How many immigration permits did foreigners receive in Ukraine in 2024?

Obtaining immigration permits to Ukraine is becoming increasingly important for foreigners planning a long-term stay in the country. Find out what documents foreigners received in Ukraine in 2024, what trends are observed compared to previous years, and what are the main requirements for obtaining this status

Legal assistance on entry and stay in Ukraine for foreign citizens

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In 2025, the issue of legalization of foreigners in Ukraine is becoming increasingly relevant. Given the growing interest in our country in economic, cultural and educational terms, the number of people willing to stay here for a long period is constantly increasing.

It is the immigration permit (abbreviated as “IP”) that is one of the key documents for those who plan to build a life, career or family relationships in Ukraine. It is the basis for permanent residence and gives a foreigner the opportunity to work freely, receive education and enjoy many other rights, effectively equaling the rights of Ukrainian citizens in a number of aspects.

Official statistics of the Migration Service of Ukraine

According to the official statistics of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS), in 2024, there was an increased activity among foreigners applying for immigration permits. Based on publicly available information and calculations, the following indicators can be summarized:

Total number of applications for immigration permits: over 18,000 applications.

Number of permits issued: about 14,300.

Number of refusals: approximately 3,700.

Important: The figures are based on the analysis of annual reports and summary data of the SMS for 2024. The exact statistics may vary depending on the information updated on the official website.

Some applications are still under consideration, as the procedure for obtaining an immigration permit usually takes several months and involves a thorough check of documents and grounds for granting such status.

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Trends and changes compared to previous years

1. Increase in the number of applications. Compared to 2023, the number of applications for an immigration permit increased by approximately 8-10%. The main reasons are:

- Ukraine's economic recovery and the growing number of foreign investors and specialists.

- The desire of foreigners who previously stayed in Ukraine on a temporary basis to secure their status for a longer period.

- Simplification of procedures. Some foreigners note that the process of submitting documents is becoming more transparent, and the necessary information is easier to obtain through the SMS electronic services and consultations with specialists.

2. Increase in refusals. At the same time, due to increased control and inspections, the number of refusals in 2024 was also higher than in previous years. According to preliminary estimates, there was one case of refusal for every three permits issued. This is mainly due to non-compliance with legal requirements or improperly prepared documents.

3. Regional disparity. Most of the applications and positive decisions are made in large cities (Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv), where better conditions for employment and education of foreigners are created.

How to get an immigration permit to Ukraine?

What does an immigration permit give a foreigner?

- The right to permanent residence in Ukraine.

- The ability to officially work or engage in entrepreneurial activities.

- The right to receive education on an equal basis with Ukrainian citizens.

- Simplified access to a number of social services and government programs.

- An opportunity to apply for Ukrainian citizenship in the future (subject to other conditions).

If you are planning to stay in Ukraine permanently and want to avoid the hassle of paperwork, please contact Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers. The specialists will provide full legal support, help you obtain an immigration permit and protect your interests at every stage of the procedure.

Basic requirements and procedure for obtaining an immigration permit

1. Grounds for immigration. The law of Ukraine defines a clear list of categories of foreigners and stateless persons who can immigrate (close relatives of Ukrainian citizens, highly qualified specialists, investors, cultural and scientific figures, etc.)

2. Verification of documents. It is necessary to collect a full package of documents (confirmation of financial security, police clearance certificates, documents on family ties, etc.)

3. Submission of the application. The applicant must apply to the territorial unit of the SMS or a foreign diplomatic mission of Ukraine (for those who are outside the country).

4. Timeframe for consideration. The procedure usually lasts from several weeks to several months (depending on the category and completeness of documents).

Why is it important to get the permit right?

Errors in the documents or omissions in preparation can lead to delays in the consideration of the case, additional time and money, and sometimes to refusal.

Visit Ukraine lawyers have extensive experience in the migration field, know all the subtleties and nuances of the law, which allows them to effectively prepare and submit documents. A team of professionals will help you correctly determine the grounds for immigration, collect all the necessary documents and prevent common mistakes.

Fast and error-free paperwork

Thanks to the developed algorithms and established contacts in the relevant government agencies, the process of obtaining an immigration permit is carried out as soon as possible.

Competent support from the moment of consultation to obtaining the result minimizes the risk of refusals or protracted inspections by the migration service.

Take the first step towards realizing your plans: contact Visit Ukraine professionals and ensure a comfortable and safe future in Ukraine!

Just to remind you. Ukraine is a country with a unique culture, rich history and dynamic development. At the same time, the current reality imposes certain restrictions due to martial law, curfews and the need to adapt to the new security environment. Find out what you should know about life in Ukraine in 2025 by following the link.

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