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Immigration permit to Ukraine

Updated: November 2026
 
An immigration permit is a decision of the State Migration Service granting a foreigner the right to settle in Ukraine permanently. It is the basis for a permanent residence permit. Unlike a temporary residence permit, it is not tied to employment, studies or an investment and does not require the ground to be confirmed regularly.
 
The grounds, documents and timing are set by the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration” (in Ukrainian). It divides applicants into two groups: categories for which a quota may be set, and those who receive a permit outside the quota. Since 2023, a quota is set only in the event of a mass influx of immigrants, so in practice both groups receive permits without a numerical limit.
 
Categories for which a quota may be set
  • scientists and cultural figures whose immigration is in Ukraine’s interest;
  • highly qualified specialists and workers on the Ministry of Economy’s list, together with their spouses and children under 18;
  • investors who have invested at least USD 100,000 in foreign currency in Ukraine’s economy, for example through the share capital of their own company;
  • full siblings, grandparents and grandchildren of Ukrainian citizens;
  • former Ukrainian citizens;
  • an immigrant’s spouse (married for over two years), children under 18 and dependent parents;
  • persons who have served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service or the National Guard for three years or more, or at least one year under martial law, and those found unfit for service due to injuries;
  • persons who have lived in Ukraine continuously for five years on a temporary residence permit issued on grounds specified by law, such as employment, work at a representative office, investment or international technical assistance.
Outside the quota
  • the spouse of a Ukrainian citizen married for over two years, and the children and parents of Ukrainian citizens;
  • spouses, children and parents-in-law of fallen servicemen, whether Ukrainian citizens or foreigners who served under contract or assisted the Defence Forces;
  • guardians and custodians of Ukrainian citizens and persons under their guardianship;
  • persons entitled to Ukrainian citizenship by territorial origin;
  • persons whose immigration is of state interest to Ukraine;
  • foreign Ukrainians, their spouses and children;
  • stateless persons who have lived in Ukraine on a temporary residence permit for two years since being recognised as stateless.
Marriage to a Ukrainian citizen does not qualify if the spouses do not live together, share no common language, know nothing about each other or show other signs of a sham marriage. The State Migration Service interviews both spouses during the review.
 
Documents
  • the application and three photos;
  • the passport with a certified translation of the personal data page;
  • proof of legal stay in Ukraine (if the applicant is in Ukraine);
  • proof of residence in Ukraine and abroad;
  • family details and a marriage certificate;
  • a medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases listed by the Ministry of Health;
  • a criminal record certificate from the country of citizenship or residence;
  • documents confirming the specific ground;
  • proof of payment of the fee.
Some categories, including military personnel and family members of Ukrainian citizens, are exempt by law from the medical certificate or the criminal record certificate. Foreign documents are filed legalised or apostilled, with a translation. Applicants aged 12 and over provide biometric data.
 
Procedure and timing
  • Filing. The application is filed in Ukraine with the State Migration Service at the place of residence, or abroad with a Ukrainian consulate, in person or through a legal representative.
  • Review. It takes up to six months for applications filed in Ukraine and up to one year for those filed through a consulate. If documents are missing, the application is put on hold, and failure to remedy this is a ground for refusal.
  • Fee. The administrative fee is 0.5 of the subsistence minimum (UAH 1,664 in 2026), or the consular fee.
  • After the permit. A foreigner living abroad is issued a long-term visa. The immigrant then applies to the State Migration Service for a permanent residence permit, which is issued within 15 business days. The application must be filed within one year of the immigration permit, otherwise the process has to start again.
Refusal and appeals
A permit is refused, in particular, to persons with an unexpunged conviction of over one year’s imprisonment, persons who submitted false information or documents, breached the rules of stay in Ukraine or have outstanding obligations to the state.
 
A refusal can be challenged before a higher State Migration Service body or an administrative court. A new application may be filed no earlier than one year after the refusal.
 
Our services
  • reviewing the grounds and choosing the shortest route to permanent residence;
  • preparing the application and documents, translations, apostille or legalisation;
  • preparing spouses for the interview in marriage-based cases;
  • filing with the State Migration Service or a consulate and support during review;
  • challenging a refusal administratively and in court.