Do you need a D visa
Citizens of many countries enter Ukraine visa-free for short stays. But to live here longer, work or run a business, 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”.
The visa is issued by a Ukrainian consulate abroad. After entry there's limited time to file for the residence permit. So we prepare the permit documents in parallel with the visa.
What's included
- Checking whether you need a D visa.
- The supporting document: an invitation, a work permit, enrolment for study.
- The document package for the consulate.
- A plan after entry: deadlines for filing for the permit and registering your address.
Supporting documents for a D visa
| 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. Each of these mistakes means leaving again and getting a new visa. To avoid that, the visa and the residence permit are planned together.
How it works
Your part: your passport and the purpose of your trip. The rest of the arrows are mine.
Rules for issuing visas for entry into and transit through Ukraine, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine; Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons”.
Frequently asked questions about the type D visa
How much does help with a D visa cost?
From €150 for my work. The consular fee is separate.
Do EU or US citizens need a D visa?
For some grounds, citizens of visa-free countries can get a residence permit without a D visa. We check it for your ground.
Where do I get the 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.
Need the visa for work? First the employer obtains a work permit. Joining your family? See family reunification.