Permanent residence permit in Ukraine
Full package of services for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine:
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Service overview
1) Permanent residence permit (PRP) in Ukraine is a resident status that grants a foreign national the right to reside in Ukraine indefinitely and guarantees the maximum scope of rights available to a non-citizen of Ukraine.
2) A permanent residence permit in Ukraine gives a foreign national the following rights:
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to reside in Ukraine without the need to count days of stay or renew documents annually;
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to remain in the country without time limits;
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to work without a work permit;
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to receive free medical care;
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to open and freely use bank accounts;
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the possibility to become a tax resident;
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to obtain visas of foreign states at their embassies/consulates in Ukraine.
3) The basis for obtaining a permanent residence permit is an immigration permit issued by the State Migration Service of Ukraine. The right to obtain an immigration permit is provided for certain categories of foreigners; here is the full list of grounds for obtaining a PRP in Ukraine.
4) Validity period of the “PRP in Ukraine” status is indefinite; however, the ID card, which is both an identity document and proof of PRP status, is valid for 10 years, after which it must be replaced with a new one. Replacement may be made an unlimited number of times, and there is no need to obtain the immigration permit again.
5) Timeframe for processing a permanent residence permit is up to 6 months for the immigration permit and 15 business days for the PRP card itself.
The cost of services
- Consultation
- Preparation of documents for immigration permit and permanent residence permit
- Submission of a package of documents to the Migration Service accompanied by a lawyer
- Control of the process of immigration and obtaining a copy of the immigration permit
- Submission of documents and obtaining a permanent residence permit accompanied by a lawyer
- 22500 uah
- Payment of state fees
- 3400 uah
- Confirmation of the qualifications as a highly qualified specialist
- 18500 uah
- Translation of the necessary documents into Ukrainian, certified by a notary
- from 600 uah (depends on volume and language)
- Search for an address for submitting documents in Kyiv
- by agreement
- Notarizing a power of attorney for employees of our company
- 1200 uah
- Consultation
- Verification of existing and assistance in processing missing documents
- Forming a package of documents for applying for an immigration permit
- Assistance of a lawyer when submitting documents to the Migration Service (if submitted in Kyiv)
- Detailed instructions on self-monitoring of the process of issuing an immigration permit and obtaining a permanent residence permit
- 12700 uah
- Translation of the necessary documents into Ukrainian, certified by a notary
- from 600 uah (depends on volume and language)
Detailed information
What is a permanent residence permit (PRP) in Ukraine?
A permanent residence permit in Ukraine is an indefinite resident status that is officially granted by the state and gives a foreign national the right to live and work without a visa and without a separate work permit. The status is confirmed by an ID card that must be replaced every 10 years.
This document is often also called PRP, permanent residence, permanent residence card, a permit for permanent residence, an indefinite residence permit, and so on.
Officially, the document is called “Permanent residence permit in Ukraine” (Посвідка на постійне проживання в Україні).
Rights and obligations under a PRP in Ukraine
A permanent residence permit (PRP) practically equates a foreigner to a citizen of Ukraine: one may freely enter/leave and reside without limits, work without additional permits, open bank accounts, buy real estate, use free medical care, and serve as a basis for issuing a PRP to close relatives (family reunification). At the same time, there are obligations — to replace the PRP card every 10 years on time, register one’s place of residence, pay taxes as a resident, and strictly comply with Ukrainian law. Political rights (voting, civil service) are still unavailable.
Grounds for obtaining a permanent residence permit (PRP) in Ukraine
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A marriage with a citizen of Ukraine is a ground only if it has lasted for more than 2 years;
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Submission of documents for immigration on the basis of marriage takes place with the personal presence of both husband and wife;
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The spouses must sign consent to interviews and to a check for a sham marriage and be prepared that, during consideration of the application, they may be summoned for an interview by the Department for Combating Illegal Migration of the State Migration Service and/or the Security Service of Ukraine;
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If at least one parent of the child is a foreigner, the child must obtain confirmation of Ukrainian citizenship.
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The brother or sister must be full siblings (having both the same mother and father);
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A police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and medical certificates must be submitted.
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An immigrant is someone who already has PRP in Ukraine;
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Marriage to an immigrant is a ground only if it has lasted for more than 2 years;
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Incapacity of parents is most often confirmed by a pension certificate;
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A police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship, medical certificates, and a notarized statement that the immigrant does not object to the family’s immigration and guarantees their financial support at a level not lower than the subsistence minimum established in Ukraine must be submitted.
- Territorial origin applies to an applicant for an immigration permit who was born in, or resided on, the territory of Ukraine before 24 August 1991, or if this applies to any of their relatives:
— at least one of their parents;
— a grandfather or grandmother;
— a full brother or sister;
— a son or daughter;
— a grandson or granddaughter.
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Confirmation of renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship is required (usually a certificate from the Embassy of Ukraine indicating the date and number of the Presidential Decree of Ukraine);
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A police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and medical certificates must be submitted.
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A “Ukrainian abroad” is a foreign national or a stateless person who has Ukrainian ethnic origin and has obtained a certificate confirming this;
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Family members may immigrate only in the case of joint entry and stay on the territory of Ukraine;
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A police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and medical certificates must be submitted.
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The investment must be in an amount of at least USD 100,000;
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At present, such an investment is possible only as a contribution of funds to the charter capital of a Ukrainian resident legal entity;
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A police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and medical certificates must be submitted.
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Provided they have continuously resided in Ukraine for three years from the date they were granted the status of a victim of human trafficking;
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A police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and medical certificates must be submitted.
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Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) for more than 3 years, or a conclusion of the Military Medical Commission (MMC) stating unfitness due to injuries sustained in the line of duty;
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A police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and medical certificates must be provided.
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The list of specialties and requirements is approved annually by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine;
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Compliance with qualification requirements is confirmed by the relevant executive authority jointly with the Ministry of Economy, which issues a conclusion to be submitted to the Migration Service;
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Medical certificates must be submitted.
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It is necessary to obtain a petition from a central executive body of Ukraine stating that the immigration constitutes a state interest for Ukraine;
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A police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and medical certificates must be submitted.
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Continuous residence means residence in Ukraine if a single private trip abroad does not exceed 90 days, and the total per year is 180 days;
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To apply under this category, you must have lived in Ukraine with a temporary residence permit for 5 consecutive years while continuously renewing (replacing) the permit;
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If the permit was annulled or the applicant voluntarily surrendered the TRP, calculation of the 5-year term is interrupted;
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Applicants whose TRP is based on marriage (to a citizen of Ukraine or to a foreigner) or on university studies cannot apply under this category;
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A police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and medical certificates must be submitted.
Procedure for obtaining a PRP in Ukraine
- Preparation of documents from 1 w.d.
- Consultations
- Preparation of necessary documents, statements, translations into Ukrainian and their certification
- Submission of documents for obtaining an immigration permit 1 w.d.
- A foreigner accompanied by a lawyer personally submits documents to the Migration Service
- Review of documents by the Migration Service to 6 months
- Verification of documents by the Migration service
- Verification of the applicant by other state bodies (SBU, National Police, etc.)
- Making a decision to issue or refuse an immigration permit
- Receipt of the decision by email
- Submission of documents for obtaining a permanent residence permit (ID card) 1 w.d.
- A foreigner, accompanied by a lawyer, personally submits documents to the Migration Service or DP Document
- Upon application, a foreigner is photographed, fingerprints are taken, and the signature is digitized
- If the applicant did not have a temporary residence permit or an extension of stay before that, it is necessary to obtain a D-01 visa before submitting the documents for the permit (with the exception of citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Uzbekistan)
- Review of documents by the Migration Service and obtaining a permanent residence permit to 15 w.d.
- The migration service checks the documents and grants permission to issue a permanent residence permit
- The foreigner verifies the ID with fingerprints
- On the last free page of the passport, a note about receiving the permit is placed
List of documents for obtaining a PRP in Ukraine
1. Passport
2. Passport translation
3. Document confirming place of residence abroad
4. Medical certificates form No. 028/o and No. 100-2/o
Except:
- husband or wife of citizens of Ukraine (provided that they have been married for more than two years)
- children and parents of citizens of Ukraine
- persons who have the right to acquire Ukrainian citizenship by territorial origin
5. Certificate of no criminal record in the country of citizenship
Except:
- husband or wife of citizens of Ukraine (provided that they have been married for more than two years)
- children and parents of citizens of Ukraine
- persons who have the right to acquire Ukrainian citizenship by territorial origin
- highly qualified specialists and workers whose acute shortage is tangible for the economy of Ukraine
6. Statement by the spouse confirming that he/she does not object to the immigration of the children together with the other parent
1. A temporary residence permit and a certificate of registration of place of residence
2. A title document for the dwelling and a notarized consent statement of the owner(s) to registration together with their passport documents (if the dwelling does not belong to the applicant)
1. For the spouse, children and parents of a citizen of Ukraine
Marriage certificate or birth certificate
Certificate confirming that the child is registered as a citizen of Ukraine
2. For foreigners who are full siblings, a grandfather or grandmother, a grandson or granddaughter of a citizen of Ukraine
3. For the husband or wife of an immigrant, his/her children under 18, and incapacitated parents
The marriage to the immigrant must have lasted for more than two years. The following documents must be submitted:
Documents confirming the applicant’s family ties with the immigrant
A document stating that the immigrant does not object to the applicant’s immigration and guarantees financial support at a level not lower than the subsistence minimum established in Ukraine
4. For foreigners who have the right to obtain a PRP in Ukraine by territorial origin
5. For foreigners who previously held Ukrainian citizenship
Birth certificate
6. For Ukrainians abroad, spouses of Ukrainians abroad, and their children — in the case of their joint entry and stay in Ukraine
7. Foreigners who have made a foreign investment in Ukraine’s economy in an amount of at least 100 (one hundred) thousand US dollars
- Articles of association
- A registered agreement on investment activity (if available)
- A bank certificate confirming the receipt of a foreign investment (in foreign convertible currency in an amount of at least 100 thousand US dollars) into Ukraine’s economy. The certificate is signed by the head of the bank or its division, contains the date of issue and number, is sealed, and is valid for six months from the date of issue.
8. Highly qualified specialists and workers whose acute shortage is tangible for the economy of Ukraine
9. Persons who have served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for three or more years
10. Persons who have continuously resided in Ukraine on the basis of a temporary residence permit during the last 5 years
A certificate of registration of place of residence
A passport with entries of border crossings of Ukraine for the last 5 years
11. Foreigners who have continuously resided in Ukraine for three years from the date they were granted the status of a victim of human trafficking
A document confirming the fact of continuous lawful residence in Ukraine for three years from the date the status of a victim of human trafficking was granted
12. Scientists and cultural figures whose immigration meets the interests of Ukraine
13. Foreigners who are guardians of citizens of Ukraine, or who are under the guardianship of citizens of Ukraine
14. Foreigners whose immigration constitutes a state interest for Ukraine
15. Stateless persons
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If necessary, employees of the Migration Service may request other documents that clarify the existence of grounds for granting an immigration permit, if this does not contradict the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration”, as well as invite applicants or other persons for an interview.
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Documents issued by the competent authorities of foreign countries are subject to legalization/apostille in the prescribed manner, unless otherwise provided by international treaties of Ukraine. Such documents must be submitted with a notarized translation into Ukrainian.
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Documents whose information may change (various certificates, etc.) may be submitted within six months from the date of their issuance.
Where is a PRP issued in Ukraine?
To obtain an immigration permit and, after that, an ID card of a permanent residence permit in Ukraine, an application and a set of documents must be submitted to the State Migration Service at the applicant’s place of residence.
What are the timeframes for obtaining a PRP in Ukraine?
- The review period for an application for an immigration permit may not exceed 6 months from the date of submission. During the review, the Migration Service verifies the correctness of the submitted documents and sends requests to other state authorities of Ukraine. After a decision to grant or refuse an immigration permit is made, the Migration Service must, within 3 business days, send a copy of the decision to the applicant’s address of residence.
- Issuing the permanent residence permit card itself takes 15 business days.
In addition to the Migration Service, the applicant for immigration to Ukraine is checked by:
- the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU)
- the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA)
- the State Border Guard Service
- the Ukrainian Bureau of Interpol
- the National Police
These authorities, within a month after receiving requests from the Migration Service, carry out checks to determine whether the applicant falls into categories of persons who are not eligible for an immigration permit.
It is important to note that the National Police conducts a field check at the address indicated by the applicant as his/her place of residence in Ukraine. If the police do not find the foreign national at the specified address, or residents/owners do not confirm his/her residence, the police send a negative result to the Migration Service, which constitutes grounds for refusing to issue an immigration permit.
What is the validity period of a PRP in Ukraine?
A permanent residence permit (PRP) is an indefinite resident status in Ukraine. Only the plastic ID card that confirms this status is time-limited:
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the card is valid for 10 years
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it must be replaced no later than 15 business days before the expiry date
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the number of replacements is unlimited — your PRP status remains indefinite
How to obtain a PRP ID card after receiving an immigration permit?
After receiving the immigration permit, and within its validity period, you must personally apply to the Migration Service at your place of registration and submit an application for issuing the PRP ID card.
Deadlines for submitting an application for a PRP:
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Foreigners holding a temporary residence permit in Ukraine — no later than 15 business days before the expiry of their permit, apply to the Migration Service at their place of residence with an application to exchange the temporary permit for a permanent one.
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Foreigners without a residence permit in Ukraine — obtain a long-term visa (with the exception of citizens of countries who complete documents in Ukraine without a D-type visa) and no later than 15 business days before the visa expiry, apply to the Migration Service at their place of residence to issue the PRP card.
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Foreigners who have extended their stay in Ukraine due to consideration of their immigration-permit application — no later than 15 business days before the end of the stay period indicated in the relevant stamp in the passport, apply to the Migration Service at their place of residence and submit an application for issuing the permit.
- The ready permanent residence permit is issued at the Migration Service in person to the applicant. When receiving the PRP, fingerprints are verified, and a stamp confirming receipt of the permanent residence permit in Ukraine is placed in the passport.
- After obtaining the permit, you must register your place of residence within 30 days. If registration was already done on the basis of a temporary permit, the registration certificate must be renewed.
- When a foreign national holding a PRP in Ukraine obtains a new passport, he/she must apply with its translation to the Migration Service office at the place of residence to transfer the stamp on issuance of the permit to the new passport document.
Can a PRP be refused in Ukraine?
According to Article 10 of the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration”, an immigration permit (PRP) may be refused on the following grounds:
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An unexpunged / outstanding conviction for an intentional crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
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War and especially grave crimes: - committing crimes against peace, humanity, or war crimes; - being wanted for an especially grave crime; - the person has been officially notified of suspicion and the pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
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Diseases dangerous to the public — chronic alcoholism, drug addiction, substance abuse, as well as infectious diseases from the list of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
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False information or forged documents (including loss of the ground for immigration), for example:
– a sham marriage (marriage declared invalid / no cohabitation);
– an incomplete set of documents;
– violation of the migration regime during previous stays (illegal border crossing, violation of the procedure for entry/exit to the temporarily occupied territory, etc.);
– failure to remedy deficiencies in the application within the prescribed period after it was left without movement. -
An effective entry ban or unmet obligations (outstanding debts, failure to comply with court decisions, deportation, etc.).
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Other grounds expressly provided by the laws of Ukraine
Items 1 (conviction) and 3 (diseases) do not apply to persons who:
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are guardians/custodians of citizens of Ukraine or are themselves under the guardianship/custody of citizens of Ukraine;
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have the right to acquire Ukrainian citizenship by territorial origin (provided they were not previously citizens of Ukraine).
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If a foreign national violates the laws of Ukraine (for example, receives a fine for incorrect parking) and is entered in the Debtors Register, he/she will be refused immigration to Ukraine.
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It is possible to reapply for an immigration permit, but not earlier than one year from the date of the refusal decision. A refusal to issue an immigration permit may be appealed in court.
Document samples
FAQ
How does a PRP differ from citizenship?
A PRP is an indefinite resident status that allows a foreign national to live and work in Ukraine almost without restrictions, but it does not make the person a citizen of the country.
Citizenship is full legal affiliation to the state: a person receives a Ukrainian passport, all political rights, and certain obligations.
— Document: with a PRP — a foreigner’s ID card; with citizenship — a Ukrainian passport.
— Rights: with a PRP there is no right to vote or hold elected public office; a citizen has these rights.
— Obligations: a PRP does not entail military service; citizenship implies registration and possible mobilization.
— Travel: with a PRP you travel on your home country’s passport; citizens travel on a Ukrainian international passport.
What is the difference between a permanent and an “indefinite” residence permit in Ukraine?
— previously it was a paper residence booklet marked “indefinite”, but it still had to be replaced at ages 25 and 45;
— now a plastic ID card is issued, which must be replaced every 10 years.
The PRP status remains unchanged upon replacement.
Why is a PRP called “indefinite” if the ID card is valid for 10 years?
Previously, PRPs in Ukraine were issued as booklets without an expiry date. In the “valid until” field they indicated “indefinite”, hence the everyday name.
When the PRP began to be issued as a plastic card, it acquired a 10-year validity period.
If I have a permanent residence permit in Ukraine, do I need a work permit?
Can a foreigner get a Ukrainian international passport if he/she has a PRP in Ukraine?
Can a foreigner with a PRP in Ukraine use the visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU?
Which countries can be visited with a permanent residence permit in Ukraine?
Is it possible to obtain a permanent residence permit without getting an immigration permit?
What is the quota for obtaining a residence permit?
At present, the state does not limit the number of immigration applications during the year. A quota may be set when there is a need to regulate immigration; however, there is currently no limit on the number of applications submitted. Thus, starting from 2024, applications for a permanent residence permit may be submitted without a quota.
Do I need to renounce my current citizenship to obtain a permanent residence permit in Ukraine?
What medical certificates are required for a foreign national to obtain a PRP in Ukraine?
Medical certificates for a PRP can be obtained at either a state or a private hospital — the doctor will inform the foreigner which tests and examinations are required. For Form No. 280/o, it is mandatory to be seen by an infectious disease specialist and a phthisiatrician, and the applicant must have no contraindications for long-term residence in Ukraine.
Validity of medical certificates for a TRP is 6 months.
What is the validity period of a police clearance certificate for a permanent residence permit?
What fee is paid when obtaining a PRP in Ukraine?
Can documents for immigration and a PRP be submitted by power of attorney?
Is it allowed to stay in Ukraine while an immigration-permit application is being considered?
The application for extension must be submitted no later than 3 business days before the end of the legal period of stay to the Migration Service where the immigration application was filed. Usually, in such cases the period of stay is extended for half a year.
A stamp is placed in the foreigner’s passport indicating the date until which he/she is allowed to stay in Ukraine.
The period of stay may be extended until the documents are submitted for issuing the permanent residence card.
Please note that if, within the extended period, the foreign national leaves Ukraine, the extension stamp will be cancelled automatically. Re-entry will only be possible after restoring the lawful period of stay or obtaining a visa.
Can a child obtain an immigration permit?
The child’s permanent residence card is issued separately from the parent.
If the marriage is dissolved after obtaining a residence permit on the basis of marriage to a citizen of Ukraine, is the right to the permit lost?
What legislation regulates obtaining a PRP in Ukraine?
The main law that governs obtaining a PRP is the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration.” People often ask about a new law on residence permits, but no new law has been adopted; in 2023 a new edition of the aforementioned law entered into force.
The rules for issuing an immigration permit are set out in the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution “Certain Issues in the Field of Immigration.”
The procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit card in Ukraine is governed by the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution “On approval of the specimen and technical description of the form and the Procedure for issuance, exchange, cancellation, mailing, seizure, return to the state, invalidation and destruction of a permanent residence permit.”
Questions and comments