How to extend a Temporary Residence Permit in Ukraine

Thousands of foreigners come to Ukraine yearly for various reasons: study, employment, business, or family reunification. For many, a temporary residence permit becomes a key document that allows them to stay in the country for a long time legally. However, it is essential to remember that the residence permit has a limited validity period. If not extended, the foreigner risks being considered a violator of migration legislation.

Extension of a temporary residence permit is a procedure regulated by Ukrainian legislation, in particular, the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons," Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 322, which defines the procedure for issuing and extending a residence permit, and Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 150, which regulates the period of stay of foreigners in Ukraine. These regulations contain clear rules and requirements for extending the validity of a residence permit, and failure to comply with these requirements may result in refusal to expand it, fines, or even forced expulsion from the country.

Many foreigners face several questions: when to apply for an extension, what documents are required, how much the procedure costs, where to use it, and what to do in case of refusal. In this article, I, Oleg Kuzmenkov, Director of Status Ko Law Firm, will explain in detail all the key nuances of this process based on our company's current legislation and practical experience.

Extending a temporary residence permit is not just a formality but a necessary legal process that requires a careful approach. Understanding all the stages and rules will allow you to avoid unpleasant situations and ensure a legal stay in Ukraine without the risk of deportation. So, let's look at who can extend a residence permit, when you need to submit documents, and what requirements are set by law.

1. Who is eligible for a temporary residence permit extension?

A temporary residence permit (TRP) is issued to foreigners and stateless persons with grounds for a long-term stay in Ukraine. However, its validity period is limited, and to stay in Ukraine legally, foreigners must apply for an extension promptly. It is essential to understand that not all foreigners are eligible for a residence permit extension - it is possible only for those who meet specific criteria set out in the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons" and CMU Resolution 322.

The main categories of foreigners who can extend their residence permit

The legislation stipulates extending a temporary residence permit is possible for persons who continue to use the same grounds that were determinative when initially granted it. The main categories of such persons include:

• Employed foreigners are officially employed in Ukraine based on a work permit issued by the territorial bodies of the State Employment Service of Ukraine (Article 42 of the Law of Ukraine "On Employment of the Population").
• International students studying at accredited Ukrainian higher education institutions on a full-time basis.
• Family members of foreigners holding a temporary residence permit - spouses, children, and other close relatives - can extend their licenses if the principal applicant continues their legal stay in Ukraine.
• Family members of Ukrainian citizens who are foreigners married to Ukrainian citizens may extend their residence permit if their marriage remains valid.
• Foreigners working in religious organizations - persons who carry out religious activities in officially registered organizations.
• Foreign volunteers are persons who officially cooperate with registered charitable or volunteer organizations.
• Journalists and foreign media representatives - if they have the appropriate accreditation and continue their professional activities in Ukraine.
• Foreigners doing business in Ukraine have registered businesses by Ukrainian law and have stable sources of income.

Mandatory conditions for residence permit extension

In addition to belonging to one of the categories of foreigners who can extend their residence permit, applicants must meet several requirements:

✅ Valid registration of residence in Ukraine - according to the CMU Resolution No. 265, foreigners must have an officially declared or registered place of residence.

✅ No violations of migration legislation - including exceeding the permitted period of stay, unexpired previous residence permit, or non-compliance with registration rules.

✅ The grounds for the extension remain valid - for example, the employment contract has not been terminated, the study is ongoing, and the marriage has not been dissolved.

✅ Stable financial support - a foreigner must have sufficient funds to live in Ukraine, which relevant documents confirm.

✅ Health insurance - a valid health insurance policy is a prerequisite.

Who cannot extend a temporary residence permit?

Although the law provides for the possibility of extending the term of a CCI, there are categories of persons who cannot apply for an extension or face restrictions:

• Persons who violated migration legislation (stayed in Ukraine without legal grounds, violated the registration regime, etc.)
• Foreigners without justified grounds for extending their residence permit (graduated, terminated their employment contract, divorced from a Ukrainian citizen, etc.)
• Persons who do not have an official place of residence in Ukraine (lack of registration at the address may be grounds for refusal to renew documents).
• Foreigners who threaten the national security of Ukraine or are banned from entering.

Why is it important to check documents before submitting them?

Practice shows that most refusals to extend a residence permit are due to incorrect document execution or late application submission. To avoid unnecessary problems, it is essential to prepare a complete package of documents in advance and check that they are correctly executed and comply with the law's requirements.

Thus, extending a temporary residence permit is possible only if all the requirements are met and there are good reasons for extending your stay in Ukraine. If you are unsure whether your documents are correct or do not know how to proceed, contacting a lawyer will help you avoid mistakes and ensure a positive result.

2. When do I need to start the extension procedure?

Extending a temporary residence permit (TRP) is a legally regulated process requiring compliance with precise deadlines and procedures. Often, foreigners postpone the submission of documents until the last moment, which can lead to problems with the migration service and even deportation. Therefore, it is essential to know when to start the extension procedure, the deadlines, and what to do in case of delay.

Optimal timeframe for submitting documents

By the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 322 and the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons," documents for the extension of a residence permit must be submitted no later than 15 business days before the permit's expiry.

However, lawyers recommend starting the process 30-45 days in advance. This will avoid rushing to collect documents, correct possible mistakes, and solve unexpected problems.

Key deadlines for applying:

• The optimal time is 30-45 days before the expiry of the residence permit (this allows you to prepare documents without haste).
• The minimum deadline is 15 working days before the residence permit expires (problems with renewal may occur if you apply later).
• Critical deadline: Submitting documents after the residence permit expires may result in a refusal to extend it and the threat of deportation.

Example from practice:

A Turkish citizen working for an IT company in Kyiv applied for a residence permit extension 10 days before the expiry date. Due to technical delays at the State Migration Service, the application was delayed, and his residence permit became invalid. As a result, he had to leave Ukraine urgently, apply for a new visa, and go through the procedure for obtaining a residence permit again.

What happens if you submit your documents too late?

Late submission of documents for extension can have serious consequences. If a foreigner misses the application deadline and their residence permit expires, they lose the legal right to stay in Ukraine.

Possible consequences of delay:

• Refusal to extend the residence permit due to violation of the terms.
• Administrative fine for violation of migration legislation (from UAH 1700 to UAH 5100 under Article 203 of the Code of Administrative Offences).
• Obligation to leave the territory of Ukraine - the migration service may issue an order to leave the country within 5-10 days.
• Forced expulsion and entry ban - in case of significant overstay.

In such a situation, the only way out is often to leave Ukraine and apply for a new type D visa, which will allow you to obtain a new temporary residence permit.

Case study:

A US citizen who worked as an English teacher in Lviv applied for an extension of her residence permit 5 days before it expired. Due to document inaccuracies, the migration service returned the application for revision, but her residence permit had already expired. She was forced to leave Ukraine and reapply for a new residence permit.

Can I stay in Ukraine while my application is being processed?

If the documents are submitted on time, the foreigner has the right to stay in Ukraine for the period of application consideration, even if the validity of the residence permit has already expired.

However, it is essential to consider:

• The status of "documents under consideration" does not give the right to travel abroad. If a foreigner leaves Ukraine, they cannot return without a new visa.
• If the application is refused, you must leave the territory of Ukraine immediately to avoid sanctions.

Therefore, if a foreigner plans to travel abroad, they must obtain an extended residence permit before departure.

Can I apply for an extension ahead of schedule?

Ukrainian law does not provide for the possibility of extending a CCI too early. If the documents are submitted earlier than 90 days before the deadline, they will not be accepted.

However, if the applicant has force majeure circumstances (for example, a long-term business trip or the need to travel abroad), lawyers advise:

• Officially ask the State Migration Service if you can submit your documents earlier.
• In case of refusal, obtain a document confirming the reason for temporary departure and apply for a new type D visa upon return.

What should you do if your residence permit has expired but you have not submitted your documents in time?

If a residence permit has already expired, but the foreigner has not applied for an extension, the following options are possible:

🔹 If the delay is up to 10 days

- Urgently submit the documents with an explanatory note indicating the reason for the delay.

- Sometimes, the SMS may consider the application if the reason is valid.

🔹 If the delay is more than 10 days

- The foreigner must leave Ukraine and apply for a new type D visa.

- Upon re-entry, the foreigner must reapply for a residence permit from scratch.

Conclusions.

✅ The optimal timeframe for submitting documents is 30-45 days before the end of the residence permit.

✅ The minimum period when you still have time is 15 working days.

✅ Applying after the residence permit expiry usually results in a refusal and the need to leave the country.

✅ While the application is being considered, a foreigner may stay in Ukraine but cannot leave.

✅ A delay of even a few days may result in deportation and a ban on entry.

Preparing documents in advance and consulting a lawyer is better to avoid unpleasant situations. This way, you can extend your stay in Ukraine without unnecessary risks or stress.

3. What documents are required to extend the residence permit?

To extend a temporary residence permit (TRP), a foreigner must prepare and submit a certain package of documents to the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS). The documents must meet the established requirements, be up-to-date, and be properly executed. Even a minor mistake or the absence of a required document may result in a refusal to extend the residence permit and the need to leave the territory of Ukraine.

The package of documents may differ depending on the grounds for obtaining a CCI, but there is a basic list that is mandatory for all applicants.

Essential documents for extending a temporary residence permit

• Application for residence permit extension
• The application must be filled out in accordance with the established form at the territorial unit of the SMS or downloaded from the migration service's official website. It must be filled out in Ukrainian without errors or corrections.
• Foreign passport of the foreigner
• The original and copies of all pages containing personal data and stamps of entry into Ukraine must be provided. If the passport is not in Ukrainian, a notarised translation is required.
• Valid temporary residence permit
• A document confirming legal residence in Ukraine must be submitted. The original and a copy of the residence permit must be submitted.
• Document confirming the grounds for extending the residence permit
• Issued by an institution or organization based on which the foreigner resides in Ukraine (employer, educational institution, government agency, etc.). This may be an employment contract, a certificate of education, a marriage certificate, a document on volunteer activities, etc.
• Certificate of Residence registration
• A foreigner must confirm their official registration in Ukraine. Such a certificate can be obtained at the Administrative Service Centre (ASC) or the SMS unit at the place of registration.
• Document confirming financial security
• Ukrainian law requires that a foreigner has sufficient funds to live in Ukraine. This can be confirmed:

• a certificate from the bank confirming the availability of the necessary amount in the account,
• a certificate of income from the employer,
• financial guarantees from a third party (in the case of training or volunteering).
• Medical insurance policy
• The policy must cover the entire period of the foreigner's extended stay in Ukraine. The minimum amount of insurance coverage is set by law.
• Receipt of payment of the administrative fee
• Before submitting the documents, you must pay the state fee to issue an extended residence permit. The payment receipt is attached to the document package.

Additional documents

In addition to the essential list, foreigners may need additional documents depending on the grounds for their stay in Ukraine. For example, working foreigners may require a valid work permit, and students may need a certificate from their educational institution confirming that they are continuing their studies.

A notarized power of attorney is required if the applicant submits documents through a representative.

In some cases, a certificate of no criminal record may be required. If necessary, the SMS can request additional documents to process the application.

How do I draw up the documents correctly?

To avoid being denied a CCI extension, specific requirements must be met:

• All documents drawn up in a foreign language must be officially translated into Ukrainian and notarized.
• The documents must be up-to-date. For example, a certificate from a bank or educational institution must be issued no later than 30 days before submission.
• Copies of documents must be clear. If the text on the copy is blurred, the SMS may refuse to accept the documents.
• The health insurance policy must cover the entire period of the residence permit extension.
• The state fee payment must be received before applying.

Where do you apply, and how does the application process work?

Documents for the extension of a temporary residence permit are submitted in person by the applicant to the territorial unit of the SMS at the place of registration. Submission of documents through a representative is possible only with a notarized power of attorney.

The filing procedure consists of the following steps:

• Making an appointment with the SMS (online or through the queue).
• Submitting documents to the migration service.
• Waiting for the application to be reviewed (up to 15 business days).
• Obtaining a decision: If approved, a new residence permit is issued, and if refused, a reasoned explanation of the reasons is given.

If the documents contain errors or lack specific certificates, the SMS may return the package of documents for revision.

4. Where do you submit documents, and how is the application processed?

Extending a temporary residence permit (TRP) requires submitting documents to the relevant state authority and going through a specific review process. It is essential to know in advance where to apply, what documents to prepare, and how long the decision-making procedure takes. Often, foreigners face difficulties due to a lack of awareness of the rules for submitting papers or the timeframes for reviewing applications. Understanding all stages of the process will help to avoid mistakes and delays.

Documents for extending a temporary residence permit must be submitted exclusively to the State Migration Service (SMS) unit at the foreigner's registration place. Since registration of the place of residence is a prerequisite for extending the residence permit, applying at a different place of registration may result in a refusal to accept the documents. Some cities also allow submitting documents through Administrative Service Centres (ASCs), so checking the latest information on the migration service's website before planning your visit is worth checking.

Before submitting documents, you need to register for an appointment. Some SMS offices have an electronic queue that allows you to choose the date and time of your appointment in advance. In other cases, you must register directly at the migration service office. Depending on the region, documents may also be accepted through the ASC, which often simplifies the procedure. It is worth checking the working hours of the chosen unit and the required list of documents in advance to avoid unforeseen situations.

On the day of submission, the foreigner must personally appear at the relevant unit of the SMS or ASC with the prepared package of documents. Upon receipt, the employee checks that the documents are correctly executed, comply with the law requirements, and have all the necessary certificates. If the documents are incorrect or some certificates are missing, the applicant may be allowed to correct the errors and resubmit the documents, which may delay the process. If everything is in order, the documents are accepted and submitted for internal review.

After applying, the application is reviewed. The documents are subject to a detailed check, which includes confirmation of the legitimacy of the grounds for extending the residence permit, verification of the absence of violations of migration legislation, and verification of data in state registers. If necessary, the Migration Service may request additional documents or explanations. The standard processing time for an application is up to 15 business days, but it may sometimes be extended if extra checks are required.

Upon completing the application, the Migration Service makes one of two positive or negative decisions. If the decision is favorable, the foreigner receives a new temporary residence permit, which can be collected on a particular day. Along with the new document, it is also necessary to update the registration of the place of residence if it has changed. If the residence permit extension is refused, the applicant is given a written explanation of the reasons for the refusal. The most common reasons may include submitting an incomplete document package, violating the submission deadlines, or lacking legal grounds for extending the stay. In case of refusal, the applicant can either eliminate the specified deficiencies and resubmit the documents or appeal the decision in court.

If the documents were submitted on time, the foreigner has the right to stay in Ukraine for the period of application consideration even after the expiry of the previous residence permit. However, it should be remembered that leaving the country during this period is impossible. If the applicant leaves Ukraine, they cannot return without obtaining a new visa. In case of refusal to extend the residence permit, the foreigner must leave the territory of Ukraine within a certain period to avoid fines or deportation.

Particular attention should be paid to the timeliness of submitting documents. A foreigner loses the right to legally stay in the country if a residence permit has expired. In such a case, the only option is to leave Ukraine, apply for a new type D visa, and reapply for a residence permit from scratch. Therefore, preparing all the necessary certificates and applying to the SMS within the specified timeframe is essential.

The procedure for applying for a temporary residence permit extension may seem complicated. Still, if you follow all the requirements and prepare in advance, you can avoid unpleasant situations. The main thing is not to delay the submission of documents and to carefully check their content and compliance with legal requirements. If you have any doubts or difficulties, you can always contact lawyers who will help you prepare the correct package of documents and control the submission process. This will significantly reduce the risk of refusal and ensure the successful extension of your legal stay in Ukraine.

5. Refusal to extend a residence permit: reasons and ways to appeal

The procedure for extending a temporary residence permit (TRP) in Ukraine involves a thorough check of the submitted documents and the grounds for the foreigner's further stay in the country. In case of non-compliance with the legal requirements, the migration service may decide to refuse to extend the residence permit.

Refusal to extend a residence permit can be a serious problem, as a foreigner is obliged to leave the territory of Ukraine upon the expiry of the residence permit. However, it can be appealed if the refusal is unreasonable or erroneous. It is essential to understand the reasons for the refusal, the consequences of such a decision, and possible ways to overturn it.

Main reasons for refusal to extend the residence permit

The reasons for refusal may vary, but they are usually related to violating the rules of stay in Ukraine or non-compliance of documents with the established requirements. The main grounds for refusal are as follows:

1. Violation of the deadlines for submitting documents

One of the most common reasons for refusal is late application submission. According to the law, documents for the extension of a residence permit must be submitted no later than 15 business days before the permit's expiry. If the applicant misses this deadline, the documents may not be accepted, or a decision may be made to refuse.

2. Incomplete or incorrectly executed package of documents

To extend your residence permit, you must provide a complete package of documents confirming your legal grounds for further stay in Ukraine. Refusal is possible if:

• at least one of the required documents is missing,
• documents are incorrectly filled in or contain errors,
• translations are not notarised,
• documents have expired (for example, an insurance policy or a bank certificate).

3. Lack of legal grounds for extending the residence permit

A residence permit may be extended only if the grounds on which it was issued remain valid. The refusal may be because:

• the employment contract is terminated,
• the study is completed, or the student is expelled,
• the marriage with a citizen of Ukraine ended,
• the term of the volunteer or religious residence permit has expired.

If the grounds for extending the residence permit have disappeared, the applicant may be refused an extension of legal stay.

4. Violation of migration legislation

If a foreigner has violated the law during their previous stay in Ukraine, they may be denied a residence permit extension. Such violations include:

• exceeding the permitted period of stay,
• fines for violations of the migration regime,
• lack of residence registration,
• use of forged documents,
• participation in illegal activities.

The Migration Service may issue an adverse decision if the applicant has administrative penalties.

5. Past entry ban or deportation

If a foreigner has previously been deported or banned from entering Ukraine, their application for a residence permit extension will most likely be rejected. In such cases, the ban must first be canceled, or the applicant must apply for rehabilitation with the migration authorities.

What to do in case of refusal?

If the migration service refuses to extend the residence permit, the applicant has several options for further action. The main thing is to act quickly since a foreigner is obliged to leave the territory of Ukraine within a specified period after an official refusal.

1. Analysing the reasons for refusal and resubmitting documents

If the reason for the refusal was a mistake in the papers or their incompleteness, the best option is to correct the deficiencies and resubmit the documents. In this case, you need to get an official written decision on the refusal, study its reasons, and eliminate them.

2. Appeal against the refusal in an administrative procedure

If the refusal is unreasonable or formal, it can be appealed directly to the State Migration Service. To do this, you need to file a complaint against the refusal decision, where you need to justify your position and provide additional documents.

The complaint should be filed with the head of the relevant territorial unit of the SMS or with the central office of the migration service in Kyiv. The appeal is considered in up to 30 days.

3. Judicial appeal

The foreigner may appeal to an administrative court if the administrative appeal is unsuccessful. The court proceedings may take one to three months, but if the decision is favorable, the SMS will be obliged to reconsider its refusal and extend the residence permit.

The statement of claim to the court must contain:

• a copy of the decision to refuse,
• the applicant's arguments regarding the unlawfulness of the refusal,
• documents confirming the legal grounds for extending the residence permit.

Going to court is more complicated and requires legal support, so consult an experienced lawyer.

What do you do if all options are exhausted?

If the migration service has not changed its decision after all attempts to extend the residence permit, the foreigner must leave Ukraine within the established time limit. Further stays without valid documents may result in fines, deportation, and a future entry ban.

In such cases, it is recommended:

• leave Ukraine before the end of the permitted period of stay,
• apply for a new type D visa at a Ukrainian consulate abroad,
• reapply for a residence permit.

Refusal to extend a residence permit is a serious situation that requires immediate action. The main reasons for refusal are untimely document submission, violation of migration legislation, or lack of legal grounds for extending the stay.

6. What should I do after receiving an extended residence permit?

Obtaining an extended temporary residence permit (TRP) is essential for a foreigner who wishes to extend their legal stay in Ukraine. However, this process does not end when the document is issued. After obtaining a new residence permit, several mandatory steps must be taken to avoid possible violations of migration law and further difficulties. Failure to comply with the established rules may result in administrative fines or even residence permit cancellation. Therefore, you should be responsible for all the necessary actions after receiving an updated document.

First, you should carefully check the accuracy of all the data entered in the document. This applies to personal information, the validity of the residence permit, the place of registration, and other key parameters. Any mistakes can create difficulties in the future, for example, when opening a bank account, applying to government agencies, or undergoing inspections by law enforcement agencies. If you notice an inaccuracy, you should immediately contact the State Migration Service (SMS) to make the necessary changes.

The following mandatory step is to register your place of residence. According to Ukrainian law, a foreigner who has received an extended residence permit must register their residence at the Administrative Services Centre (ASC) within 30 days of receiving the document. If the place of residence remains unchanged, it is necessary to re-register at the same address to update the information in the state registers. If the foreigner has changed their residence address, they must go through the deregistration procedure and register at the new place. You must submit the relevant documents, including a housing lease agreement or a real estate ownership certificate. In case of non-compliance with this rule, administrative fines may be imposed, and for repeated violations, the migration service may even refuse to extend the residence permit.

Another essential task is to update data in state registers and other institutions. For example, if you have a bank account, you need to inform the bank of any changes to the document, as without updated data in the system, you may have difficulties conducting financial transactions. The same applies to the tax service - if you are an official taxpayer in Ukraine, you should update your certificate information and obtain the latest data in the register. It is also worth checking whether you must notify insurance companies, your employer, or other institutions that work with your documents.

In case of loss or damage to a temporary residence permit, you must immediately apply to the SMS with a statement of loss of the document. After that, you should submit a request for a duplicate, provide supporting documents, and pay the relevant administrative fee. It usually takes up to 15 business days to restore a residence permit, so it is essential not to delay the application to avoid problems with the legality of your stay in the country.

Another vital aspect is timely planning for the next residence permit extension. Many foreigners postpone this process until the last minute, which creates additional difficulties and may lead to late submission of documents. It is recommended that preparations be started approximately three months before the expiry of the residence permit. This includes checking whether the grounds for further residence remain, collecting the necessary documents, clarifying the requirements with the migration service, and applying for an extension in advance. The best strategy is to apply to the SMS 30-45 days before the residence permit expiry to have enough time to finalize the documents or eliminate deficiencies.

In general, after obtaining an extended temporary residence permit, you need to perform several key actions: check the document for errors, register your place of residence, update your data in state registers and other institutions, comply with migration legislation, and prepare for the next extension promptly. Following these rules will help you avoid legal problems and ensure a comfortable stay in Ukraine without the risk of losing your legal status.

7. Frequently asked questions about extending a temporary residence permit

Extending a temporary residence permit (TRP) in Ukraine is a process that raises many questions among foreigners. Migration regulations often change, and document requirements may differ depending on specific circumstances. To avoid misunderstandings and problems with the extension, knowing the answers to the most common questions in advance is essential.

Can I apply for a residence permit extension online?

There is no online procedure for extending a temporary residence permit in Ukraine. All documents must be submitted in person to the territorial unit of the State Migration Service (SMS) at the foreigner's place of registration.

However, some regions offer pre-registration for document submission through an electronic queue on the SMS's official website or the Administrative Service Centre (ASC). This allows you to reduce the waiting time at the migration service office.

Is it necessary to be present in person when submitting documents?

Yes, a foreigner personally submits documents to extend a residence permit. A representative can submit documents only with a notarized power of attorney. Exceptions may be made in cases where the applicant has valid reasons, such as being in hospital or unable to appear in person due to objective circumstances.

Also, personal presence is required when obtaining a ready-made residence permit, as the Migration Service identifies the applicant when issuing it.

Can I extend my residence permit if it has already expired?

If the residence permit has already expired, it is impossible to extend it in Ukraine. In this case, the foreigner loses the right to legal residence and must leave Ukraine.

To obtain a temporary residence permit again, you need to:

1. Leave Ukraine within the time limit set by law to avoid deportation and fines.
2. Apply for a new type D visa at a Ukrainian consulate abroad.
3. After returning, apply for a residence permit from scratch.

A foreigner may be fined for late departure and, in case of significant overstay, even banned from entering Ukraine.

What should I do if the SMS delays the consideration of my application?

By law, the period for processing an application for an extension of a residence permit should not exceed 15 working days. If this deadline is violated, the applicant has the right to:

• Apply to the SMS management with a request to expedite the review.
• Formally file a written complaint with the central office of the SMS of Ukraine.
• Appeal against the inaction of the migration service in court (if a long delay violates the applicant's rights).

If the application is submitted on time but the consideration is delayed, the foreigner may stay in Ukraine until the official decision is received.

Can I leave Ukraine while my extension application is being considered?

No, you cannot leave Ukraine if your residence permit has already expired and your application for its extension is still being considered.

If a foreigner leaves the country without a valid residence permit, they must obtain a new type D visa at a Ukrainian consulate abroad to return.

If you urgently need to leave the country, you should either wait for a new residence permit or refuse the extension, leave, and apply for a new residence permit upon your return.

Can I change the grounds for extending my residence permit?

A residence permit can be extended only on the same grounds as the one on which it was issued. For example, if a residence permit was issued on the basis of studies, it can be extended only if a certificate from the educational institution is provided.

If the circumstances change (for example, a person graduates but gets a job), they need to apply for a new residence permit on a new basis. This means that you will have to:

1. Obtain the appropriate permit (e.g., work permit).
2. Leave Ukraine after the expiry of the previous residence permit.
3. Apply for a new type D visa.
4. Apply for a residence permit on a new basis.

What should I do if the SMS refuses to extend my residence permit?

If the Migration Service refuses to extend the residence permit, the applicant has several options:

1. Correct mistakes and resubmit documents if the refusal was due to formal reasons (incomplete package of documents, errors in certificates, etc.).
2. File a complaint with the SMS—If the applicant considers the refusal illegal, he or she may file an official appeal with the migration service's management.
3. Appeal against the decision in court - if the refusal is groundless, you can file a lawsuit with the administrative court and demand a review.
4. Leave Ukraine and reapply after returning.

You should not ignore the refusal, which can lead to fines or even deportation.

Do I need to apply for residence registration after extending my residence permit?

Thus, after obtaining an extended residence permit, a foreigner must register or update their place of residence within 30 days. This is done at the SMS or ASC at the place of registration.

If your residence has not changed, you must confirm your registration. If you change your address, you should cancel your previous registration and apply for a new one.

Conclusion.

The extension of a temporary residence permit (TRP) in Ukraine is complicated but predictable if you follow the established rules and take all the necessary steps in a timely manner. Since Ukrainian migration legislation is quite clear on the issues of residence permit extension, the main task of foreigners is to submit documents on time, fulfil all formal requirements, and not violate the law.

The main aspects to consider when extending a residence permit:

• The documents must be submitted in advance, at least 15 working days before the expiry of the residence permit.
• A residence permit may be extended only on the same grounds as those on which it was issued. If the grounds have changed, a new residence permit must be issued.
• After receiving the new document, you must re-register your residence with the SMS or ASC within 30 days.
• During the application process, you cannot travel outside Ukraine, otherwise you will need a new type D visa.
• If the residence permit has expired, it cannot be extended, and you will have to leave Ukraine and obtain a new residence permit upon your return.
• If the Migration Service refuses to extend the residence permit, the decision can be appealed administratively or in court.

To avoid mistakes and potential problems, it is important to carefully check all documents, monitor changes in legislation, and, if necessary, seek legal assistance. Incorrectly executed certificates, late submission of an application, or violation of the migration regime can lead to a refusal to extend a residence permit and even deportation.

If you plan to stay in Ukraine for a long time, prepare documents in advance and be attentive to the requirements of the migration service. Compliance with these rules will help you avoid legal problems and extend your stay in Ukraine without any unnecessary difficulties.