Obtaining a temporary residence permit abroad: what it is, why it’s needed, and where Ukrainians should apply

Ukrainians living abroad are eligible to apply for permanent residence status (PMS)—a procedure that opens up additional opportunities, including deregistration and consular registration. At the same time, this status is often confused with a residence permit in a foreign country. Learn more about what PR is, why you should apply for it, and where to go

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Many Ukrainians living abroad face the issue of obtaining permanent residence (PR). This procedure allows them to obtain non-resident status in Ukraine and opens up access to a range of additional opportunities—from deregistration to divorce through a consulate. The specifics of obtaining PMP are discussed in a post by the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

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What is PMP and what does this status mean?

PR is an abbreviation that stands for “permanent residence.” In Ukraine, this procedure involves processing documents to leave the country or take up permanent residence abroad. The result of this process is obtaining non-resident status—that of a person who permanently resides outside Ukraine.

It is important to understand that obtaining PMP status is a right of a Ukrainian citizen, not an obligation.

Where is it easiest for Ukrainian pensioners to stay in the EU after 2027? — find out by following the link.

What opportunities does obtaining PMP status offer?

PMP status opens up additional opportunities for a Ukrainian citizen:

• Deregistration of residence in Ukraine;
• Registration for permanent consular records;
• Traveling with a minor child (provided the child also has permanent residence status) without the consent of the other parent—a Ukrainian citizen;
• The ability to apply to a Ukrainian diplomatic mission abroad to renounce citizenship;
• Divorce between Ukrainian citizens by mutual consent of the spouses through the consulate (provided there are no minor children and the marriage was registered in Ukraine);
• Change of first name at one’s own request (except in cases of a surname change due to marriage);
• Amendment, renewal, or cancellation of a civil status record.

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Where to apply for a TMP?

The location for submitting documents depends on the citizen’s current location:

1. In Ukraine — to the local office of the State Migration Service of Ukraine at the place of residence;
2. Abroad — to the Ukrainian embassy or consulate in the country of residence.

For information on obtaining a foreign passport for a child whose father or mother is a foreign national — read here.

How does a Temporary Residence Permit differ from a residence permit?

The procedure for obtaining a TMP is often confused with obtaining a residence permit in a foreign country. There is a fundamental difference between these documents.

A residence permit in a foreign country (residence permit, permesso di soggiorno, Aufenthaltstitel, etc.) is issued by the migration authorities of the respective state. Possession of such a document in no way changes a citizen’s status from the perspective of Ukrainian official authorities.

This also works in the opposite direction: a residence permit issued abroad does not in itself confirm the status of a person who permanently resides outside Ukraine. To obtain such status, one must specifically go through the procedure for obtaining a PMP through Ukrainian authorities.

Navigating all the nuances of obtaining permanent residence status, consular registration, and migration documents can be challenging. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can consult with a lawyer specializing in migration issues who will help determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Book a consultation now and resolve your migration issues with professional support!

Reminder! In our previous article, we explained whether you need insurance to leave Ukraine in 2026.

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