Temporary Residence Permits for Foreign Military Personnel in 2026: What Has Changed

Ukraine has updated its immigration laws for foreign nationals serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under contract. The new law sets forth the procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit, the duration of legal stay, and the implications for family members of military personnel. Learn more about the changes to the legal status of foreign military personnel in 2026

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Foreign nationals and stateless persons serving on a contractual basis in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations have long faced legal uncertainty regarding their immigration status. Processing documents, extending periods of stay, and confirming the legality of residence—none of these issues had been clearly regulated by law.

In 2026, the situation changed.

Lawyers at Visit Ukraine explain exactly which changes have taken effect and what they mean for foreign military personnel and their family members.

Which law has taken effect, and what does it provide for?

On May 10, 2026, Law of Ukraine No. 4730-IX of December 17, 2025, “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Legal Status and Medical Care of Foreign Military Personnel and Stateless Persons,” took effect. The document introduced a separate mechanism for issuing temporary residence permits for such individuals and eliminated a number of legal loopholes that previously existed.

The relevant amendments were made to Article 5 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons.”

What rights have foreign military personnel been granted?

Prior to these amendments, the issue of the legal stay of foreigners serving in the Ukrainian military under contract had not been properly regulated. In practice, this created difficulties in processing documents, extending periods of stay, and confirming the legality of residence in Ukraine.

Following the entry into force of Law No. 4730-IX, foreign nationals and stateless persons serving in the military under contract gained the right to obtain a temporary residence permit on special grounds.

What is the validity period of the temporary residence permit?

One of the key changes was the establishment of the period of lawful stay for such individuals in Ukraine. A foreign national or stateless person serving in the military under a contract is considered to be residing in Ukraine lawfully for the entire duration of the contract and for an additional six months after its termination (unless otherwise provided by law).

This prevents situations where, upon the contract’s expiration, a person automatically loses their legal grounds for staying in Ukraine.

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What documents are required to apply for a permit?

To obtain a temporary residence permit, a foreign national must submit the following documents to a territorial office or branch of the State Migration Service of Ukraine:

• a standard application form;
• an identity document confirming citizenship;
• a military service contract;
• a military registration document or other document confirming military service;
• documents specified in the Procedure for Issuing Temporary Residence Permits.

The specific list of documents may vary depending on the applicant’s category and the subordinate regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

How do these changes affect family members of military personnel?

Although Law No. 4730-IX is directly aimed at regulating the status of foreign military personnel themselves, its adoption has significant practical implications for their family members as well.

If a military servicemember has legal grounds to reside in Ukraine, this allows their spouse and children to utilize the family reunification mechanisms provided by law and to obtain residence permits on the appropriate grounds. In addition, eliminating legal uncertainty regarding a military servicemember’s status minimizes the risk of rejection in immigration proceedings for their family members.

What should military servicemembers who are already serving keep in mind?

The law provides transitional provisions for foreigners and stateless persons who were already serving in the military in Ukraine at the time the law took effect. Such individuals are advised to promptly contact the State Migration Service to apply for a temporary residence permit and bring their immigration status into compliance with the new legal requirements.

Need help obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine?

Use the services of Visit Ukraine’s lawyers. Our specialists will help you quickly and efficiently obtain a turnkey temporary or permanent residence permit in Ukraine.

To schedule a consultation:

• Choose a convenient format (in-person, written, or verbal consultation).
• Fill out the form with your details (full name, email, contact phone number).
• Select a convenient date for your consultation.
• Review the terms of the agreement and make the payment.

Visit Ukraine — your trusted legal partner abroad!

Reminder! In a previous article, VU lawyers explained how to obtain Ukrainian citizenship based on territorial origin.

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