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Permanent residence permit in Ukraine

Updated: November 2026

A permanent residence permit confirms that a foreigner is an immigrant entitled to live in Ukraine without a time limit. Unlike a temporary residence permit, it does not depend on employment, studies or marriage and does not require the ground to be confirmed every year. The current permit is a biometric ID card valid for 10 years.
 
The procedure is set by the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration” (in Ukrainian) and the Procedure for issuing and replacing permanent residence permits (in Ukrainian), approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 321.
 
Who can obtain the permit
The permit is issued to:
  • foreigners who have obtained an immigration permit. This is the main ground, and the eligible categories are described on the immigration permit page;
  • persons who permanently lived in Ukraine before their Ukrainian citizenship was terminated and remained here. In this case, the ground is the presidential decree terminating citizenship.
A permanent residence permit cannot be obtained without an immigration permit, so the process always has two stages.
 
What the permit gives
  • the right to live in Ukraine without time limits or regular confirmation of the ground;
  • the right to work for any employer or run a business without a work permit;
  • free entry to and exit from Ukraine without a visa;
  • access to banking, medical and educational services on equal terms with citizens, subject to exceptions set by law;
  • the right later to apply for Ukrainian citizenship, subject to continuous residence and the other requirements of the law.
Documents
  • the application form;
  • the foreigner’s passport with a type D visa, where required;
  • a certified translation of the passport’s personal data page;
  • a copy of the immigration permit decision;
  • proof of payment of the administrative fee.
For children under 16 and legally incapacitated persons, the application is filed by parents, guardians or custodians. Persons aged 16 and over apply in person, as biometric data is taken at filing.
 
Timing
  • The application is filed within one year of the immigration permit. If the immigrant entered on a visa, no later than 15 business days before it expires.
  • The State Migration Service issues the permit within 15 business days.
  • Within 30 days of receiving the permit, the holder must register their place of residence.
Replacing the permit
A permit is replaced when it expires, when personal details change, when an error is found or when the document is damaged. Old booklet-format permits are replaced when the holder turns 25 and 45. Missing the replacement deadline leads to a fine for living on an invalid document and, in some cases, forced removal.
 
Under martial law, permanent residence permits that expired after 24 February 2022 continue to be treated as valid. Unlike temporary permits, this relief has not been withdrawn yet. In practice, however, banks and notaries may require a current document, so it is better not to delay replacement.
 
Our services
  • assessing the grounds and obtaining an immigration permit;
  • obtaining a type D visa for immigrants abroad;
  • preparing documents and support with filing at the State Migration Service;
  • replacement of the permit, including old-format booklets;
  • challenging a refusal, revocation of the immigration permit or invalidation of the residence permit.