the SMS and whether immigration violations are a risk. Avoid departing Ukraine or submitting a new application before assessing the consequences for your situation.
The card expired during the war
A transitional period from 7 May to 4 August 2026 applied to certain temporary residence permits requiring replacement after 24 February 2022. As of October 2026, that period has ended. Your individual circumstances must be reviewed rather than relying on the former automatic extension.
Important: the provisions of Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1202 on preserving the validity of certain documents under martial law did not extend to citizens of the Russian Federation. For applicants of any nationality, the assessment depends on the laws applicable on the relevant dates and the supporting documents.
LEGAL PROTECTION
Permit replacement refused, permit cancelled or problems with the SMS
Submitting the same documents again will not solve every problem. Following a refusal, it is important to examine the written decision, legal grounds and evidence before choosing the appropriate appeal or judicial remedy.
Why refusals happen
Loss of grounds for residence, inconsistent details, missed deadlines, incomplete applications, unlawful-stay issues and other circumstances set out in legislation.
What the lawyer does
Reviews the case file, prepares explanations and evidence, formal lawyer’s inquiries, administrative complaints or court claims, and represents the client within the scope of authority.
An administrative appeal against refusal to issue or replace a residence permit may be available under the applicable procedure, generally within 30 calendar days after the applicant is notified of the decision. Court filing deadlines must be assessed separately.
LOCAL LEGAL SUPPORT
Residence permit renewal in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa
We work with foreign nationals living in these cities and clients currently abroad. Initial legal assessment and preparation of many documents can often be carried out remotely; any requirement to attend the SMS in person is checked separately.
KYIV
Residence permit renewal in Kyiv
We review eligibility, deadlines and documents for SMS offices in Kyiv and Kyiv Region. Legal support is available for foreign employees, students, families and other categories.
KHARKIV
Residence permit renewal in Kharkiv
Assistance with replacing temporary residence cards, taking account of local immigration-office operating conditions. We review expired documents, family- and employment-based grounds and offer in-person or remote consultations.
ODESA
Residence permit renewal in Odesa
We assist foreign nationals with documents for permit replacement, assess their grounds for residence and provide legal support in the event of refusal or missed deadlines.
We also assist with first-time temporary residence permit applications and work permits for foreign nationals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about residence permit renewal and replacement
Concise answers to common questions about temporary permit replacement, deadlines, legal fees and refusals. We clarify individual circumstances after reviewing the documents.
It is important for foreign nationals to understand the rules before their residence card expires . We help establish the correct application procedure and the steps needed to preserve lawful status.
Consultations in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and online.
Can I renew a temporary residence permit in Ukraine?
Yes, if valid legal grounds remain and the requirements are met. Legally, renewal involves replacing an expiring temporary residence permit; the SMS issues a new card.
How many days before expiry should I apply?
An application for replacement may be submitted up to and including the card’s last day of validity. With fewer than 15 working days remaining, it must be submitted directly to the territorial SMS authority or office. In practice, earlier preparation is safer.
What if my permit expires in just five days?
Check your documents and contact the SMS directly without delay. A special procedure applies when fewer than 15 working days remain, including extension of the authorised period of temporary residence while the application is considered.
How long does temporary residence permit replacement take?
The official processing period is up to 15 working days from acceptance of the application. Obtaining insurance, translations and documents supporting residence is not included in that period.
How much does temporary residence permit renewal cost?
According to the Diia public services guide, official payments for issuing or replacing a temporary residence card in 2026 total UAH 1,140, subject to any applicable exemptions. The lawyer’s professional fee is determined separately after assessing the scope of legal work.
What documents do I need to renew a marriage-based permit?
Usually a passport and certified translation, current residence card, health insurance where required, proof of grounds for residence and payment documents. The precise requirements depend on the family circumstances and legal basis.
How do I renew an employment-based residence permit?
First verify that the work permit remains valid, or that a statutory exemption applies, together with employment documents and the authorised period of residence. The application for card replacement is then prepared.
Can I renew my permit after changing employers?
Not automatically. You must establish whether your legal grounds for residence remain valid and which documents the new employer has obtained. Changing the grounds for residence or using another procedure may be necessary.
Can the entire permit replacement process be completed online?
Part of the legal preparation and document review can be done remotely. However, the SMS procedure may require the applicant to attend in person to submit documents or receive the result.
Can I travel abroad while my permit is being replaced?
Your ability to travel and the consequences depend on the validity of your documents, application status and entry rules. We recommend checking the risks before travelling, particularly if the old card is about to expire.
What if my temporary residence permit has already expired?
The expiry date, legal grounds for residence and any special rules that applied must be checked. Expiry does not guarantee that the card can be replaced through the ordinary procedure. A lawyer can identify available legal options after reviewing your documents.
Are residence permits extended automatically during martial law?
You should not rely on previous automatic extensions. For certain permits that became due for replacement after 24 February 2022, a transitional period ended on 4 August 2026. Exceptions exist, so individual legal review is essential.
Can a permanent residence permit be renewed?
Permanent residence cards are subject to a separate document-replacement regime. Replacing a permanent residence card must not be confused with renewing the legal grounds for temporary residence.
What should I do if the SMS refuses to replace my permit?
Obtain the written decision and check the grounds for refusal and appeal deadlines. In some cases, an administrative appeal may be filed within 30 calendar days after notification, or judicial protection may be pursued under the applicable rules.
What does full-service legal support include?
Assessment of immigration status, identification of required documents, preparation of a legal position, advice on submission and assistance in dealing with the SMS within the agreed scope. Government authorities alone make the decision and issue the card.
LEGAL BASIS
Official information on temporary residence permit replacement
Permit replacement is governed by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 322 and the laws on the legal status of foreign nationals and stateless persons. Current procedures, deadlines and document requirements are published on the website of Ukraine’s State Migration Service and in the Diia public services guide.
Information is current as of October 2026 and does not replace individual legal advice.