The procedure for exchanging a temporary residence permit in Ukraine: step-by-step instructions

Ukraine is becoming increasingly attractive to foreigners seeking to work, study, or do business here. A temporary residence permit (TRP) is the primary document allowing foreigners to stay in the country for a certain period legally. But what should you do when your residence permit expires? In this article, we will take a closer look at the procedure for exchanging a residence permit so that you can extend your stay in Ukraine without any hindrance.

Why do I need to exchange my residence permit?

The main reasons for exchanging a residence permit include:

• Expiration of the current residence permit.
• Change of personal data, such as name or surname.
• Damage or loss of the document.
• Change of the reason for residence (e.g., from study to work).

Interesting fact: According to the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS), about 65% of foreigners exchange their residence permits due to expiration.

Gathering the necessary documents

To successfully exchange a residence permit, you need to prepare the following package of documents:

• An application for the exchange of a residence permit is required on the established form.
• Passport document of the foreigner with the relevant visa (if required).
• A valid temporary residence permit.
• A document justifying further stay in Ukraine (employment contract, work permit, certificate from an educational institution, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Receipt of payment of the administrative fee.
• A health insurance policy is valid for the entire period of stay.

Practical example: Anna from Germany continues her studies at a Ukrainian university. She provided a new university certificate and an updated health insurance policy to exchange her residence permit.

Meeting the deadlines for submission

Documents for the exchange of residence permits should be submitted 15 working days before the expiry of the current residence permit. Failure to meet this deadline may result in administrative liability or even deportation.

Legal framework: Article 5 of the Law of Ukraine 'On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons' requires foreigners to promptly apply for documents allowing them to stay legally in the country.

Payment of the administrative fee

An administrative fee must be paid before submitting documents. The fee amount is set under the applicable law. Please visit the SMS's official website or contact a banking institution for up-to-date information on the amount and payment details.

Interesting fact: Since 2021, Ukraine has introduced the possibility of paying the administrative fee online, dramatically simplifying the procedure for foreigners.

Submitting documents to the SMS

After collecting all the necessary documents, contact the SMS territorial unit at your residence. You should make an appointment in advance to avoid queues and save time.

Practical advice: The service's official website provides contacts and working hours for the SMS's territorial units.

Passing the biometric procedure

Your fingerprints and a digital photograph will be taken when submitting your documents. This is a mandatory procedure according to the Law of Ukraine 'On the Unified State Demographic Register.'

Legal basis: Article 21 of the Law of Ukraine, 'On the Unified State Demographic Register,' provides for collecting biometric data for document processing.

Waiting for a decision and obtaining a residence permit

After submitting the documents, the decision to exchange a residence permit is made within 15 working days. If the decision is favorable, you will be informed about the readiness of the document, which you can receive at the relevant SMS unit.

A practical example: Marc from France submitted his documents 20 days before his residence permit expired. After ten working days, he received a new residence permit and could continue working in Ukraine without any obstacles.

Registering your place of residence

After receiving a new residence permit, you must register your residence within 30 days. To do this, contact the Centre for the Provision of Administrative Services (CPAS) or the relevant local government.

Legal framework: The Law of Ukraine 'On Freedom of Movement and Free Choice of Place of Residence in Ukraine' establishes the obligation for foreigners to register a residence.

Interesting fact: Failure to comply with the obligation to register a place of residence may result in a fine of UAH 1700 to 5100.

Possible reasons for refusal to issue a residence permit and how to avoid them

• Incomplete package of documents: Before submitting your application, ensure all documents are available and properly executed.
• Violation of the submission deadlines: Follow the deadlines to avoid negative consequences.
• Inconsistency of the grounds for stay: Make sure that your grounds for staying in Ukraine comply with the legal requirements.

Practical advice: If you are refused, you can appeal the decision in court or re-submit your documents after the deficiencies have been eliminated.

Current legislation

• The Law of Ukraine 'On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons' dated 22.09.2011 No. 3773-VI.
• The Law of Ukraine 'On the Unified State Demographic Register' dated 20 November 2012 No. 5492-VI.
• Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 322 dated 25.04.2018 'On Approval of the Procedure for Registration, Issuance, Exchange, Cancellation, and Transfer of a Temporary Residence Permit.’

Interesting fact: Ukrainian legislation in the field of migration is constantly being updated to harmonize with European standards.

How STATUS KO Law Firm can help

Our company specializes in providing migration and legal services for foreigners in Ukraine. We offer:

• Consultations on migration issues.
• Preparation and verification of documents for residence permit exchange.
• Support during the submission of documents to the DMS.
• Assistance in registering a place of residence.

A practical example: Elena from Poland contacted us to exchange her residence permit. Our lawyers quickly prepared all the documents, and she received a new residence permit within the shortest possible time.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I exchange my residence permit if I missed the document submission deadline?

A: We recommend contacting a lawyer immediately if you missed the deadline. You may have to pay a fine or even temporarily leave the country.

Q: Do I have to apply in person?

A: Personal presence is mandatory due to the need to submit biometric data.

Q: How many times can I exchange my residence permit?

A: The number of exchanges is not limited, but you need legal grounds to stay in Ukraine each time.

Useful tips

• Plan. Start preparing documents at least a month before the expiry of your residence permit.
• Check the relevance of the information. Legislation is subject to change, so keep an eye out for updates.
• Consult professionals. Legal support can save you time and nerves.

Interesting fact: According to statistics, foreigners who use the services of law firms are less likely to face refusals and delays in paperwork.

Conclusion

Exchanging a temporary residence permit in Ukraine is a responsible process that requires care and knowledge of the law. Following our step-by-step instructions, you can go through this procedure without problems. And if you have any questions or need help, STATUS KO Law Firm is always ready to support you at every stage.

An interesting fact is that Ukraine is becoming increasingly open to foreigners, and proper paperwork is the key to a successful stay and activity there.