A residence permit is a document giving a foreigner the right to legally reside in Ukraine. It can be temporary or permanent. We explain how they differ, who needs which and how to obtain one.

In brief

A temporary residence permit is issued on the basis of the purpose of stay (work, study, family reunification, etc.) and is valid as long as that basis is valid — usually up to a year, with subsequent extension. A permanent residence permit is issued to those who have obtained an immigration permit and is valid without being tied to a specific purpose. Both are issued by the State Migration Service (SMS).

Temporary residence permit

It is obtained by foreigners who came to Ukraine with a specific purpose for a defined period:

  • employment (under a permit to employ a foreigner);
  • study at an educational institution;
  • family reunification (marriage to a Ukrainian citizen, family members);
  • religious, volunteer or other activity provided for by law.

A temporary residence permit is valid as long as the basis lasts (for example, the term of the work permit or of the studies) and is extended if the basis remains.

Permanent residence permit

A permanent residence permit is issued to foreigners who have obtained an immigration permit to Ukraine. Unlike the temporary one, it is not tied to a specific purpose and grants significantly broader rights — in effect a status close to permanent residence. An immigration permit is granted within a quota or outside it (for certain categories — spouses of Ukrainian citizens, children, persons with outstanding merits, etc.).

How to obtain a permit: the general procedure

  • Step 1. Confirm the basis (work permit, enrolment in studies, marriage certificate or immigration permit).
  • Step 2. Collect the package of documents (passport with translation, the basis, photo, proof of residence) and pay the relevant charges.
  • Step 3. File the documents with the territorial body of the SMS and go through processing, including biometrics.
  • Step 4. Receive the residence permit within the set timeframe.
ImportantThe most common mistake is missing the deadline for applying or extending. A foreigner must arrange a residence permit within a set period after entry or obtaining the basis; violating the terms of legal stay may lead to a fine, and sometimes to forced return. So it is worth starting the process in advance.

Frequently asked questions

How does a temporary permit differ from a permanent one?

The temporary one is tied to the purpose of stay (work, study, family) and is valid while that basis is valid. The permanent one is issued after an immigration permit and does not depend on a specific purpose.

Who can obtain a permanent residence permit?

Foreigners who have obtained an immigration permit — within a quota or outside it (in particular, spouses of Ukrainian citizens, children, certain privileged categories).

Which authority issues the residence permit?

The State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) at the foreigner’s place of residence.

Need a residence permit in Ukraine?

We will handle the arrangement of a temporary or permanent residence permit, an immigration permit and the employment of foreigners — turnkey.

Migration law →