Ukraine Support for Ukraine
Volunteering in Ukraine
International Legion. How to fight on the side of Ukraine: step by step instructions
Entry of foreign journalists to Ukraine
Donation tours to Ukraine
How to enter Ukraine for a volunteer
Today dozens and hundreds of volunteers come to Ukraine, and some of them plan to stay here after the war. Ukrainians are very grateful for all the efforts made by the international community for Ukraine.
In addition, work in a volunteer organization is a direct basis for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine.
Who can become a volunteer in Ukraine?
Any foreigner, stateless person who wishes to engage in volunteer activities can become a volunteer (prerequisites for such activities: voluntariness, social orientation, non-profitability).
Volunteer visa to Ukraine
You can engage in volunteer activities in Ukraine in any possible way, including by donating or joining non-governmental and international organizations in Ukraine.
To do this, if you are a citizen of a country that has a visa-free regime with Ukraine, you can volunteer in Ukraine for up to 90 days without special permission. If you decide to stay longer, you will need to obtain a long-term visa type D-10 for volunteer activities with further obtaining a temporary residence permit.
However, if you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa, you will first need to obtain a Ukrainian volunteer visa (D-10) and then apply for a temporary residence permit to stay in Ukraine for longer than 90 days.
Stages of obtaining volunteer status for a foreigner
As a standard, the following stages can be distinguished:
- obtaining membership in a public organization or charitable foundation;
- preparation and submission of documents for obtaining a D visa;
- preparation of documents for entry into Ukraine and presentation to the border guards;
- preparation and submission of documents to the migration service for obtaining a temporary residence permit;
- registration of place of residence in Ukraine;
- notification to the National Social Service of Ukraine;
- in case of termination of volunteer activity, notification of the State Migration Service and return of the certificate.
—
An important step is to obtain a D-10 visa at the Consulate of Ukraine.
To do this, it is necessary to receive an invitation to volunteer in Ukraine from state or local authorities or from a non-governmental organization that has the right to involve foreign volunteers in its activities, is registered with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and has no problems with tax withholding.
It is very important that such an NGO (non-governmental organization) meets the established requirements, otherwise Ukrainian missions abroad will not issue a D-10 visa.
Next, make sure that the NGO is really engaged in charity, as the state authorities are aware of dubious organizations, pursue them and prevent illegal migration. Applying to a fake NGO will lead to very negative consequences: either you will be refused a visa or, if you are compromised, you will be subsequently deported, your visa and residence permit will be revoked, and you will be banned from further travel to Ukraine for at least 3 years.
Once you have found the right NGO that has agreed to invite you to work as a volunteer in Ukraine, you must obtain the original invitation letter and apply for a visa at the diplomatic mission of Ukraine to obtain a D-10 visa.
when it is confirmed that the NGO has the right to engage you, they should send a corresponding invitation letter with attachments confirming your purpose of visit, etc;
- you will need to take the original invitation letter with attachments and leave Ukraine (or get the original documents if you are outside of Ukraine), it is worth noting that you must comply with your migration status in Ukraine (no previous overstay, fines, deportation, entry ban, etc;)
- you will need to apply for a long-term visa type D-10 (voluntarily) to the nearest embassy or consulate of Ukraine (EU, US and Canadian citizens can apply for a visa in any EU country, for example, in Poland or Romania) with a standard visa application package (valid passport, 35x45 mm photo, medical insurance, bank account statement, invitation with annexes, receipt of visa fee payment).
- The term of obtaining a D visa is from several days to a month. The terms depend on the speed of checks during martial law.
The process of obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine for a volunteer
After you receive a visa, it will be valid for 90 days, you will need to come to Ukraine and apply for a temporary residence permit at the local department of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, where you will reside (the NGO should prepare another document for you to apply for a residence permit and it will need to be submitted together with the standard package of documents);
Documents for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine through volunteering:
- passport with translation into Ukrainian;
- documents on payment of administrative services and state duty;
- health insurance policy for a foreigner for a period of 1 year;
- submission of the organization for participation in the volunteer program, to which the foreigner arrived;
- certificate of state registration of the organization.
Does a volunteer need a residence registration in Ukraine to obtain a residence permit?
To apply for a residence permit, you need a permanent residence address - that is, where you will be physically located for the entire period while the checks are being carried out and the permit is being issued.
After obtaining a residence permit, you must register your place of residence within 30 calendar days. For residence without registration, a fine may be imposed on both the foreigner and the public organization or charitable foundation, respectively.
Terms of obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine through volunteering
The term of obtaining a temporary residence permit is from 15 working days to two months. The terms depend on the speed of inspections during martial law.
The main problems or factors that can refuse to grant a residence permit in Ukraine to a volunteer
- belonging of a foreigner to the citizens of the so-called "risky migration" countries;
- previous refusal to issue a visa or residence permit;
- lack of understanding by a foreigner of the activities that he will carry out in Ukraine, including the inability to explain it at the interview;
- incorrect execution of documents (invitations, letters of guarantee, health insurance policy, translations), failure to take into account the requirements of martial law in Ukraine;
- the presence of unpaid fines or other closed enforcement proceedings in Ukraine;
- foreign volunteer does not live at the address indicated when applying for a visa or residence permit;
- lack of sufficient financial security.
How to help Ukraine
Send humanitarian aid to Ukraine
- Send aid to Ukraine from Poland
NGOs and private citizens registered in Poland can submit an online request form on the PomagamUkrainie platform. After approval, the form should be printed out and placed on the windshield of the truck transporting the goods.
For the transportation of humanitarian goods from Poland to Ukraine there is a simplified customs procedure (only two checkpoints Korczowa and Dorohusk). To cross the border it is necessary to fill in the form for Dorohusk-Jagodzin (west of Lublin) or the form for Korczowa-Krakowiec (north of Przemyśl).
Currently, only Polish citizens have access to the platform and can submit a request form. We recommend international partners to contact Polish NGOs that can apply.
- Send aid to an international hub within the EU, USA, UK, Switzerland, Turkey
Choose a collection point for humanitarian aid - search by country (23 countries)
Select the recommended warehouse from the list given in question 6 on the official humanitarian aid portal https://help.gov.ua/ua. List of international hubs
Helping as a volunteer
If you want to help as a volunteer directly in Ukraine, leave your proposal on the platform https://help.gov.ua/
Donation
Here you can deposit any amount in a convenient way from anywhere in the world.
After Russia launched a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine on February 24 and began targeting civilians and infrastructure from the first days, the Ukrainian state called on foreigners to join the fight for peace and democracy in Europe and around the world.
Ukraine has created an International Legion (official website: https://ildu.legion.army/) composed of foreign nationals who want to help Ukrainian soldiers in the fight against the Russian occupiers.
On March 1, a temporary visa-free regime was temporarily introduced for foreigners who want to join the defense of Ukraine (except for citizens of the aggressor state).
Requirements for candidates:
- 18-60 years old
- No criminal record
- Absence of chronic diseases
- Physical fitness (all candidates must pass a medical examination)
- Possibility of legal entry to Ukraine
- Combat experience is an advantage;
- Military or relevant experience is an advantage
Tip: Military experience is not required, but increases the chances of being accepted. Other relevant experience may include work in law enforcement, paramilitary organizations, firefighting, etc.;
How to join the International Legion
- In particular, to join the ranks of the International Defense Legion of Ukraine, you need to apply by sending an e-mail to int_legion_ua@post.mil.gov.ua with the appropriate intention and specify what documents and clothing (equipment) are required or recommended.
- Next, an application is submitted for enlistment in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for voluntary military service under a contract.
- After that, the legionnaire will receive instructions on how to travel in Ukraine, the necessary documents and equipment. It is recommended to bring a military kit, such as clothing or its elements, equipment, helmet, body armor, etc.
If necessary, representatives of the Ukrainian embassies and consulates will provide assistance along the way.
- Upon arriving at the assembly point in Ukraine, the legionnaire signs a contract and joins the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine. After that, he is ready to join the battle against the occupiers together with fighters from all over the world and Ukrainian soldiers.
4 steps to apply:
1) Download and fill out this form - https://ildu.legion.army/#apply
2) Scan your passport
3) Scan documents confirming your military or relevant experience (if any)
4) Send the completed form and scans of documents to the e-mail address int_legion_ua@post.mil.gov.ua.
This is a secure mailbox of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (domain name gov.ua).
A list of the main documents required to join the International Legion:
- an internal document;
- a passport for traveling abroad;
- documents confirming military service (service in law enforcement agencies) and participation in hostilities.
How long do I have to wait for a response?
The first letter is usually answered within 14 days. After confirming that your file has been offered to departments, it will take approximately 21 days for a sufficient number of departments to see your file and make a conclusion about whether your chances of being accepted are high enough. So: 14 days for the first response, 21 days for the second response;
Is it possible to become a resident or citizen of Ukraine through service?
Yes, your contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine can be used as a legal basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit, and a residence permit is a path to citizenship. In addition, there are several legislative initiatives to simplify the process of obtaining citizenship for foreign veterans.
How long does the contract last? Can it be terminated?
The contract lasts for 3 years and can be extended automatically. Yes, you can terminate it at your own request, but not during a combat mission.
A list of answers to the most frequently asked questions can be found here:
Website: https://ildu.legion.army/
Telegram: https://t.me/intlegionua
Twitter: https://twitter.com/int_legion_ua
Instagram: https://instagram.com/internationallegionua
In accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons", foreigners and stateless persons who arrived in Ukraine to work as correspondents or representatives of foreign mass media and received a temporary residence permit are considered to be legally staying in Ukraine for the period of work in Ukraine.
For the period of martial law and within 30 days after its cancellation or termination in Ukraine, foreign journalists accredited for the period of martial law will be able to work without extending the validity of a temporary residence permit in Ukraine after its expiration. Restrictions on the period of stay in Ukraine will not be applied to journalists.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine will inform the Administration of the State Border Guard Service and the State Migration Service about the accredited media representatives.
This decision was made due to the need to simplify the activities of foreign journalists to comprehensively cover the war in Ukraine.
Law on compulsory life and health insurance for foreign journalists
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted a draft law on providing additional security guarantees for foreign journalists working in Ukraine in the areas of hostilities or in the temporarily occupied territories.
The draft law provides for mandatory insurance of life and health of foreign journalists and other media workers (e.g. cameramen, drivers, etc.) for the period of their work in the areas of military (combat) operations and/or in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.
Secondly, media workers who work in conditions hazardous to life and health must be provided by their employers with appropriate means of protection, namely: bulletproof vests, helmets that would protect them from firearms and shrapnel injuries, as well as medical kits.
It should be noted that prior to the adoption of this draft law, the media provided their employees only with relevant documents and signal identification means.
Thirdly, in case of injury (contusion, trauma or mutilation) caused to a journalist during the performance of his professional duties, he is paid from the state budget a one-time financial assistance of 50 subsistence minimums, which is 130 thousand hryvnias.
Visit Ukraine team together with partners has launched a new project - Donation Tours to Ukraine.
We want as many people as possible to learn the truth about what is happening in Ukraine and to join in supporting the country in such a difficult time. Becoming a participant in the project is not only a way to help a country at war, but also an opportunity to express your position and take the side of good when the whole world is suffering from Russia's brutal aggression.
What are donation tours to Ukraine?
Donation tours are a unique project designed to attract foreign tourists to travel to the de-occupied and frontline regions of southern Ukraine and enable everyone to become a volunteer and part of Ukraine's victory.
Our project is not only a means of supporting the country's economy and funding humanitarian missions in the affected regions of southern Ukraine, but also a way to maximize the dissemination of information about the events in the country.
Each participant of the project who comes to Ukraine will be able to spend a few days as a volunteer, helping people and animals, contribute to the victory, experience Ukrainian culture and communicate with people who have seen the consequences of russian aggression and events with their own eyes, as well as immerse themselves in the life of a warring country.
What is included in the program of donation tours to Ukraine?
Each donation tour to Ukraine will be tailored to the individual wishes and requests of the tourist and the situation in the region during the trip, so there will be no two identical programs.
❗️Each person will be able to choose the direction of the tour and the activities they want to join, and, accordingly, the area they want to donate to. It can be:
1. Humanitarian aid in the form of food (formation of food packages for the affected and low-income population)
2. Personal hygiene products for daily use
3. Assistance to animals (food, medicines, sterilization, overstay, etc.)
4. Medicines for civilians (children, adults, elderly)
5. Heating of housing (stoves, stoves, rockets, etc.) donation for production
6. Supporting the work of the volunteer center (fuel for humanitarian aid delivery, car repairs)
7. Help for children. Humanitarian aid for children under 3 years old (diapers, wet wipes, formula, porridge, mashed potatoes, etc.). Humanitarian aid for children under 10 years old (school supplies, books, etc.)
8. Construction materials for the restoration of damaged houses and apartments.
9. Generators and solar panels.
10. Assistance for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
11. Ecology
❗️Each destination is individual in its implementation and will depend on the size of the donation. All the nuances of the tour program will be discussed with the visiting party and customized to the tourist's request.
The tour price includes:
1. Transfer around the city and along all routes of the program
2. Hotel accommodation
3. Breakfasts
4. Insurance
5. Accompaniment of the guide and the work of the guide
6. Translator (if necessary)
7. First aid course (optional)
8. Photos and videos from the trip (all key moments of the stay are recorded)
9. T-shirt/hoodie/cap from the volunteer center
10. Volunteer certificate
11. Chevron (Ukraine/country of the tourist)
12. Gratitude from the foundation (beautiful in a frame😎) and souvenirs
Additional expenses:
1. Lunch and dinner
2. Souvenir products
3. Departure outside the city for excursions
4. Visiting museums
5. Personal expenses
❗️The cost of the tour is floating and depends on the number of days in Ukraine and the individual needs and wishes of the tourist. The minimum donation is $500.
What format will the donation tours take place in?
The final format of the tour will depend on the chosen destination and field of activity and can be combined from several events. It can be:
1. Volunteer work in Mykolaiv (without leaving the city)
2. Volunteer work in the affected and de-occupied villages of Mykolaiv and Kherson regions (safe location, with a low probability of shelling)
3. Visit to a veterinary service center that works on a volunteer basis with injured or abandoned animals in the South of Ukraine
4. Participation in charity events that can take place in our children's center for IDP children or children from large families.
Volunteer work in Mykolaiv will depend on the chosen area of humanitarian aid donations:
- distribution of humanitarian aid in centers where IDPs live;
- working with children in a free children's center (humanitarian aid for children affected by the war, children of IDPs, children from large families)
- visiting a veterinary center that provides free services for animals from the affected regions;
- visits to animal rehoming centers from Mykolaiv and Kherson regions);
- transfer of humanitarian aid to medical institutions in the city, etc.
Additional services include:
1. The opportunity to give a loving family to a rescued animal by taking it home (this issue should be clarified before arrival. The tourist can choose a small tail, and we will prepare all the documents for the animal's departure before arriving in Ukraine).
2. A quick course in first aid.
3. Exploring the natural sights of Mykolaiv region and visiting museums.
Approximate program of the donation tour to Ukraine
To learn more about the donation tour program, please follow the link.
How to get involved?
To book a donation tour to Ukraine, please follow this link. On the website, in the "Donation Tours" section, you can immediately choose the format of the tour (within the city or with a visit to the villages) and the direction to which the donation will be directed. After booking, a manager will contact you to discuss the details and the tour program.
The tour program will be unique and will depend solely on your wishes, preferences and requests.