An invitation is the basis for obtaining a B, C or D type visa to enter Ukraine. Find out when a foreigner or stateless person needs to obtain an invitation and how to do it

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An invitation to Ukraine is an official document required to apply for a short-term visa type "C", long-term visa type "D" and transit visa type "B" at a diplomatic mission or consulate of Ukraine abroad.

1. Short-term visa type "C" - allows you to stay in Ukraine for no more than 90 days within 180 days from the date of first entry (one or more times).

2. Long-term visa type "D" - allows you to stay in Ukraine for no more than 90 days.

3. Transit visa type "B" - allows transit through the territory of Ukraine for a period not exceeding 5 days.

Read more about the rules for obtaining a visa to Ukraine and the documents required for this purpose here.

When do I need a short-stay C and D visa for Ukraine?

As a rule, the period of stay in Ukraine on the basis of a short-term visa stipulates that a foreigner or stateless person will stay in Ukraine for a period not exceeding 90 days within 180 days. The number of entry and exit crossings of the Ukrainian border is regulated by the type of visa issued (single or multiple entry).

A type C visa does not give the right to obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit, but it is most often required to come to Ukraine and apply for immigration. In this case, the validity of the visa must not exceed the validity of the foreigner's passport, and the validity of the passport itself must be more than 3 months from the planned date of departure.

At the same time, a type D visa entitles a foreigner/stateless person to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine.

When does a foreigner need an invitation to Ukraine?

An invitation to Ukraine is one of the conditions for obtaining a Ukrainian visa. It can be called an official letter of recommendation, or a confirmation from a Ukrainian citizen or company that he/she assumes certain responsibility for the stay of the invited foreigner in Ukraine.

Thus, the invitation gives the foreigner the right to:

– visa issuance;

– free crossing of the Ukrainian border for a specified period of time

– legal stay in Ukraine;

– obtaining a residence permit.

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What types of invitations to Ukraine are there?

There are several main types of invitations to Ukraine:

1. business invitation - issued by a legal entity/company registered in Ukraine.

2. guest/private invitation - issued by an individual (usually a relative/friend/bride or groom).

3. tourist invitation - issued by a travel agency.

4. an invitation to study - issued by a Ukrainian university in compliance with the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

The maximum period for which an invitation can be issued is 90 days. 

Who can issue an invitation to Ukraine?

Only the receiving party can issue an invitation to enter Ukraine. And these can be both individuals and legal entities that are permanently residing in Ukraine on legal grounds. At the same time, not only a citizen of Ukraine, but also a foreigner residing in Ukraine on the basis of a residence permit in Ukraine can issue an invitation.

What documents are required to issue an invitation and how do I do it?

In order to issue an invitation to Ukraine for a foreigner/stateless person, the receiving party must follow certain rules.

▶ A business invitation from a legal entity or company must include

– information on official registration on the territory of Ukraine (number from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities/FLP, registration number, location)

– personal data of the invited person;

– purpose of entry into Ukraine, period of stay, date of departure and entry;

– obligations of the person, which confirm the assumption of financial expenses related to the foreigner's stay in Ukraine and departure from the country.

In order to issue such an invitation, it is not necessary to apply to a notary for conclusion or certification, it is enough to issue it on a letterhead and affix the seal of the legal entity and the signature of the head.

▶ A guest invitation from an individual is executed by a notary (without applying to the migration service) with the following information:

– Full name, passport data, place of residence of the receiving party;

– passport data of the invited person;

– purpose of the trip, duration of stay, number of entries/exits and place of residence in Ukraine; and abroad

– an obligation to bear all possible expenses related to the stay and departure of the invited person outside Ukraine.

To apply to a notary, copies of the passports/statelessness documents of both parties must also be prepared. As well as the identification code of the person inviting to Ukraine. Such an invitation should be submitted to the Ukrainian consulate in the country of the invited person. When entering Ukraine, the foreigner must have the invitation letter in hand to present to the border guards (upon request).

▶ To apply for a study or tourist invitation, a foreigner needs only passport data and scanned copies of a passport/stateless person's identity document. Scanned copies of previously obtained visas to Ukraine are also required, if available.

If you need legal assistance or full support on entering Ukraine, the rules for crossing the border and the documents required for this, as well as the rules for staying in the country, you can order a consultation with a qualified lawyer on migration issues on the Visit Ukraine website. Our experienced specialists can help you with any questions regarding entry and stay in Ukraine, as well as with collecting the necessary documents.

We remind yoy! Ukrainians, foreign citizens and stateless persons may freely enter the territory of Ukraine during the war, but subject to certain restrictions. Read more about the current entry rules and customs restrictions on our website.

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