Temporary Residence Permit for Journalists in Ukraine in 2025

Today, as Ukraine remains in the spotlight of global media, the demand for timely, truthful, and professional first-hand information is extremely high. Journalists, reporters, correspondents, and documentary filmmakers from around the world come to Ukraine to cover events of global importance.

But to work effectively, freely, and responsibly, they need not only accreditation or a press card, but also a legal status that allows a foreigner to stay for at least a year without worrying about overstaying permitted terms.

A temporary residence permit allows a foreign journalist to legally stay in Ukraine, open bank accounts, rent housing, register a place of residence, access medical services, and carry out their professional duties within the framework of the law.

However, before obtaining a residence permit, it is necessary to prepare the required set of documents. And this is precisely where difficulties may arise.

In this article, we will look at the barriers foreign correspondents face when seeking to stay in Ukraine legally, as well as possible ways to address this situation.

Explanation of the Old Mechanism for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit Based on Media Work

Until January 2025, foreign journalists and employees of foreign media who came to Ukraine for work and residence had the opportunity to legalize their stay by obtaining a temporary residence permit. This possibility was established by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated April 25, 2018, No. 322.

The procedure requires submitting a set of documents to the territorial office of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, namely:

• the foreigner’s passport;
• a notarized Ukrainian translation of the passport;
• a valid health insurance policy covering the entire period of the permit’s validity;
• proof of payment of the administrative fee;
• a taxpayer identification number and a rental agreement, if available.

For journalists, two key documents are mandatory, without which obtaining the permit is impossible:

• an official request from the respective foreign media outlet;
• a petition from the Ministry for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine.

Is It Possible to Obtain a Temporary Residence Permit on This Basis Now?

It is precisely the last requirement, the submission from the Ministry for Reintegration, that creates a legal conflict. According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated December 3, 2024, No. 1366, the Ministry for Reintegration was reorganized, and the Ministry of National Unity of Ukraine was established. However, part of the authority to issue the required submission confirming the purpose of stay for a foreign journalist was not transferred to the new ministry.

As a result, since the beginning of 2025, foreign media representatives have lost the ability to obtain or extend a residence permit based on their professional activity. Although the procedure for obtaining a submission from the Ministry for Reintegration was clearly defined and regulated, the authority to issue it was not transferred to any body following the reorganization.

This creates significant difficulties both for correspondents and media representatives already in Ukraine and for those who had planned to come, since the required document cannot be obtained under the current legal framework.

What Is the Way Out (How to Legalize One’s Stay)

Since, as of today, obtaining a temporary residence permit on the basis of working as a correspondent or representative of foreign media has become impossible due to the uncoordinated transfer of powers between ministries, foreign journalists and correspondents must look for other legal mechanisms to stay in Ukraine lawfully.

An analysis of the current legislation that defines the grounds for obtaining a residence permit shows that there are several alternatives that can provide legalization of their status.

1. Residence Permit Based on Employment

One of the most practical options is obtaining a temporary residence permit through official employment. To do this, a foreigner must either find an employer in Ukraine willing to hire them or register their own legal entity.

It’s worth noting that in this case, it is mandatory to obtain a work permit for the foreigner from the employment center, as well as a written undertaking from the employer, which must include notification of early termination or dissolution of the employment contract with the foreigner.

Of course, this is a viable solution when a correspondent or foreign media outlet collaborates with a Ukrainian publication or company and runs joint projects. But what if the correspondent works on a volunteer basis? We will discuss that further.

2. Residence Permit Based on Volunteer Activity

Another legal pathway is participation in the activities of volunteer organizations. Many civic or charitable groups, especially in wartime conditions, need professional media content, including texts, videos, photos, to inform the public, raise aid, cover and disseminate important events, or support international communication.

Journalists who engage in such activities as volunteers can obtain a residence permit on the basis of volunteering. In this case, the volunteer organization hosting the foreigner must be officially included in the list published on the website of the National Social Service of Ukraine. The required document package includes:

• a petition from the organization requesting the foreigner’s involvement in volunteer activities;
• an extract from the state register confirming the organization’s registration;
• an extract from the National Social Service’s list.

Also, depending on the specifics of one’s activity and needs, it is possible to obtain a residence permit on the basis of participation in the representative office or branch of a foreign legal entity, or through engagement in cultural, scientific, or educational activities.

Accordingly, although the mechanism for obtaining a residence permit based on media activity is temporarily unavailable, foreign journalists still have practical options for legalizing their stay. Of course, the option that will work for a particular foreigner must be determined by a professional migration lawyer who can take all risks into account.

Legal Support for Foreign Journalists in Ukraine

In complex and unstable legal conditions, when the usual mechanisms of legalizing the stay of foreign media representatives no longer work, it is important to have a reliable legal partner. Our team specializes in migration law and provides support to foreign citizens in the process of obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine.

We are ready to provide comprehensive legal support, including:

• Analyzing your situation and determining the optimal basis for legalizing your stay;
• Full support in obtaining a temporary residence permit, whether through employment or volunteer activity;
• Preparing the complete package of documents for submission to the State Migration Service or other relevant authorities;
• Liaising with employers and volunteer organizations: we help find reliable partners for document processing and ensure the legal integrity of cooperation;
• Consultations on tax identification numbers, insurance, housing rental, and other accompanying matters that are an important part of the legalization process.

We understand that for journalists, it is important not only to remain in the country legally but also to carry out their professional mission freely. That is why we strive to ensure a fast, reliable, and smooth document processing experience, even under the changed legal conditions.

Reach out to us today, and you will receive not only legal support but also a partner who understands the specifics of your work and your interests.