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Obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine

Foreign nationals and stateless persons have the right to legally stay in Ukraine for a certain period depending on the visa requirements of their country of citizenship. For visa-free countries, the maximum stay is 90 days within any 180-day period. For visa-required countries, the permitted stay corresponds to the duration of the visa.
 
The period begins from the date of actual border crossing. Exceeding the allowed period constitutes a violation of migration legislation and entails administrative liability.
 
To reside in Ukraine for more than 90 days or beyond the visa’s validity period, a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) must be obtained. You can handle this independently or entrust the process to us – the experts at Misechko & Partners Law Firm. We provide comprehensive assistance: from document preparation and translations to communication with the migration authorities.
 
Legal Grounds for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit
A complete list of legal grounds is provided in Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine No. 3773-VI “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons” dated 22 September 2011. The most common grounds include:
  • Work in branches or representative offices of foreign companies or banks,
  • Investment activity (participation in a Ukrainian legal entity with a share of at least €100,000),
  • International technical assistance,
  • Study in an accredited educational institution in Ukraine,
  • Religious or non-governmental organizational activity,
  • Participation in cultural, scientific, educational, or volunteer programs,
  • Journalism,
  • Family reunification.
General Procedure for Obtaining a TRP
The main regulation is the Procedure for issuance, exchange, cancellation, forwarding, withdrawal, return to the state, invalidation, and destruction of temporary residence permits, approved by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 322 dated 25 April 2018.
 
Step 1. Determining the legal ground and collecting required documents
This may include invitation letters, permits, contracts, etc.
 
Step 2. Obtaining a type D visa (if required)
Citizens of visa-required countries must obtain a long-term “D” visa from a Ukrainian consulate abroad. The visa is issued based on a document confirming the purpose of stay (e.g., work permit, admission letter from an educational institution).
 
Step 3. Submitting the application
Documents can be submitted in person or through an authorized representative to one of the following bodies:
  • Territorial body or unit of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS),
  • Administrative Services Centers (CNAP),
  • Passport Service Centers of the “Document” State Enterprise.
Step 4. Application review and permit issuance
Applicants must provide biometric data (photo, fingerprints). The SMS reviews the application and issues the permit within 15 business days from the submission date.
 
Step 5. Registration of place of residence
Within 30 days of receiving the permit, the applicant must register their address at a CNAP or local government authority.
 
General List of Documents for a TRP
Basic package for all grounds:
  • Completed application form.
  • Foreign passport with type D visa (if required) and its copy.
  • Notarized Ukrainian translation of the passport data page.
  • Valid health insurance covering the entire period of the permit.
  • Receipt of payment of the administrative fee (or exemption document).
Note: If submitted by an authorized representative – additional documents include their ID and a notarized power of attorney.
 
Additional Documents by Ground
Employment
  • Work permit issued by the Employment Center.
Note: The permit is issued for the term of the work permit, up to 2 years.
 
Work in foreign representative offices or banks
  • Letter of introduction from the entity, employment contract, appointment document (order/resolution).
Investment in a Ukrainian company (min €100,000 share)
  • Founding documents of the legal entity, evidence of investment, company registry extract, written undertaking to notify loss of shareholder status.
International technical assistance
  • Letter from the state beneficiary institution, certified project registration card from the Ministry of Economy, employment contract, or proof of expert/consultant status.
Study
  • Admission order, confirmation of payment (if applicable), accommodation confirmation, license and accreditation of the educational program (if required), institution’s undertaking to notify in case of expulsion.
Note: Permit is granted for the duration of study.
 
Religious or NGO activity
  • Letter of introduction from a registered foreign religious/NGO organization in Ukraine, charter copy, proof of registration with justice authorities.
Cultural, scientific, educational, or volunteer programs
  • Invitation letter from the host organization in Ukraine specifying the purpose, duration, and nature of the activity, proof of funding (grant/scholarship), contract with the host, proof of the organization’s registration.
Journalism
  • Letter from a foreign media outlet, accreditation with the MFA or Parliament (usually), editorial assignment or contract, letter from the media confirming coverage plans in Ukraine.
Family reunification or marriage with a Ukrainian citizen
For marriage: marriage certificate
 
For reunification: proof of family relationship (birth/marriage certificate), TRP of the family member
 
Also required:
  • Passport and Tax ID of the Ukrainian citizen
  • Proof of residence of the Ukrainian citizen
  • Joint statement confirming family ties and intent to live together
Note: Application for TRP based on marriage must be submitted jointly by both spouses and is issued for 1 year, with possible extension.
 
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