30 September 2026

Immigrate to Ukraine

Learn how to immigrate to Ukraine and which types of residence permits are available. Contact our law firm for tailored assistance with moving to Ukraine.

Immigrate to Ukraine

Those who decide to immigrate to Ukraine can obtain various benefits, some of them related to taxation, while others refer to employment opportunities. Our lawyers in Ukraine are at the service of foreigners from all over the world who want to move here and obtain one of the available types of residence permits. Below, we explain the main relocation options from a legal point of view.

 Quick Facts 
Entry visa requirement (from the EU)   EU citizens will need a D visa if they need a longer stay or a work permit.

 Entry visa requirement (outside the EU)

The citizens outside the EU will need:

– B visa (for stays less than 5 days);

– C visa (for stays that do not exceed 90 days);

– D visa (long-term stays, to obtain a residence permit). 

Types of visas available 

 3 types of visas:

– B visa (transit),

– C visa (short-term stays),

– D visa (long-term stays)

 Time frame for obtaining a work visa (approx.) 

– Standard procedure – approximately 10 working days;

– Emergency procedure – approximately 5 working days;

– In particular situations (additional checks) – up to 30 days.

 Validity of the temporary residence permit Usually 1 to 3 years, depending on the ground of stay (e.g. for employment, the term of the work permit)
Temporary residence permit renewal requirements 

The application must be submitted at least 15 working days before the expiry of the current permit. Our immigration lawyers in Ukraine can help you with this procedure. 

Documents for obtaining a residence permit 

– valid passport/ID;

– standard application form;

– proof of domicile in Ukraine;

– clear criminal record;

– medical certificate. 

Conditions for obtaining permanent residence in Ukraine 

– have a legal ground (eg., investment of at least USD 100,000, marriage to a Ukrainian citizen, family reunification etc.);

– obtain an immigration permit issued by Ukrainian authorities;

– submit required documents for residency after immigration permit approval.

Investor visa availability  

YES 

 Start-up visa scheme availability Ukraine offers a business visa (type C-01). You can get in touch with our Ukrainian law firm for this matter. 
Sponsorship requirement  

Not applicable 

 Time frame for obtaining citizenship

Between 12 to 24 months from the date of submission of a complete application. 

Citizenship/residency by investment scheme availability  

Citizenship by investment NO/ residency by investment YES 

Taxation of foreign citizens 

The tax regime depends on tax residency status, not citizenship. 

 Tax benefits for expatsIn Ukraine, there is no special tax regime dedicated exclusively to expats, but our Ukrainian attorneys can help you identify benefits such as the simplified system for entrepreneurs. 

What are the services provided by your immigration lawyers in Ukraine?

Our Ukrainian lawyers are at your disposal with several services, among which:

  • verification if you need a visa to enter the country;
  • assistance in filing the documents for the chosen type of residence permit;
  • support in renewing the residence permit;
  • guidance in bringing family members to Ukraine.

What are the laws providing for immigration to Ukraine?

Just like in other countries, people who want to immigrate to Ukraine must respect various requirements that are prescribed by different laws. Here, the following apply:

What are the visas available to immigrate to Ukraine?

The following types of visas are available for those seeking to enter Ukraine:

  • B visa, which can be used for transiting the country and for stays that do not surpass 5 days;
  • C visa, which is issued for stays that do not exceed 90 days;
  • D visa, which is the equivalent of short-term residence permits in other European countries.

Find more information on the legal pathways of immigrating to Ukraine from this infographic:

Immigrate to Ukraine

What are the required documents for relocation to Ukraine in 2026?

Immigrating to Ukraine also involves preparing the documents requested by the authorities in order to issue a visa and residence permit in Ukraine. Our specialists mention the following documents:

  • valid passport/ ID,
  • standard application form,
  • proof of domicile in Ukraine,
  • clear criminal record,
  • medical certificate stating the applicant is not a drug or alcohol addict and does not have infectious illnesses.

What are the passport requirements for a visa to Ukraine?

For a visa application, the passport must:

  • remain valid for at least three months following the intended departure from Ukraine;
  • have at least two blank pages;
  • have been issued no more than 10 years ago.

Are there various immigration paths for diverse purposes in Ukraine in 2026?

Yes, indeed. There are a number of legal reasons for the entry and stay of foreigners in Ukraine, such as:

  • employment;
  • immigration for permanent settlement;
  • education and science activity;
  • religious activity;
  • culture activity;
  • family reasons;
  • activity in connection with foreign companies or international projects.

Which are the temporary residency grounds for those who immigrate to Ukraine?

Those who decide to move to Ukraine can apply for a residence permit that will be issued on a temporary basis under one of the following reasons:

  • employment with a Ukrainian company or transfer to a branch of a foreign company;
  • religious activities, participation in international educational, cultural, scientific activities;
  • enrollment with a local education institution to which the applicants have already been accepted;
  • investment, as Ukraine also has a program dedicated to foreign investors;
  • marriage to a Ukrainian citizen and family reunification.

What are the grounds for obtaining permanent residency in Ukraine in 2026?

Foreign citizens who want to come to Ukraine and plan on remaining here for an indefinite period of time can apply for permanent residency. Such a permit is available for the following categories of immigrants:

  • highly skilled and/or qualified specialists who can make a significant contribution to the economy;
  • investors who are willing to inject at least 100,000 USD in a local company;
  • grandchildren, grandparents, spouses, and siblings of Ukrainian citizens.

Here is a video presentation on this topic:

Video

How can I move to Ukraine as an investor?

Foreign citizens interested in starting a business in Ukraine can relocate here under a specific visa, provided that they invest the equivalent of 100,000 USD. One can be a participant or the sole owner of a Ukrainian company in order to be granted a residence permit. At first, the shareholder will be granted a temporary visa, but an investment of at least USD 100,000 qualifies directly for an immigration permit (within the annual quota) and then permanent residency.

Can you offer services for family reunification in Ukraine?

Yes, family reunification comes to the attention of our Ukrainian lawyers, who can help foreign citizens bring their close relatives to live with them. In order to apply for family reunification visas, the following documents must be prepared:

  • the residence permit of the foreign citizen who is established here;
  • the valid passport of the family member moving here;
  • the D visa (this requirement applies to citizens from countries who must apply for visas);
  • health insurance.

Is it possible for foreigners to apply for an immigration permit before migrating to Ukraine?

Yes. Those foreign citizens eligible for permanent immigration have the opportunity to apply for an immigration permit prior to their relocation to Ukraine. Applications can be lodged at a diplomatic or consular mission of Ukraine abroad or by foreign citizens that are already legally present in Ukraine.

If you want to immigrate to Ukraine and need guidance, we are at your service. Do not hesitate and contact our law firm in Ukraine for detailed information about all our services.