Obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine for citizens of visa-free countries: does visa-free travel affect the process?
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Visa-free regime simplifies entry to Ukraine, but a residence permit is required for long-term stay. Find out how to apply for a residence permit, what documents are required, and whether the possibility of visa-free entry to Ukraine affects the entire process
Ukraine actively cooperates with many countries around the world, which simplifies entry for citizens of such countries. However, the issue of obtaining a residence permit remains relevant for those who plan to stay in Ukraine for a long time. Does the visa-free regime affect the procedure for obtaining a residence permit, and what is required to obtain this document - we will analyze further in the material.
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What is the visa-free regime and what are its limits?
Visa-free regime allows citizens of certain countries to enter Ukraine without a visa for a short period of time, usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, this status does not entitle them to long-term stay, employment, study or other activities that require a residence permit.
Does visa-free travel affect the process of obtaining a residence permit?
The visa-free regime only simplifies entry to Ukraine, but the procedure for obtaining a residence permit remains the same as for citizens of countries requiring a visa.
Remember! Visa-free status does not exempt you from the obligation to comply with standard procedures, such as passing inspections by the Security Service of Ukraine or other authorities.
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How to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine?
If you are planning to apply for a residence permit, there are several key points to consider.
Grounds for obtaining a residence permit
Citizens of both visa-free and visa-exempt countries must justify the grounds for obtaining a residence permit. These may include:
● employment;
● studying;
● family reunification (marriage with a citizen of Ukraine or another resident);
● volunteering or religious activities.
Periods of stay in Ukraine and submission of documents
If the period of stay expires, the applicant must leave the country and return to avoid violations of migration law. It should be reminded that it is possible to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine on the basis of a long-term visa type D. We described in detail how foreigners can obtain a long-term type D visa in our previous article. However, for citizens of Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, obtaining a type D visa is not mandatory for a residence permit.
List of required documents
The standard package of documents for a residence permit includes:
● application
● passport with translation into Ukrainian
● confirmation of the grounds for stay (employment contract, marriage certificate, etc.)
● a document confirming the absence of a criminal record;
● receipt of payment of the administrative fee.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the visa-free regime for obtaining a residence permit?
The most important advantage is the speed of the initial stay. After all, a visa-free regime allows you to quickly arrive in Ukraine to collect documents or search for grounds for obtaining a residence permit. At the same time, citizens of visa-free countries may face a number of risks and restrictions. First of all, they are related to the duration of stay in the country:
● Exceeding the permitted period of stay may result in deportation and a ban on entry.
● If the applicant does not have time to collect all the documents within the permitted visa-free period, this may complicate the procedure, as there will be difficulties with the submission of documents.
Contacting Visit Ukraine's migration law specialists can greatly facilitate the process and minimize the risks involved. Sign up for a consultation to get qualified assistance in obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine. Our specialists will provide you with full support and assistance at every stage.
We remind you! Obtaining an insurance policy is one of the key stages of obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine for foreigners. Read our previous article to find out what requirements the Migration Service has for insurance in 2025, what the policy should cover, and how to properly obtain it.
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