Temporary Residence Permit for Foreign Military Personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: What Changed After Cabinet Resolution 573-2026

As of 10 May 2026, foreigners and stateless persons serving under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, or the National Guard are required to obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine.

We explain: who must apply and when, what documents are needed, and what benefits are available under Cabinet Resolution 573-2026.

Who Is Affected by the New Rules?

All foreigners and stateless persons who have signed a military service contract with:

the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
the State Special Transport Service;
the National Guard of Ukraine.

When to Apply for a Residence Permit: Two Scenarios

Contract signed before 10 May 2026

You must obtain a temporary residence permit by 10 November 2026. Until then, lawful presence is confirmed by your military registration document or service ID.

Contract signed after 10 May 2026

According to the current position of the State Migration Service, you must apply for a residence permit no later than 15 working days before your authorised stay expires. If less time remains - first extend your authorised stay, then apply for the permit.

The 15-working-day deadline reflects the current SMS position. Practice is still developing - verify current requirements with your local SMS office or a legal adviser.

What Documents Does a Foreign Service Member Need?

All documents must be submitted as originals:

Passport or stateless person's identity document with a notarially certified Ukrainian translation + tax identification number (if available);
Proof of administrative fee payment;
Military registration document or service ID;
Military service contract with the Armed Forces, SSTS, or National Guard;
Written undertaking from the military unit to notify the SMS of early contract termination.

If your passport has expired. Service members who are citizens of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Bolivia, Cuba, North Korea, Nicaragua, Sudan, Syria, Zimbabwe, or Venezuela may submit an expired passport or one due for renewal.

Benefits When Applying

Foreign contractors benefit from significant simplifications compared to the standard procedure:

No address verification - lease agreement or other proof of residence is not required;
No residence registration required after receiving the permit;
No health insurance policy required.

How Long Is the Permit Valid?

For the duration of the service contract plus six months after termination.
If the contract is extended, the permit is exchanged for the new term.

Note on expired passports. Even if your passport has expired or is due for renewal, your presence in Ukraine remains lawful for the full duration of the contract and six months after its termination.

Contract Termination: What Happens to the Permit?

Standard discharge - expiry of term, health reasons, resignation, or other ordinary grounds: the permit remains valid for six months after service ends.
Disciplinary termination - desertion, unauthorised absence, or other serious violations (as defined in sub-clauses «д», «е», «з», «и», «ї», «м» of para. 1, «д», «е», «ж», «з», «ї» of para. 2, and «в», «и», «і», «ї», «к» of para. 3, part 5, Article 26 of the Law of Ukraine on Military Duty and Military Service): the six-month buffer does not apply.

Migration service decision to cancel the permit may be appealed through administrative channels or to an administrative court within two months of the decision date.

After Service: The Path to Permanent Residence

After completing service, a foreign contractor may apply for a permanent residence permit in Ukraine. Grounds include:

3+ years of service or at least 1 year during martial law - immigration permit within the quota;
Any length of service + declared unfit for service on health grounds due to combat wounds or illness sustained on duty - immigration permit within the quota;
Spouse and children under 18 of a deceased foreign contractor - immigration permit outside the quota.

For full details on the procedure, see our permanent residence permit service page.

Common Mistakes When Applying

Submitting copies instead of originals. All documents must be originals - copies are not accepted.
Missing unit undertaking. Without this document, the application will not be accepted.
Untranslated or uncertified passport translation. The translation must be notarially certified. A translation agency stamp alone is not sufficient.
Name spelling inconsistencies. The name and surname in the passport, contract, and translation must match exactly. Differences caused by varying transliteration systems can result in the application being suspended. Check consistency before submission.
Missing the deadline. If fewer than 15 working days remain before your authorised stay expires - extend your stay first, then apply for the permit.

We handle everything: case assessment, document preparation, SMS correspondence, and full support through to permit issuance. We can also assist with permanent residence if needed.

Contact a specialist

Prepared on the basis of Law No. 4730-IX of 17 December 2025 and Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 573 of 6 May 2026. The application of these rules is still evolving - we recommend confirming current requirements with a legal adviser or your local SMS office.