Obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine

Obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine is necessary for foreigners who plan to stay in the country for a more extended period than their visa allows. A temporary residence permit (TRP) gives you the right to legally reside in Ukraine for a specified period, which can be extended depending on the circumstances. In this article, we will look at which categories of foreigners can obtain a temporary residence permit, what documents are required, what the procedure for applying for it is, and what to consider when applying.

What is a temporary residence permit?

A temporary residence permit (TRP) is a document that confirms a foreigner’s right to legally stay in Ukraine for a certain period, usually one to three years, depending on the grounds for obtaining it. This document is issued for employment, study, family reunification, and other legal reasons provided for by Ukrainian legislation.

A permanent residence permit allows foreigners to avoid regular visa procedures, facilitates doing business and obtaining medical services, and opens access to other social and economic opportunities in Ukraine. The residence permit also allows foreigners to officially register.

Categories of foreigners who can obtain a temporary residence permit

In Ukraine, several categories of foreigners are eligible for a temporary residence permit. The main ones are as follows:

• Employees – foreigners who have concluded an employment contract with a Ukrainian employer and obtained a work permit.
• Students – foreigners studying in Ukrainian educational institutions on a full-time basis.
• Businessmen – individuals who invest in the Ukrainian economy or set up businesses.
• Volunteers – foreigners working for international organizations or participating in volunteer programs.
• Persons married to Ukrainian citizens are foreigners who have married Ukrainian citizens and wish to reunite with their families.
• Journalists – foreign journalists accredited to work in Ukraine.

In addition to these main categories, there are special cases when foreigners can obtain a residence permit based on humanitarian missions, cultural programs, or religious activities.

Documents required to obtain a temporary residence permit

To obtain a temporary residence permit, a foreigner must submit a specific package of documents to the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS). The list may vary somewhat depending on the grounds for obtaining a residence permit, but the essential list includes

• Passport – the original and copies of the pages with personal data and a visa to enter Ukraine.
• Application – a completed form for a temporary residence permit.
• A work permit or a document confirming another ground (study contract, marriage certificate, etc.).
• Health insurance – a health insurance policy that covers the costs of medical treatment in Ukraine.
• Document confirming the place of residence – a lease agreement or confirmation from the property owner.
• Payment of the administrative fee – a receipt of payment for the processing of documents.

Some documents must be translated into Ukrainian and notarized. In addition, if you submit documents through an authorized representative, you must have a power of attorney.

The procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit

The procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine includes several steps:

• Preparation of documents – a collection of the necessary documents, their notarization, and translation.
• Submission of an application: Documents are submitted to the territorial office of the SMS or to a Ukrainian consulate abroad.
• Consideration of the application: The SMS checks the submitted documents and decides on the issuance of a residence permit within 15-30 working days.
• Obtaining a residence permit—After a positive decision, a foreigner receives a residence permit and must register his or her place of residence in Ukraine.

The review period may be extended if the documents are submitted through a consulate. It is also important to remember that if the documents are not properly executed, they may be returned for revision, which significantly delays the process.

Validity of the residence permit and the possibility of its extension

A temporary residence permit is usually issued for up to one year with the possibility of an extension. For students, this period may correspond to the duration of their studies, and for employees, to the duration of their employment contract.

The extension procedure involves submitting an application and updating the package of documents. To avoid violating the law, it is important to start the extension process no later than one month before the expiry of the current residence permit.

Rights and obligations of foreigners with a temporary residence permit

Foreigners with a temporary residence permit have the right to:

• Legal stay on Ukraine’s territory during the permit’s validity period.
• Free movement within the country.
• Employment is subject to the availability of an appropriate permit.
• Receive medical and social services.

However, foreigners are obliged to:

• Register their place of residence.
• Notify the SMS of any change of residence or change of personal status.
• Comply with the legislation of Ukraine.

Possible reasons for refusal and ways to appeal

A person may be refused a temporary residence permit for the following reasons:

• Incorrect or incomplete paperwork.
• Submission of false documents.
• Violation of migration laws during the previous stay in Ukraine.

A foreigner can file an appeal or go to court to challenge the decision in case of refusal. Usually, in such cases, it is worth using the services of a lawyer specializing in migration law.

Conclusion

Obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine is a responsible process that requires strict compliance with the requirements of the law and proper preparation of documents. Regardless of the reasons for your stay, proper paperwork will help you avoid troubles and ensure legal residence in the country.

If you want to save time and avoid possible mistakes in obtaining a residence permit, contact STATUS KO Law Firm. We specialize in migration law and offer a full range of services for foreigners, from consulting to full support for obtaining a temporary residence permit. Our specialists will help you prepare documents, advise you on all legal nuances, and ensure you get a residence permit quickly and without any problems.

With STATUS KO, you can be sure that every step is correct and legal. Entrust your migration process to us.

Regulatory framework

• UKRAINE LAW ‘On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons’
• Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 322 of 25 April 2018. ‘On Approval of the sample, technical description of the form and the Procedure for registration, issuance, exchange, cancellation, forwarding, withdrawal, return to the state, invalidation, and destruction of a residence permit.’

Useful information

• Obtaining a temporary residence permit through volunteering
• Obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine based on marriage
• Temporary residence permit in Ukraine based on participation in the implementation of international technical assistance projects
• Temporary residence permit in Ukraine for foreign students
• How to get a temporary residence permit in Ukraine: a complete guide