Two steps: an immigration permit and a residence permit
First the foreigner obtains an immigration permit. Only after that does the migration service issue the permanent residence permit. Each step has its own documents and timelines.
The grounds for the permit are set by the Law “On Immigration”. Some apply outside the quota, meaning with no limit on the number of people per year; some within the quota.
What's included
- Analysis of the ground and the documents.
- The document package for the immigration permit.
- Translations, apostille or legalisation.
- Filing and following the review.
- Processing the residence permit once the immigration permit is granted.
Who can get an immigration permit
| Ground | Example |
|---|---|
| Marriage to a Ukrainian citizen | A marriage lasting more than two years |
| Family ties | Children and parents of Ukrainian citizens |
| Ukrainian origin | People of Ukrainian origin and their relatives |
| Investment | A foreign investment of a set amount in Ukraine's economy |
| Science, culture, qualifications | Figures in science and culture, highly qualified specialists |
This isn't a complete list. Each ground has to be checked against your documents, and that's where most mistakes happen.
If you currently have a temporary permit
A temporary permit doesn't turn into a permanent one by itself. But while you live in Ukraine on a temporary ground, you can prepare the documents for a permanent one once a ground appears. For example, after a few years of marriage to a Ukrainian citizen. Until then your temporary residence permit stays in force.
How it works
Your part: documents confirming the ground. The rest of the arrows are mine.
Law of Ukraine “On Immigration” (grounds and procedure for granting an immigration permit, quota); Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons”; Procedure for processing permanent residence permits, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Frequently asked questions about permanent residence permits
How much does a permanent residence permit cost?
From €150 for my work. State fees and translations are separate.
Can I get a permanent permit after a few years on a temporary one?
The length of residence alone isn't a ground. You need a ground from the Law “On Immigration”.
Does a permanent permit need to be renewed?
The card is replaced periodically, but the right to permanent residence itself doesn't need confirming every year.
Can I work with a permanent permit?
Yes, without a separate work permit.
Until you have a ground for a permanent one, there's the temporary residence permit. Your family members can get permits through family reunification.