Residence Permit | Ukraine
Your easy way to Ukraine!
- Obtain a residence permit in Ukraine with full legal support.
- Immigration lawyer consultation, analysis of the grounds, and document preparation.
Kyiv | Kharkiv | Odessa
12 + лет
experience in legal practice
20+
lawyers, attorneys, consultants
2000 +
have been issued
35
countries
We know why you’re here! You need a residence permit! You want to live legally in Ukraine, but you’re plagued by questions. We’ve been protecting the rights of foreigners for over 12 years and know the answers:
Yes! We’ll do it quickly
Yes! Everything will be 100% legal
Yes! You are guaranteed to receive a residence permit
Yes! We provide support at all stages
Yes! It’s not difficult at all
Yes! There will be a contract !
What is a residence permit in Ukraine?
A residence permit in Ukraine is a document that confirms the right of a foreigner or stateless person to legally reside in the country.
There are two main types of this status:
- temporary residence permit
- permanent residence permit
A temporary residence permit is issued based on certain circumstances: employment, education, marriage to a Ukrainian citizen, participation in volunteer programs, or other legal grounds.
A permanent residence permit is issued after receiving an immigration permit and grants foreigners virtually the same residency rights as Ukrainian citizens.
Why do people trust us to help them obtain a residence permit in Ukraine?
We’ve been working with immigration issues and protecting the rights of foreigners in Ukraine for over 12 years. During this time, we’ve helped citizens of dozens of countries obtain residence permits and are well-versed in the practical aspects of the immigration process—from the initial consultation to receiving the residence card.
12+ years of experience in migration matters
hundreds of issued temporary and permanent residence permits
clients from dozens of countries
work throughout Ukraine
support at all stages
real-life experience of working with the DMSU
REVIEWS FROM OUR TRUSTEES:
A video testimonial about the successful receipt of a temporary residence permit in Ukraine for a Moldovan citizen.
TWO TYPES OF RESIDENCE PERMIT IN UKRAINE:
Temporary residence permit
A temporary residence permit is issued to foreigners who have legal grounds to reside in Ukraine for a specified period.
A temporary residence permit is a plastic ID card with appropriate security features.
Temporary residence permits are most often issued in the following cases:
- Employment at a Ukrainian company
- Study at a Ukrainian university
- Marriage to a Ukrainian citizen
- Family reunification
- Participation in volunteer programs
- Religious activities
Permanent residence permit
A permanent residence permit is issued to foreigners who have received an immigration permit in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration.”
The most common grounds for this are:
- Marriage to a Ukrainian citizen
- Territorial origin
- Status of a Ukrainian citizen abroad
- Investment in the Ukrainian economy
- Family reunification
After receiving an immigration permit, a foreigner is issued an ID card – a certificate of permanent residence in Ukraine.
How long does it take to obtain a residence permit
The processing time depends on the type of status:
Temporary residence permit
After submitting documents, a temporary residence permit is usually issued within 10-15 business days.
A temporary residence permit is usually valid for one year.
However, there are exceptions.
If the basis is a work permit, the temporary residence permit is issued for the duration of the permit:
- 1 year
- 2 years
Students can obtain a residence permit for the entire duration of their studies if the educational institution confirms a contract for several years, but this is a rare and exceptional case.
Permanent residence permit
The process for obtaining a permanent residence permit takes significantly longer.
First, you must obtain an immigration permit, after which a permanent residence card is issued.
Processing an immigration permit to Ukraine takes six months. This is due to the large number of requests and approvals. Also, in some cases, an interview with the applicant is conducted. An immigration lawyer can reduce this process to two months by personally collecting documents and submitting the necessary requests.
Processing an ID card after receiving an immigration permit, as with a temporary residence permit, takes approximately 10-15 days.
Extension of temporary residence permit
A temporary residence permit must be renewed before its expiration.
Renewal documents must be submitted no later than 15 business days before the card’s expiration date.
In practice, it’s best to begin preparing documents approximately one month before the card’s expiration date to ensure you have time to gather all the necessary certificates and translations.
It’s important to keep one thing in mind about temporary residence permits.
If the card’s validity expires and renewal documents are not submitted on time, it is no longer possible to renew the permit. In this case, the foreigner must leave Ukraine and re-enter with a new visa or under the visa-free regime.
This distinguishes a temporary residence permit from a regular stay for foreigners, which in some situations can be extended for specific reasons.
More information about the procedure can be found on the page
Extending a Temporary Residence Permit in Ukraine.
What rights does a residence permit provide?
A foreigner who has received a residence permit has the right to legally reside in Ukraine and enjoy a range of social and economic opportunities.
These rights include:
- Free entry and exit from Ukraine
- Opening bank accounts
- Doing business
- Renting or purchasing real estate
- Access to medical services
A permanent residence permit grants virtually the same rights as Ukrainian citizenship.
The main restrictions apply only to certain areas:
certain other rights related exclusively to citizenship.
- the right to vote and be elected
- to work in the civil service
Consultation on residence permit issues
In many cases, the process of obtaining a residence permit begins even before a foreigner enters Ukraine. If a citizen of a visa-required country plans to obtain a temporary residence permit, they must first obtain the appropriate entry visa.
Therefore, clients often contact us while still outside of Ukraine. We provide online consultations, help them determine their residency legalization strategy, and prepare documents before their arrival.
During the consultation we:
- We determine the basis for obtaining a residence permit.
- We analyze the client’s documents.
- We compile a complete list of required documents.
- We explain the procedure for entering Ukraine and obtaining a visa.
- If necessary, we assist in obtaining missing documents.
This approach allows you to avoid mistakes and begin the process of obtaining a residence permit with the right strategy.
Obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine: Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa
We assist foreigners and stateless persons in obtaining residence permits in various regions of Ukraine. In practice, residence permit applications are most frequently received in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa.
In each region, the procedure is carried out through the territorial offices of the State Migration Service, but document requirements and application processing practices may vary slightly.
We assist with document preparation, verification of the grounds for application, and the residence permit application process, regardless of the region of application.
Residence permit in Kyiv
Kyiv is one of the largest centers for foreign migration in Ukraine. Residence permits are most often issued here for employment, business, education, and family reunification.
The application process is handled by the Kyiv State Migration Service. Due to the large number of applicants, proper document preparation and adherence to deadlines are particularly important.
Learn more about residence permits in Kyiv
Residence permit in Kharkiv
Residence permits in Kharkiv are processed through the regional offices of the State Migration Service of the Kharkiv Oblast. In most cases, foreigners apply for temporary residence permits based on employment, marriage to a Ukrainian citizen, or study.
When submitting documents, it is important to prepare a complete set of documents in advance, including translations, proof of address, and documents confirming the basis for your stay.
Learn more about residence permits in Kharkiv
Residence permit in Odessa
In Odesa, residence permits are issued through the territorial offices of the State Migration Service of the Odesa Oblast. Most often, foreigners obtain residence permits in Odesa based on work, business, education, or marriage.
As in other regions of Ukraine, the procedure involves submitting documents, verifying the basis for residence, and issuing a residence permit card.
Learn more about residence permits in Odessa
Is it possible to obtain Ukrainian citizenship after obtaining a temporary residence permit?
A residence permit is often the first step in a foreigner’s long-term residency in Ukraine.
One of the grounds for obtaining citizenship is legal residence in Ukraine for more than five years.
Residence is considered as:
- with a temporary residence permit
- with a permanent residence permit
However, the law provides for exceptions. For example, residency in Ukraine based on studies at a higher education institution is not always considered for citizenship on this basis.
Therefore, the eligibility for citizenship depends on the specific basis for residency.
How much does a residence permit in Ukraine cost
When applying for a residence permit, government fees established by Ukrainian law must be paid. These fees are paid directly to the state budget upon submission of documents.
The amount of the fee depends on the type of residence permit.
Government payments
Temporary residence permit
| Payment | Sum |
|---|---|
| State duty | 34 grn |
| Administrative service | 452 grn |
| Cost of the document form | 654 grn |
Total government payments: 1140 grn
Постоянный вид на жительство
| Payment | Sum |
|---|---|
| State duty | 85 grn |
| Administrative service | 496 grn |
| Cost of a permanent residence permit form | 654 grn |
Total government payments: 1235 grn
Additional costs that may arise
Depending on the basis for obtaining a residence permit, additional documents may be required:
- Notarized translation of a passport
- Health insurance
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Apostille or legalization of documents
- Translator services
The cost of these documents depends on the country of origin and the specific situation.
Cost of legal support
The cost of legal support depends on:
- Reasons for obtaining a residence permit
- Availability of necessary documents
- Urgency of processing
- Complexity of the situation
Therefore, the exact cost is determined after consultation and analysis of your situation.
Is it possible to work with a residence permit?
Employment opportunities depend on the type of residence permit.
Foreigners with a temporary residence permit may work in Ukraine only if they have a work permit issued by their employer.
Holders of a permanent residence permit have significantly more opportunities. They can work in Ukraine without obtaining additional permits and effectively have the same rights in the labor market as Ukrainian citizens.
Registration of place of residence after receiving a residence permit
After receiving a residence permit card, a foreigner is required to register their place of residence in Ukraine.
The procedure consists of two stages:
- Obtaining a residence permit card
- Residence registration
Registration is required within 30 days of receiving the card.
The residential address is indicated when applying for a residence permit. Typically, a rental agreement or other documents confirming the right to reside at the specified address are submitted to confirm the address.
A check may be conducted at this address. In some cases, immigration officers submit a request to the National Police, and the local police officer can verify the foreigner’s actual residence.
If the check reveals that the applicant does not reside at the specified address, this may affect the decision to issue a residence permit.
Why might a residence permit be denied?
Although legislation provides for various grounds for obtaining a residence permit, the Migration Service may refuse to grant residence status.
The most common reasons for refusal are:
- Incomplete set of documents
- Errors in translations or document execution
- Violation of migration regulations
- Inaccurate information in the application
- Fictitious basis for residence
Another common reason for refusal is a problem confirming the foreigner’s place of residence.
If the verification reveals that the applicant does not actually reside at the stated address, this may be grounds for denial of a residence permit.
If a refusal is received, the migration service’s decision can be appealed:
- Administratively – to the Main Directorate of the State Migration Service of Ukraine
- Courtwise
(FAQ) ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS: