Can a foreigner apply for immigration to Ukraine from abroad?
Foreigners who are abroad and do not plan to visit Ukraine soon have the right to submit documents for immigration through the Embassy or Consulate of Ukraine in the country of their citizenship or permanent residence.
This option is available only for foreigners who do not have a temporary residence permit in Ukraine.
Where can you apply for immigration to Ukraine abroad?
Documents for immigration to Ukraine abroad can be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Ukraine in the country of citizenship or permanent residence. If there are several Ukrainian diplomatic missions in your country of residence, check which consular district you belong to. This is usually determined by your place of registration.
It is also advisable to confirm in advance whether the specific diplomatic mission accepts documents for an immigration permit. In theory, all Ukrainian missions should handle this, but there may be exceptions.
What documents are required to apply for an immigration permit through the Embassy/Consulate of Ukraine?
To apply for an immigration permit abroad, you need to collect the same set of documents as for submission in Ukraine. You can find the list of documents on our page dedicated to permanent residence permit in Ukraine.
What are the steps for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine?
- Submitting documents for an immigration permitthrough the Embassy/Consulate of Ukraine — processing time up to 1 year.
- Receiving a copy of the immigration permit.
- Applying for a D-01 visa based on the immigration permit — up to 10 business days.
- Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine — up to 15 business days (documents can only be submitted from within Ukraine).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of applying for an immigration permit abroad?
Advantages:
- No need to travel to Ukraine to apply for documents, which is especially important during the war due to complicated transportation and potential shelling.
- During the review process, no on-site inspection at the place of residence is conducted, which is often a reason for denial for applicants in Ukraine.
Disadvantages:
- Longer processing time — 1 year instead of 6 months in Ukraine.
- The need to translate all documents into Ukrainian. In Ukraine, it is relatively easy to arrange and certify translations according to Migration service requirements. However, finding a Ukrainian translator abroad can be difficult. Usually, consuls or diplomatic staff can provide contacts for such translators. The process is simplified if there are translators at the Embassy or Consulate, but this option is not always available. A translation certified by a foreign notary may require an apostille or legalization, depending on the country where it was performed.
- Translation costs abroad are generally higher than in Ukraine.
How to book an appointment at the Embassy/Consulate of Ukraine?
Usually, to book an appointment for this service, you need to call the consular department or send an email. The contact details are always available on the website of the respective Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate.