Rules of entry and stay in Ukraine: obtaining a residence permit for foreigners
Foreigners and stateless persons have the right to enter and legally stay in Ukraine if they have a temporary or permanent residence permit. Learn more about the current rules for entering and staying in Ukraine, as well as obtaining a residence permit
Despite the risks, foreign citizens continue to come to Ukraine. The purpose of such trips can vary from volunteer missions to the desire to see the realities of life during the war.
As you know, martial law has not affected migration legislation, so the rules for foreigners to enter Ukraine remain unchanged. At the same time, every visitor to Ukraine should take care of their own safety. We will tell you how to do this below.
Duration of stay of foreigners in Ukraine
First and foremost, the timeframe is determined by the visa-free regime of the country from which the tourist comes. A visa-free regime allows a foreigner to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within 180 days.
With a visa regime, it is the visa that determines the number of days of stay in Ukraine. Usually, the period is also 90 days, but it can be different.
When the specified period expires, the foreign national must leave Ukraine. To calculate the number of days during which they are allowed to stay in the country, foreigners can use the Migration Calculator.
According to migration law, foreigners and stateless persons enjoy the same rights as Ukrainians. They are also not exempt from obligations, so tourists need to apply to the state authorities in a timely manner to extend their stay in the country or obtain a residence permit.
Obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine
After obtaining a temporary residence permit, a foreigner will be able to:
- Legally stay in Ukraine for up to one year (with the possibility of extending this period);
- enter or leave the country without hindrance;
- officially register their place of residence (for a foreign volunteer or employee).
Please note! In order to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine, you need to have an appropriate basis. These include:
- Cultural, educational, scientific, sports, volunteer activities;
- employment;
- participation in the activities of representative offices of public (non-governmental) organizations of foreign countries;
- participation in the implementation of international technical assistance projects;
- education, etc.
A full list of grounds for obtaining a residence permit is available on the website of the State Migration Service of Ukraine.
It should be added that due to the war, many foreign non-profit organizations have accredited their activities in Ukraine, so foreign volunteers can obtain a volunteer visa. It allows them to reside in Ukraine for up to one year and extend their stay.
Insurance against military risks during your stay in Ukraine
In order to feel as safe as possible in Ukraine during military operations, you need to take care of purchasing the proper insurance. You can do this by following the link.
In particular, there are three options for policies that include:
- Compensation for damages in case of an accident due to military operations or terrorist acts;
- Outpatient treatment and hospitalization;
- emergency care.
Read more about the benefits of war risk insurance in Ukraine here.
Safety rules during the war
Safety should be a priority during your stay in Ukraine. We recommend that you strictly follow three rules:
- observance of the curfew in the region you are in. Read more here;
- find out in advance about the nearest shelters and stay there during the air raid. To do this, install the Air Alert mobile application on your smartphone to receive notifications in case of danger.
- take out an insurance policy that covers military risks;
Visit Ukraine is an organiser of tours around Ukraine. 800 tours. Choose yours on the website.
Please note! Rocket attacks remain one of the biggest threats while staying in Ukraine. We will tell you what to do during massive rocket attacks and the launch of enemy drones in our article.
We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Hotels - book hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.
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