Can I extend my stay on a type D visa in Ukraine?

The issue of extending the period of stay on a type D visa is relevant for many foreigners who come to Ukraine for a long-term stay. A type D visa, or a long-term national visa, is a mandatory step for those who plan to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, particularly for work, study, family reunification, investment, or other essential reasons. However, situations can vary: what should you do if your D-type visa ends and your temporary residence permit is delayed? Is there a possibility of extending your stay on this visa, and what steps should you take?

What is a type D visa, and what is it for?

A type D visa is a unique long-term national visa that gives foreigners the right to enter Ukraine to obtain temporary or permanent residence. This type of visa allows you to enter Ukraine for 90 days, giving you enough time to complete the necessary procedures for obtaining a residence permit. The D visa is issued, in particular, for:

• employment
• studying
• family reunification;
• work in diplomatic or international institutions;
• volunteering or religious activities;
• implementation of investment projects.

This visa is the first step for those who want to stay in Ukraine for extended periods. With it, a foreigner is entitled to apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP) and will be able to legally reside in Ukraine for a short period. A TRP allows foreigners to stay in the country legally, have access to many services, and, in some cases, be legally employed.

When is it necessary to extend the period of stay?

There are situations when a foreigner needs more time to apply for a residence permit in time or complete the planned formalities, but after the visa has expired. The most common reasons for this situation may include:

• Delays in obtaining the necessary documents for the TA: obtaining certain documents or certificates may take longer than expected.
• Force majeure may include illness, quarantine restrictions, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events.
• Organizational difficulties: for example, difficulties in submitting documents due to the workload of government agencies or delays in issuing permits.

In such cases, the period of stay must be extended. However, it is worth considering that a type D visa usually only provides a partial extension, unlike tourist or short-term visas. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the options offered by Ukrainian legislation for extending the permitted period of stay.

Can I extend a D visa when it expires?

Formally, a type D visa is not subject to extension. After the expiration date, a foreigner must leave Ukraine if they still need to obtain a temporary residence permit. However, a unique mechanism allows extending the permitted period of stay for those who have good reasons to stay in Ukraine. This possibility is available by applying to the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) units with a corresponding application.

Ukrainian migration legislation provides that an extension of the permitted period of stay can be granted only under certain circumstances. This is usually possible only for exceptional reasons, which may include the above-mentioned force majeure circumstances or important delays in issuing documents required for the issuance of a residence permit.

What steps to take to extend your stay: a detailed guide

Extending the period of stay requires care and responsibility from the foreigner. There are clearly defined steps that should be followed to complete the process successfully:

1. Preparation of the necessary documents: the foreigner has to provide all the documents confirming the valid reasons for the extension of stay. These may include:
2. medical certificates confirming the inability to leave due to health reasons
3. official confirmation of delays in issuing the necessary documents;
4. Documents confirming unforeseen circumstances (e.g., quarantine confirmation).
5. Applying to the migration service: To extend your stay, you need to apply to the nearest SMS office to the place where you will be staying. The application must contain grounds for the extension that are reasoned and supported by relevant documents. The mandatory documents to be submitted with the application include
6. a passport with a valid type D visa
7. copies of documents confirming the place of residence in Ukraine;
8. Justification for extending the period of stay.
9. Application review process: after submitting the documents, the migration service considers the application within a certain period. The decision is based on the current legislation and the evidence provided. It is important to note that the migration authorities can request additional documents or explanations.
10. Obtaining a decision and complying with the conditions: if the SMS makes a positive decision, the foreigner can stay for an additional period. However, it is essential to abide by the terms of the extension and not to violate the established regime of stay, as this may lead to revocation of the permit or deportation.
11. Checking and controlling the time limits: even after obtaining an extension of stay, it is worthwhile to carefully monitor the time limits and prepare all the necessary documents for the TA in advance. In case of repeated violation of the rules of stay or abuse of the permit, severe legal consequences may arise, including fines or deportation.

Conclusion.

Thus, a type D visa is not directly extendable, but Ukrainian legislation allows foreigners to extend their stay under certain conditions. This requires preparing documents confirming the need to stay and an application to the SMS. Each case is reviewed individually, allowing us to consider the particular circumstances of the foreigner.

For foreigners planning a long-term stay in Ukraine, it is essential to know in advance the procedure and requirements for extending their stay on a type D visa. This will not only help them avoid troubles but also allow them to plan their stay more efficiently and comply with the law.

Ukraine is committed to maintaining international relations and cooperation, and despite the strict requirements, it allows foreigners to extend their stay in exceptional cases.