From May 10, 2026, foreign military personnel are required to obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine.
On May 10, 2026, new regulations for foreigners and stateless persons serving in the military under contract will come into effect in Ukraine. Law No. 4730-IX, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada in December 2025 and officially published in February 2026, enshrines their right and obligation to obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine.
This applies to foreign citizens and stateless persons who have signed a contract to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, or the State Specialized Transport Service. Since the law’s entry into force, their legal status has been clearly defined. Detailed procedures for obtaining and exchanging temporary residence permits in Ukraine can be found on the page dedicated to temporary residence permit applications, which covers the requirements, deadlines, and application process.
The new regulation stipulates that temporary residence permits will be issued for the duration of the military service contract and for an additional six months after its termination. Exceptions apply to certain grounds for contract termination expressly specified in military service legislation. This means that the state provides foreign service members with legal grounds for staying in Ukraine not only during their service but also during the adaptation period following discharge.
An important change deserves special mention: foreign military personnel are no longer required to declare or register their place of residence in Ukraine. This significantly simplifies their legal regime and reduces bureaucratic burdens.
Particular attention should be paid to those foreign citizens who signed contracts before May 10, 2026. A transition period has been established for them—from May 10 to November 10, 2026. During these six months, they are required to apply to authorized bodies for a temporary residence permit. Until this period expires, their legal residence is confirmed by a military registration document or a service ID card.
After discharge from military service, foreign citizens have six months to obtain another document granting the right to reside in Ukraine, except in cases of contract termination for certain reasons stipulated by law. This allows for the smooth settlement of their future migration status without the risk of suddenly losing their legal basis for stay.
2026 marks a turning point for the legal status of foreign military personnel. For the first time, their status is systematically regulated by specific regulations, eliminating the legal uncertainty many previously faced. Having an official document confirming their identity and legal stay in Ukraine significantly simplifies access to banking services, notarial services, medical care, and other socially significant procedures.
The new rules are aimed at strengthening the legal protections of foreign military personnel and simultaneously require them to process their documents in a timely manner. Delays after May 10, 2026, could lead to administrative complications and problems during their subsequent stay in the country.