How a Foreigner Can Legally Move to Ukraine

Foreigners may consider Ukraine as a permanent or temporary place of residence for various reasons: the cost of living is relatively low, and there are open opportunities for business and implementing different ideas. But to live here, and especially to work or engage in volunteer activities legally, it's important to understand the rules established by Ukrainian law and how to properly handle the required documentation.

If you want to move to Ukraine for an extended period, you must follow the requirements of migration legislation. Ignoring these rules puts you at risk of fines, deportation, or even a future entry ban. That’s why it’s crucial to prepare in advance, taking all legal nuances into account and trusting professionals.

Below, we’ll explain in detail the legal pathways available to foreigners who wish to live in Ukraine, review the types of residence permits, the main grounds for obtaining them, and offer practical recommendations.

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Legal Options for Foreigners to Stay in Ukraine

A foreigner can enter Ukraine either with a visa or under a visa-free regime (if provided for by agreements between countries). However, without additional documentation, the stay in the country cannot exceed 90 days within a 180-day period unless the appropriate permit is obtained.

For a longer stay, you must have a legal basis to apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit. The most common grounds include:

• official employment with a Ukrainian company or starting your own business;
• marriage to a Ukrainian citizen;
• family reunification with relatives who legally reside in Ukraine;
• having first- or second-degree relatives who are Ukrainian citizens or who permanently resided in Ukraine before 1991;
• participation in volunteer or religious organizations;
• investment in the Ukrainian economy or real estate;
• studying.

Detailed regulations on the legal status of foreigners can be found in the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons.” To choose the best path for your situation and avoid wasting time on mistakes, it’s advisable to consult experienced legal professionals.

What You Need to Know About Temporary and Permanent Residence

If you plan to stay in Ukraine for more than the standard 90 days, you’ll need to obtain a residence permit. A temporary residence permit is typically issued for 1–2 years with the option to renew. A permanent residence permit allows you to live in the country indefinitely and grants broader rights.

If your permitted stay is coming to an end but circumstances require you to remain in Ukraine, you must contact the migration service and submit documents explaining your reasons. These may include medical treatment, childbirth, inheritance procedures, or other unforeseen situations.

Submitting your documents on time will help you avoid fines and legal issues.

Legalization Through Marriage to a Ukrainian Citizen

The most popular way to obtain the right to reside in Ukraine is through an official marriage to a Ukrainian citizen. After the marriage is registered, the foreign spouse can apply for a temporary residence permit valid for one year, which can be renewed annually.

If the marriage is registered abroad, the documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Ukrainian. Migration authorities carefully verify the authenticity of the marriage, so it’s important to have all supporting documentation.

To transition to permanent residence based on marriage, you must be married for at least two years and pass a migration check, the most challenging part of which is a personal interview with both spouses. Once you get a permanent residence permit, a divorce does not revoke your right to stay in Ukraine.

Volunteering as a Basis for Residence

A foreigner can obtain temporary residence in Ukraine on the basis of volunteer work. To do so, they must have an invitation from a volunteer organization that is officially registered and listed on the website of the National Social Service of Ukraine.

The organization guarantees financial support and provides conditions for the volunteer’s legal stay. Based on this, the foreigner can obtain a visa (if required) and a temporary residence permit valid for one year, with the option to renew.

After five years of uninterrupted residence on volunteer grounds, it is possible to apply for a permanent residence permit and retain that status even after ceasing volunteer activities.

How to Legalize Through Employment or Your Own Business

Official employment is one of the most common ways to obtain temporary residence. A foreigner can be hired by a Ukrainian company or become the director of their own business.

The company hiring a foreigner must obtain a work permit from the Employment Center. The residence permit is issued for up to 2 years and can be renewed. If the employee is dismissed, the permit is revoked.

The Employment Center monitors whether the employer is paying taxes and social contributions. If payments are not made for more than two months, the work permit is revoked and the residence permit is canceled.

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Residence in Ukraine Based on Investment

Investing in the Ukrainian economy or real estate is also a valid basis for obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit.

To get a temporary residence permit, a foreigner must invest at least €100,000 into the share capital of a company or other assets. The permit is issued for 2 years but is revoked if the investment status is lost.

Permanent residence is granted to foreigners who invest at least 0,000 in Ukraine’s development.

Migration Lawyer Support for Foreigners

Looking for a legal basis to move to Ukraine? Enlist the help of a qualified specialist. The lawyers at Legalsupport have years of experience in immigration and know how to quickly secure residency rights while minimizing the risk of denial. Our services include:

• document review and recommendations;
• assistance with the preparation and processing of visas, residence permits, and work permits;
• communication with migration authorities;
• consultations on all aspects of your stay;
• support with document renewals and replacements.

Submit a request now, and our team will create a personalized action plan tailored to your needs.