Foreigners who have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine have the right to immigrate to Ukraine after the expiration of their contract. Find out what is required to obtain a permanent residence permit in Ukraine after serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and how to apply for immigration

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According to Ukrainian law, foreign citizens/stateless persons who have signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and participate in the defense of the state have the right to stay in Ukraine legally. Thus, a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine/military card is the basis for a legal long-term stay in Ukraine. However, after the expiration of the contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a foreigner must have legal grounds and obtain a residence permit to stay in Ukraine.

To apply for membership in the International Legion, please visit https://ildu.com.ua/.

What are the options for foreigners after the expiration of their contract with the Armed Forces?

In general, foreign nationals/stateless persons can extend their contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine after its expiration and, accordingly, continue to serve in the Armed Forces, which is a direct way to obtain Ukrainian citizenship. Or they can apply for immigration to Ukraine. 

Thus, in accordance with part two of Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine "On Migration", a quota migration permit may be granted to persons specified in paragraphs 9 and 10:

– persons who have served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard of Ukraine for three or more years;

– persons who have served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service and the National Guard of Ukraine (regardless of the period of military service) and were recognized by military medical commissions as unfit for military service for health reasons as a result of diseases, injuries (traumas, contusions, mutilations) received during the performance of military service.

How to obtain an immigration permit to Ukraine after the expiration of a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine?

1. Collect the necessary documents.

2. Apply to the territorial unit of the State Migration Service of Ukraine at the place of residence.

3. After consideration of the application, receive a decision.

An applicant can submit an application for an immigration permit and the required package of documents in person or through a legal representative.

The cost of the service is UAH 179.79 + administrative fee (in the amount of 0.5 of the subsistence minimum established for able-bodied persons as of January 1 of the calendar year) - in 2023, this is UAH 1342.00.

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Documents required to obtain an immigration permit to Ukraine

1. Application (to be submitted electronically when submitting documents).

2. Valid passport document(s) (for citizens with multiple citizenship) or a stateless person's identity document and a copy of the relevant documents (the original is returned upon presentation).

3. A legally certified translation of the passport document/s or statelessness document into Ukrainian.

4. Three 3.5 x 4.5 cm photographs.

5. Document on the person's place of residence abroad and in Ukraine: original and copy (ownership document/state registration certificate/lease agreement + written consent to the foreigner's stay from all adult persons registered in such housing).

6. Information on family composition and marriage certificate (if any).

7. A document confirming the absence of chronic alcoholism, substance abuse, drug addiction, or infectious diseases, the list of which is determined by the central executive body on health care.

8. Certificate of no criminal record (issued by the competent authority of the state of previous residence or its diplomatic mission in Ukraine).

9. For persons referred to in paragraph 9 of part two of Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine "On Migration": originals (returned upon presentation) and copies of documents confirming the fact of military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard of Ukraine.

10. For persons referred to in paragraph 10 of part two of Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine "On Migration": documents confirming the fact of military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard of Ukraine, and the conclusion (resolution) of the military medical commission on the recognition of a person unfit for military service for health reasons as a result of diseases, wounds (injuries, contusions, mutilations) received during the performance of military service.

11. Receipt of payment of the administrative service fee.

Please note! The website of the State Migration Service of Ukraine emphasizes that if an application for an immigration permit is submitted within 30 days from the date of the decision to terminate Ukrainian citizenship or cancel the decision to formalize the acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship by a foreigner or stateless person, the original (returned upon presentation) and a copy of such a decision must be submitted.

The application consideration period cannot exceed 6 months from the date of application submission.

After obtaining an immigration permit, the applicant must submit an application form for a permanent residence permit in Ukraine within one year from the date of issuance of the permit. This can be done in Ukraine or abroad.

If you need legal assistance or full support from a lawyer on the issues of entering Ukraine, the rules of border crossing and the documents required for this, the rules of staying in the country, obtaining an immigration permit or a residence permit in Ukraine, you can order a consultation with a qualified lawyer on migration issues on the Visit Ukraine website. Our experienced specialists can help you with any questions regarding entry and stay in Ukraine, as well as collecting the necessary documents.

We remind you! Every month a large number of foreigners wish to join the Foreign Legion. However, despite the fact that the procedure for joining has been simplified, foreigners continue to face a number of problems. Read how to avoid common difficulties and what are the most common reasons for rejection in our previous article.

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