Foreign volunteers can stay in Ukraine under different conditions and for different periods of time, depending on the purpose of their stay and their activities. Find out how long you can stay in Ukraine as a volunteer without a visa and residence permit and what you need to help officially and for a long time

Legal assistance on entry, stay and legalization of foreigners in Ukraine

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Ukraine welcomes foreign volunteers who want to help with various social initiatives, charity, humanitarian projects, etc. At the same time, volunteers have different terms of stay, which depend on the form of registration and organization of activities. If you plan to provide long-term assistance, it is worth finding out about the official opportunities and requirements for staying, as volunteer status can be formalized in different ways. What rules apply and how to stay in Ukraine legally for long-term volunteer work are described below.

Which organizations can attract foreign volunteers to Ukraine and how to do it can be found here.

Short-term stay: how long can you stay in Ukraine without a visa and a residence permit?

Foreign volunteers can stay in Ukraine without obtaining additional documents for up to 90 days within a 180-day period (for citizens from visa-free countries, as well as those who have a short-term visa to Ukraine type C). This is convenient for those who come for a limited time and work, for example, in short-term projects or campaigns. However, it is important to understand that without additional documents, you cannot be officially employed, and therefore cannot engage in volunteer activities in organizations on a permanent basis.

Official volunteering: obtaining a visa and residence permit

If you plan to stay in Ukraine for a long period of time and volunteer officially, you need to be part of an organization that has the appropriate accreditation. Official registration allows you to obtain a volunteer visa and residence permit.

Conditions for obtaining a D-10 volunteer visa

After obtaining a volunteer visa, you will be able to stay in the country legally and carry out your activities at the official level. In order to obtain such a visa, the following requirements must be met:

● Cooperation with an accredited Ukrainian organization that has the right to engage foreign volunteers.

● An invitation letter from the organization confirming your involvement in its activities.

● Proof of financial support - providing evidence of personal funds or support from the organization to cover your stay in Ukraine.

We have described in detail the conditions and procedure for obtaining a D-10 visa, as well as the documents required for a volunteer visa in previous articles.

Why do volunteers need a residence permit in Ukraine?

For long-term volunteering in Ukraine, foreigners can obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP). This status gives the right to legally stay in Ukraine for a period of up to one year with the possibility of extension. In addition, the residence permit allows for full cooperation with organizations and all the rights provided for foreigners in Ukraine.

Main requirements for obtaining a residence permit

● Confirmation of cooperation with an accredited organization.

● Valid type D visa (for citizens of countries with a visa regime).

● Health insurance and proof of financial solvency.

● Registration of the place of residence in Ukraine.

Read more about the process of obtaining a residence permit for a volunteer here.

How to get professional assistance for foreign volunteers in Ukraine?

Visit Ukraine's team of lawyers offers full support for foreign volunteers in Ukraine. Our specialists will help you with obtaining a volunteer visa, residence permit, and all the necessary documents for a smooth stay in the country. The services of our lawyers include:

● Consultations on obtaining a volunteer visa and residence permit.

● Preparation of the necessary documents and submission of the application to the relevant institutions.

● Support at all stages of the process, including cooperation with accredited organizations.

Book a consultation with our specialists by following this link to avoid difficulties, save time and be sure that all documents are prepared correctly.

We remind you! There is no ban on entering Ukraine by a car with foreign license plates, but the law provides for a number of restrictions on the use of such a car in Ukraine. Read about the rules for entering Ukraine by car with foreign license plates in 2024 in our previous article.

Photo: Freepik

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