Ukraine to simplify the procedure for obtaining residence permits for foreigners serving in the Armed Forces

Foreign volunteers defending Ukraine can now regularise their status without unnecessary red tape. The government has simplified the procedure for issuing residence permits to foreigners serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: the permit remains valid for the entire duration of the contract, and applications will be accepted even if the applicant’s passport has expired. Find out about all the new rules

Legal assistance on entry, stay and legalization of foreigners in Ukraine

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Ukraine continues to improve its legislation for those who have come to the defence of the state. For foreign nationals who are already fighting or are simply planning to join the ranks of the Defence Forces, the government is significantly simplifying the legalisation procedure. According to First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit (TRP) will become faster and adapted to the realities of martial law.

For how long is a residence permit issued to foreign military personnel in Ukraine

One of the main problems for foreign volunteers previously was the need to constantly extend their stay. This bureaucratic hurdle has now been removed. Under the new rules, a temporary residence permit will be issued for the entire duration of the signed contract. Furthermore, the document will remain valid for a further six months after the end of their service. This will give military personnel sufficient time to resolve any outstanding legal issues or prepare for their departure.

In addition, the government has clarified the status of foreigners who are in the process of signing a contract. This will significantly simplify the initial steps of legal residence in the country for prospective recruits.

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How to apply for a residence permit in Ukraine: where to apply and what documents are required

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit has been made as transparent as possible. A foreign national must apply at their place of actual residence to the local office of the State Migration Service (SMS) or to the state-owned enterprise ‘Document’. For those in the capital, there is also the option of submitting an application via the Centre for the Provision of Administrative Services (Kyiv City CAPS).

Instead of long lists, the set of documents is now clearly linked to the fact of having completed military service. The applicant must have their passport (or stateless person’s document) with a notarised translation into Ukrainian, as well as a taxpayer registration number, if available. A document confirming payment of the administrative fee must be attached to the application.

The main basis for issuing a residence permit is a military registration document (or service ID), as well as a valid contract for military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service (SSTS) or the National Guard of Ukraine. Another important condition is the provision of a commitment from the military unit: commanders must confirm in writing that, in the event of early termination of the contract with the foreign national, they will promptly notify the Migration Service.

What to do if a foreign national’s passport has expired in Ukraine

This issue was particularly acute for citizens of countries where obtaining new documents is physically impossible or dangerous due to the threat of persecution. The government has accommodated such individuals.

Foreigners can now apply for a residence permit even with an expired passport or a document due for renewal. This exemption applies to cases where a new passport can only be obtained in an aggressor country or a state that does not recognise Ukraine’s territorial integrity. This list includes citizens of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Bolivia, Cuba, North Korea, Nicaragua, Sudan, Syria, Zimbabwe and Venezuela.

These changes are designed to ensure that no foreign volunteer risking their life for Ukraine ends up in an illegal status due to the inability to renew their documents in their home country. Once all documents have been submitted, all that remains is to wait for them to be processed and receive the ready-made residence permit.

Issues regarding legal residence, document processing, permits, and support during their stay in Ukraine remain important. In such cases, foreigners can take advantage of consultations with immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine, who help navigate the rules for entry and residence in Ukraine.

Reminder! Ukraine plans to establish a single centre for the recruitment of foreigners into the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard. Find out what functions the new unit will perform, when it might start work, and what this means for foreigners wishing to serve in Ukraine.

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