The validity of temporary and permanent residence permits is automatically extended until the end of martial law in Ukraine for all, except for citizens of the aggressor country. Find out how to get a new residence permit or exchange a lost or damaged document during the war

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According to the official information published on the website of the State Migration Service, as long as martial law is in force in Ukraine, the validity of temporary and permanent residence permits (except for those issued to russian citizens) is automatically extended for the period of martial law and within 30 calendar days from the date of its termination or cancellation. In other words, a foreign citizen's or stateless person's certificate that has expired or is subject to exchange is still a legal basis for entry and residence in Ukraine.

However, there are cases when a foreigner needs to exchange, for example, a lost document or obtain a new residence permit. Here's how to do it during the war.

Where can I get a residence permit?

To apply for a residence permit in Ukraine, you need to collect the relevant documents and apply to one of the listed institutions:

– Territorial bodies of the State Migration Service of Ukraine

– Territorial subdivision of the SMS

– State enterprise "Document" (Passport service)

– Center for the provision of administrative services (CNAP)

Please note! From now on, you can apply for/exchange a permanent residence permit in Ukraine abroad at the Passport Service centers. Read more about how to obtain a residence permit outside Ukraine here.

Obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine: required documents and grounds for obtaining a residence permit

In accordance with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 25.04.2018 No. 322, the validity of a temporary residence permit is not extended. This means that before the residence permit expires, a foreigner or stateless person must exchange it. The documents for exchange must be submitted no later than 15 days before the date of expiration of the residence permit (the resolution is not valid during the period of martial law in Ukraine).

A temporary residence permit is issued for 1 year (for founders/participants/beneficiaries - for 2 years) with the possibility of exchange, except when the period of stay in Ukraine is pre-determined by the terms of an international agreement (in the implementation of projects), an employment contract or a study period. 

Grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine

Citizens of most foreign countries can legally stay in Ukraine for 90 calendar days, and to extend this period, a foreigner must obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine.

The right to obtain a temporary residence permit is granted to foreigners (except for citizens of the russian federation) who arrived in Ukraine:

– for the purpose of employment in Ukrainian or foreign enterprises/companies/branches, etc;

– as a founder/participant/beneficial owner of a legal entity registered in Ukraine (provided that the amount of ownership in the authorized capital is not less than 100 thousand euros);

– to implement projects within the framework of international technical (or other) assistance;

– for educational purposes;

– as a journalist/representative of foreign media;

– as a representative of public non-governmental organizations who will participate in certain activities in Ukraine, for example, as a volunteer;

– for the purpose of cultural, scientific, educational or religious activities on the basis of international agreements or within the framework of special programs;

– for family reunification with a citizen of Ukraine or marriage with a citizen of Ukraine.

Documents required to obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine

– a foreigner's passport or a document certifying a stateless person with a type D visa (unless otherwise provided by law) and a copy thereof

– an official translation into Ukrainian of a page of the foreigner's passport (or identity document);

– health insurance policy for the entire period of validity of the residence permit and a copy thereof;

– receipts for payment of the state duty and fees for processing documents.

The need to prepare other documents depends on the grounds on which the foreigner is applying for a residence permit. 

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Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine: list of documents and grounds for obtaining a residence permit

The grounds for obtaining a permanent residence permit are obtaining an immigration permit and arrival for permanent residence in Ukraine.

Documents required for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine

– a foreigner's passport or a document certifying a stateless person with a type D visa (unless otherwise provided by law) and a copy thereof

– an official translation into Ukrainian of the passport pages (or identity document) with personal data of the foreigner;

– receipts of payment of the state duty and fees for processing documents;

– confirmation of registration in the State Register of Individuals - Taxpayers, with data on the registration number of the account card (if any);

– a copy of the decision on granting an immigration permit (or according to the category of foreigners and stateless persons).

Please note! If a third party submits documents for a permanent or temporary residence permit, it is necessary to provide a document proving the identity of the legal representative and his/her legal powers.

Reasons for refusal to grant a residence permit in Ukraine

There are many reasons for refusal, among which the following are the most common

– possession of a residence permit, refugee certificate or a person granted complementary protection that is valid at the time of application;

– incorrectly mistaken data or discrepancies between the information and the database in the Register;

– inconsistency of the submitted documents (expired, damaged or falsified data);

– failure of the applicant to comply with court decisions or other state authorities, existing property obligations, etc.

However, the refusal to grant a residence permit may also be due to other cases stipulated by the legislation of Ukraine.

In order to ensure that the collection and submission of documents is quick and easy, and the risk of refusal to provide the service does not increase due to the applicant's inattention, we recommend that you contact qualified lawyers. On the Visit Ukraine website, you can order a consultation with a migration lawyer who will answer all questions about entering and staying in Ukraine, as well as advise on obtaining the documents a foreigner needs.

In addition, you can order comprehensive legal support, which includes not only unlimited consultations, but also direct assistance in collecting and submitting the necessary documents.

We remind you! According to the official information provided by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine at the request of Visit Ukraine, more than 1.3 million foreigners crossed the Ukrainian border in the first half of 2023. Read more about which countries' citizens came to Ukraine most often and for what purpose in our previous article.

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