Changing the Basis of a Temporary Residence Permit in Ukraine When Changing Jobs or Family Status

Life changes quickly. A new job, marriage or divorce, and new personal plans can all mark a new stage. For foreign nationals in Ukraine, however, such changes also create an important legal task: determining whether the basis to renew their temporary residence permit.

Failure to reissue a temporary residence permit on time or doing so incorrectly may result in the permit being cancelled, fines, deportation, or even a ban on re-entry into Ukraine. That is why understanding when action is required and how to proceed is critical.

In this article, we explain how a foreign national can properly change the basis for residence in Ukraine in order to remain compliant with the law, avoid penalties, and maintain an uninterrupted legal status.

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What to Do If the Basis for Residence in Ukraine Has Changed

First, it is important to understand what a “change in the basis for residence” means. This occurs when the reason under which a foreign national was granted the right to temporary residence in Ukraine is terminated or modified. Common examples include:

• termination of employment with the company that hired the foreign national;
• divorce from a Ukrainian citizen, where the residence permit was issued on the basis of marriage;
• change of place of study or completion of studies;
• termination of volunteer, religious, educational, or scientific activities that served as the basis for temporary residence;
• acquisition of a different legal status (for example, obtaining a permanent residence permit).

When the basis for temporary residence changes, action must be taken quickly and in the correct order. Proper compliance affects not only the legality of stay in Ukraine but also the ability to obtain a new residence permit without complications. The general procedure is as follows:

1. Notify the Migration Service of the termination of the grounds for temporary residence.
   
   This must be done by the host party, such as the employer, educational institution, volunteer or religious organization, or the other spouse. The law sets a strict deadline of 10 calendar days from the date the basis changes.
   
   
2. Revocation of the temporary residence permit by the Migration Service based on the host party’s submission.
   
   This decision is sent to the foreign national, who is required to deregister their place of residence, surrender the permit, and leave Ukraine within 7 calendar days. A notification is also sent to the Administration of the State Border Guard Service to monitor the departure.

Successful case: D-14 Visa to Ukraine Based on Marriage: Legal Assistance for a UK Citizen

Consequences of Failing to Follow the Rules for Changing the Basis of Residence

Ignoring or delaying the required procedures can have serious consequences for both the foreign national and the host party.

Let’s start with the risks for the foreign national. If the statutory deadlines are violated, the foreign national may face administrative fines ranging from UAH 1,700 to UAH 5,100, forced return from Ukraine, and, in severe cases, the imposition of a ban on future entry into Ukraine.

For the host party, meaning the individual or legal entity that invited the foreign national to Ukraine, the following fines apply:

• for an individual, such as the other spouse, a fine ranging from UAH 850 to UAH 1,700;
• for a legal entity, such as an employer company or a volunteer or religious organization, a fine ranging from UAH 1,700 to UAH 3,400. In this case, the fine is imposed on the responsible official.

How to Obtain a New Residence Permit After a Change in the Basis of Residence

How do you apply for a new residence permit if you have a new lawful basis for staying in Ukraine, such as:

• a new employment agreement;
• a new marriage to a Ukrainian citizen;
• a change in residency status;
• investment activity in Ukraine;
• the birth of a child who is a Ukrainian citizen, and similar grounds.

After a temporary residence permit is revoked or declared invalid, as noted above, the foreign national is required to leave Ukraine. The next step is to determine whether a D-type visa corresponding to the new basis for residence is required.

Please note! If the foreign national is a citizen of a country that has a visa-free regime with Ukraine, a D visa is not required.

After re-entering Ukraine, the foreign national must submit documents to the Migration Service to apply for a new temporary residence permit.

It is important to note that this is not an exchange of the existing permit. The previous permit is revoked, and a new permit is issued based on a new legal ground. For this reason, departure from Ukraine and, where applicable, obtaining a new D visa are mandatory steps.

Successful case: Obtaining a D visa based on employment in Ukraine: How we helped a Beijing citizen secure a visa

How to Act Correctly: Migration Lawyer Support When Applying for a New Residence Permit

A change in the basis for residence is a process that leaves no room for unstructured decisions. Late notification of the Migration Service, incorrectly filed documents, or ignoring the requirement to leave Ukraine inevitably creates legal risks, often with significant financial consequences. If your basis for residence has changed, you should:

1. Consult a lawyer who specializes in migration law.
2. Determine whether you have an alternative legal ground for stay (employment, education, family ties, or investment).
3. Prepare the documents required to reissue or obtain a new residence permit.

Our specialists have extensive expertise and have been providing comprehensive legal support to foreign nationals for over 10 years. In particular, we assist clients with obtaining new residence permits. For our clients, we:

• assess the situation and determine whether a residence permit must be reissued;
• review documents and prepare a complete submission package for the Migration Service;
• assist with obtaining a D visa where required;
• accompany the submission of documents to the State Migration Service.

For our clients, this means more than legal assistance. It provides a clear and structured course of action that ensures a lawful stay in Ukraine and helps avoid fines, permit cancellation, deportation, or entry bans.

Contact us today. The sooner you receive a professional legal assessment, the greater your chances of maintaining uninterrupted legal status and successfully obtaining a new residence permit.