How a Foreigner Can Obtain an Immigration Permit in Ukraine
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Planning to move to Ukraine for permanent residence? To do this legally, you must complete the official procedure and obtain an immigration permit for Ukraine.
This is the stage where many foreigners encounter the realities of Ukrainian bureaucracy. The process involves numerous documents, quotas, different eligibility categories, and review periods by the State Migration Service that can take up to six months and sometimes even a year. In some cases, the review may be suspended. Without professional immigration support, the procedure can turn into a long and exhausting process.
Our expertise is based on more than ten years of experience working within the State Migration Service and supporting dozens of successful cases. We know every nuance of the procedure and help clients complete it quickly and correctly, from the initial consultation to the issuance of the immigration permit. In this article, we explain how to move to Ukraine legally, what quotas and categories exist, what documents you need, and how to avoid common mistakes.
This is a practical guide prepared by experienced immigration lawyers that will help you plan your move with confidence and peace of mind.
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What an Immigration Permit Is and Who Can Obtain It
An immigration permit is an official document that grants a foreign national or stateless person the right to relocate to Ukraine for permanent residence. It is issued by the State Migration Service in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration.”
To manage migration flows during periods of high demand, the state sets immigration quotas. These quotas define the maximum number of applicants in specific categories, which include:
- scholars and cultural figures whose work is important to Ukraine;
- highly qualified specialists and their families;
- investors who contribute at least 100,000 USD;
- close relatives of Ukrainian citizens;
- former citizens of Ukraine
- spouses and children of those who already hold immigrant status;
- service members of the Armed Forces or National Guard with more than three years of service.
There are also categories that do not fall under the quota, such as spouses of Ukrainian citizens, parents or children, guardians, or individuals whose immigration is considered to be in the state’s interest.
In other words, the right to obtain an immigration permit is available both to those who are connected to Ukraine through family or professional ties and to those who wish to make Ukraine their second home.
Steps Required to Obtain an Immigration Permit for Ukraine
From a legal standpoint, the procedure seems straightforward. In practice, it involves many small requirements, and any overlooked detail or minor inaccuracy in the documents can become a reason for refusal.
The process is meticulous and requires a structured approach. The applicant must collect all documents needed for the immigration permit, confirm lawful stay in Ukraine, submit an application, provide biometric data, submit certified translations, obtain police clearance certificates and medical records, and also prove their right to housing in Ukraine. The final step is to wait for the decision.
Key information every foreigner should know about the immigration permit process:
- Preparing the documents.
Gather the complete set of documents required for an immigration permit in accordance with Ukrainian legislation. Proper preparation at this stage significantly increases the chances of a positive decision without additional requests or delays.
2. Submitting the application.The procedure depends on your place of permanent residence:
- If you live abroad, apply for an immigration permit at the Ukrainian diplomatic mission or consular office in your country of residence.
- If you are legally staying in Ukraine, submit your application to the local office of the State Migration Service of Ukraine at your place of residence.
After reviewing the submitted application, the State Migration Service issues a decision either granting or denying the immigration permit. A copy of the decision is sent:
- directly to the applicant or their legal representative immediately, but no later than three working days from the date the decision is made;
- or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the relevant foreign diplomatic mission of Ukraine, if the documents were submitted abroad.
It is also important to follow the rules for submitting an application for an immigration permit:
- Document submission. The application and all required documents must be submitted in person.
- Special rules for minors and individuals lacking legal capacity. The application is submitted by legal representatives on behalf of applicants under 18 years old, as well as persons declared legally incapable.
Please note! Strict compliance with these rules significantly speeds up the application review process and reduces the risk of additional requests from the SMS.
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Required Documents for Obtaining an Immigration Permit in Ukraine
To ensure the process goes smoothly, it is important to prepare the full set of documents in advance and complete them correctly.
- Electronic application. The application is filled out digitally at the time of document submission.
- Passport and identity documents.
- The main passport of the foreign citizen; if you hold multiple citizenships, provide all passports.
- For stateless persons, the relevant identity document (returned after verification) and its copy.
- A decision of the competent Ukrainian authority recognizing the applicant as a stateless person.
4. Proof of residence. Required for those temporarily staying in Ukraine or applying through Ukrainian diplomatic missions abroad:
- A document confirming ownership of housing, or a certificate of state registration of ownership (the original is returned after verification) and a copy;
- If the residence belongs to another person, written consent from the owner, notarized as required;
- For state or municipal housing, a document confirming the right of use (rental, lease, or sublease agreement) and written consent from all adults registered at the address.
6. Medical certificates. Proof of the absence of chronic alcoholism, drug addiction, substance abuse, or certain infectious diseases defined by law. This requirement does not apply to several categories of persons under the Law “On Immigration.”
7. Certificate of no criminal record. Issued by the competent authority of the applicant’s previous country of residence or through a Ukrainian diplomatic mission. Certain categories are exempt under Ukrainian legislation.
8. Receipt of administrative fee payment. A document confirming payment of the required state fee for processing the immigration application.
9. Documents confirming grounds for permanent residence and immigration. Employment contract, study agreement, marriage to a Ukrainian citizen, investment documents, or other legal grounds.
Timeframes for SMS Application Review and Submitting the Permanent Residence Form
The processing time for an immigration permit application by the State Migration Service depends primarily on where the documents are submitted:
- If submitted to the central executive authority responsible for state migration policy, the procedure takes no more than 6 months from the date of submission.
- If submitted through Ukrainian diplomatic missions or consular offices abroad, the review period is no more than 1 year.
Please note! Delays most often occur due to an incomplete document package or mistakes in document preparation. To avoid risks and save time, it is recommended to seek assistance from a migration lawyer who can ensure compliance with deadlines and legal requirements.
After receiving the immigration permit, you have 1 year to submit the application form for a permanent residence permit, giving you enough time to prepare documents and organize your relocation without unnecessary pressure.
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Legal Support for Immigration to Ukraine
We understand how difficult it can be for a foreigner to navigate Ukrainian bureaucracy: dozens of documents, processing times of up to six months, and the risk of refusal due to minor mistakes. This is where our expertise becomes your key to a smooth and stress-free relocation.
At the Pravova Dopomoga law firm, we help clients not just “submit documents to the State Migration Service,” but achieve the goal of obtaining an immigration permit to Ukraine on the first attempt with maximum convenience and full transparency. Our lawyers:
- Assess your grounds for immigration and choose the most reliable path for legal relocation with no risks related to an incorrect category or basis.
- Prepare the entire document package, eliminating errors that could delay or block the process.
- Assist with submission and communication with the State Migration Service, overseeing each step, responding to any requests, and staying in touch even in force majeure situations.
- Monitor processing timelines and the issuance of the permit, ensuring that you receive the result without stress and without unnecessary delays.
We also provide full support for your relocation, including legalization, housing and tax consultations, assistance with starting a business and opening a bank account in Ukraine, purchasing property, or handling inheritance matters. You receive everything in one place without the need to look for additional specialists.
Submit a request and we will take care of the most complex steps so that you can focus on planning your life in Ukraine with confidence and peace of mind.
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