Today, not only citizens of Ukraine are defending Ukraine, but also many foreigners who share the values of Ukrainians and want to fight for peace and global security side by side. Find out more about the conditions of service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for non-residents of the state

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According to the updated rules for joining the International Legion of Ukraine, a candidate only needs to apply online. Thus, simplifying the system of joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine for foreigners has allowed us to attract even more citizens who are ready to defend global security together with Ukraine. Today, the demand for contract service in the Armed Forces remains high.

The article below describes the current conditions of service for foreign citizens and stateless persons in Ukraine.

Read more about the most common problems and reasons for rejection when joining the International Legion here.

Peculiarities of military service in Ukraine for foreigners

According to the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service," foreign citizens and stateless persons may be enlisted for military service on a voluntary basis (under a contract). In order to effectively attract and coordinate fighters from other countries, Ukraine has introduced a temporary visa-free regime for foreign citizens and stateless persons wishing to join the Armed Forces (in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 82/2022).

Persons holding the rank of private, sergeant and non-commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine may be recruited for contract service in accordance with the contract concluded with them (Article 2(2), Article 211(1) of the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service").

Foreigners and stateless persons are subject to a probationary period of 2 months.

The contract can be signed:

– for 3 years (for privates);

– from 3 to 5 years (for non-commissioned officers).

In this case, the contract can be terminated at the request of the foreigner or extended after its expiration.

The financial support for foreigners in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is determined at the level established for military personnel - citizens of Ukraine. In addition, foreign citizens and stateless persons are entitled to a one-time financial assistance in case of death (death) of a serviceman (the payment is received by family members or parents), disability or temporary disability (the payment is received by the serviceman).

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Main conditions for foreigners and stateless persons to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine

▶ Recognizing and abiding by the Constitution of Ukraine and the laws of Ukraine (clause 17 of Section II);

▶ legal residence on the territory of Ukraine (clause 17)

▶ no criminal record (clause 17)

▶ possession of a valid passport of a foreign citizen or a document certifying a stateless person (clause 17);

▶ age - from 18 to 60 years, as stipulated by Article 22 of the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service" (part 2 of Article 21)

▶ fitness for service in terms of health, mental state and physical fitness (Article 21(2)).

Procedure for the selection and enlistment of foreigners for military service under a contract in Ukraine

In accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 248/2016 of June 10, 2016, the selection and enlistment of foreign citizens and stateless persons for military service under contract is carried out according to the following procedure:

▶ A number of relevant measures are taken to enlist such persons for service:

– preliminary study of personal qualities

– medical examination;

– professional and psychological selection;

– verification of the submitted information;

– registration of personal files (in case of successful selection for health, professional and psychological condition and after verification of the submitted information about the person);

– referral to the commanders of military units for written consent (if necessary);

– referral to military units for further enlistment, physical fitness test and signing of a contract.

▶ The selection process takes into account previous military experience, specialization and education. In the absence of the necessary experience, such persons are sent to training centers for training.

▶ The candidate's personal file must include:

– a certificate from the military medical commission on fitness for military service;

– a professional selection card in the form determined by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine;

– certificate of the results of verification of the submitted information;

– a copy of a valid passport document of a foreigner or a document certifying a stateless person;

– information on the composition of the family or close relatives.

You can apply for membership in the International Legion on the official website - https://ildu.com.ua/.

If you need legal assistance or full support on entering Ukraine, the rules for crossing the border and the documents required for this, and the rules for staying in the country, 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 with collecting the necessary documents.

We remind you! Foreigners who have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine have the right to immigrate to Ukraine after the expiration of their contract. Read 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 in our previous article.

Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

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