Foreigners who come to Ukraine under the visa-free regime can stay in this country for 90 days. However, there are grounds for extending the period of stay. Find out under what conditions and how you can extend this period, as well as what to do if you are denied it

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Extension of the period of stay of foreigners in Ukraine is an important issue for many who come to the country for business, study, work or personal reasons. Ukrainian legislation provides a whole list of grounds on which foreigners can extend their stay in the country.

How long can foreigners stay in Ukraine?

A foreigner or stateless person may temporarily stay in Ukraine during the authorised period of stay granted by the visa, but not more than until the last day of the visa validity period.

Citizens of states with visa-free entry procedure may temporarily stay on the territory of Ukraine for no more than 90 days within 180 days, unless another period is determined by international treaties of Ukraine.

During the stay on the territory of Ukraine, the calculation of the period of stay allowed to the foreigner is carried out by the officials of the State Migration Service by deducting 180 days back from the day of control (the day on which it is necessary to determine the legality of the foreigner's stay on the territory of Ukraine).

The foreigner has not violated the said period if within this 180-day period he stayed on the territory of Ukraine for not more than 90 days.

What grounds can there be for extending the period of stay?

The legislation of Ukraine provides a whole list of reasons for which the period of stay in the country can be extended:

- medical treatment;

- childbirth;

- care for a sick family member;

- forced stay on the territory of Ukraine with extraordinary circumstances;

- registration of inheritance;

- availability of grounds for a permanent or temporary residence permit;

- Submission of an application for an immigration permit;

- filing an application for Ukrainian citizenship;

- other circumstances that make it impossible for a foreigner or stateless person to leave.

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How to extend the period of stay?

To obtain the service, it is necessary to collect the necessary documents and apply to the territorial body or subdivision of the State Migration Service of Ukraine at the place of residence.

The decision to extend the period of stay or to refuse to extend the period of stay is made within three working days from the date of acceptance of the documents.

It is necessary to apply for extension no later than 3 working days before the end of the authorised period of stay. The result of consideration of the application is extension of the period of stay on the territory of Ukraine or refusal to extend the period of stay on the territory of Ukraine.

In case of refusal, foreigners may appeal this decision within 10 days in the body where the application was accepted or through the court in accordance with the established procedure. To the appeal against the decision to refuse to extend the period of stay it is necessary to attach documents confirming the existence of grounds for its review and cancellation.

If you need help in collecting the necessary documents and extending your stay in Ukraine, we recommend that you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers, who specialise, among other things, in such problems. You will get help quickly and without unnecessary hassle. Our professionals will also help you to appeal against the decision of the authorities. The term of fulfilment of such an order is up to 7 days.

We remind you! You can pay in Ukraine in several ways - cash, card, contactless payment systems, etc. How tourists can make payments in Ukraine and whether there are restrictions under martial law, we tell you here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

Before you travel to Ukraine or while you are already in the country, seek legal advice. Our team will help you feel safe and confident during your trip, business trip or relocation.