- A D visa is needed to enter and then obtain a residence permit in Ukraine. But not by everyone.
- Whether you need one depends on the pair “citizenship plus ground”.
- First the ground (work permit, enrolment, marriage), then the visa, then the residence permit.
A D visa is a national long-stay visa. You need it to enter Ukraine and then apply for a residence permit here. But not everyone needs one, and this is where people get confused most often.
The permit decides; the visa only opens the door
You can live in Ukraine beyond a short stay on the basis of a residence permit. A permit is issued on a specific ground: work, business, study, family, volunteering. In this chain the D visa is just a way to enter with the intention of getting that permit.
Who needs a D visa
Citizens of many countries enter Ukraine visa-free for short stays. But to live here longer, some of them need a D visa, while others can get a residence permit without one.
It all depends on the pair “citizenship plus ground”. So the first question I ask is: where are you from and why are you coming.
The right order
- The ground in Ukraine: an employer's work permit, enrolment at an educational institution, marriage or family documents, company documents.
- A D visa from a consulate abroad, if you need one.
- Entry, and filing for the residence permit within the visa's validity.
- The residence permit and registration of your address.
| Purpose | Supporting document |
|---|---|
| Work | Work permit |
| Business | Company documents and proof of investment |
| Study | An invitation from the educational institution |
| Family reunification | Marriage or family documents |
| Volunteering | The organisation's documents |
Typical mistakes
- Applying at the consulate without a supporting document.
- Confusing a D visa with a short-stay tourist visa.
- Missing the deadline after entry, and having to leave and start over.
The visa and the residence permit are planned together. It's worth preparing the permit documents before you go to the consulate.
What it looks like in practice
A client from Peru wanted to move to Ukraine and work legally. We went the whole way: tax number, company registration, work permit, visa, residence permit. Each step depended on the previous one, which is why they're worth planning as one package.
More: type D visa, temporary residence permit and the immigration navigator.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get a D visa?
At a Ukrainian consulate or embassy abroad.
How long is a D visa valid?
Usually 90 days. Within that time you need to file for the residence permit.
Can I work on a D visa?
The visa gives you the right to enter. You can work on the basis of a work permit and a residence permit, which are obtained separately.
This article is general in nature and is not legal advice. Every situation has its own nuances.
