If you are planning to stay in Ukraine, you need to obtain a permanent residence permit. This process is not an easy one and requires time, but it is still worth it, as a permanent residence permit gives you a chance to obtain the citizenship afterward. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to view this matter very seriously.
Grounds to get a permanent residence permit
Contrary to the common belief, you don’t always need to live in Ukraine for five years without interruption in order to get a permanent residence permit. In many cases, you can get it much faster. For example, you should not wait so long if you possessed the citizenship of Ukraine earlier or if you are married to a Ukrainian citizen. However, no matter your grounds to get a permanent residence permit, you need to go through certain procedures.
Documents to submit:
- properly filled application form;
- identification document and its copy;
- copy of the immigration permit;
- copy of the tax ID-number if applicable;
- 4 photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
All the documents should be translated into Ukrainian. Besides, you need to pay the state fee and all the services beforehand to provide bank receipts together with your application. Only a certain category of people is exempt from paying the state fee. This applies to incapable and disabled persons.
Keep in mind that if you are a resident of a country with visa regime, you should have a long-term visa (type D) in your passport.
Another important thing to remember is that you can apply for a permanent residence permit in Ukraine during a year after you receive the immigration permit.
Due to the fact that the process of obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine is quite difficult, it is recommended to consult professional lawyers first. At “Bachynskyy, Kolomiets and partners,” we can help you avoid many mistakes and make the entire process much easier and less stressful!
Who can get an immigration permit in Ukraine?
An immigration permit is required for those foreign citizens or stateless persons who want to live and work in Ukraine. According to the Law of Ukraine on Immigration (Art. 4), the following categories of people are included in the immigration quota and have the right to claim for an immigration permit:
- siblings, grandchildren, and grandparents of the citizens of Ukraine;
- minor children, spouse, and parents of a person who already has a permanent residence permit in Ukraine;
- persons who possessed the Ukrainian citizenship earlier;
- persons who invested at least 100,000 USD in the Ukrainian economy;
- highly qualified specialists who are needed for the Ukrainian economy;
- cultural workers, scholars, and scientists whose work is considered essential for the scientific and cultural development of Ukraine;
- persons with the status of refugee or those granted asylum, as well as former victims of human trafficking, who continuously resided in Ukraine for three years.
In addition to the categories included in the immigration quota, there are several other categories of people who also have the right to claim for an immigration permit:
- persons who were born or lived in Ukraine before 24 August 1991;
- persons whose close relatives were born or lived in Ukraine before 24 August 1991;
- children and parents of the citizens of Ukraine;
- spouse of the citizen of Ukraine if the couple is married for at least two years;
- Ukrainians who live abroad (Ukrainian diaspora), their children, and foreign spouses in case they come to Ukraine together;
- persons whose immigration is important for Ukraine;
- trustees and guardians of the Ukrainian citizens and those who are under the guardianship of the Ukrainian citizens.
Documents to submit:
- properly filled application form;
- notarized copy of the identification document translated into Ukrainian;
- confirmation of your right to immigration;
- confirmation of your place of residence in Ukraine and abroad;
- non-conviction certificate;
- medical certificate;
- information about family members;
- 3 photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
In order to obtain an immigration permit, you need to personally submit the required documents along with a properly filled application form to the State Migration Service of Ukraine. In exceptional cases, it can be done via email. The processing time for application is rather long but does not usually exceed 1 year from the date when it was submitted.
Keep in mind that the immigration permit is valid a year. During this time, you can apply for a permanent residence permit in Ukraine. However, before to actually do it, it is better to get comprehensive legal assistance from experienced immigration lawyers. Contact “Bachynskyy, Kolomiets and partners” with any questions you have!
Who can get an immigration permit due to marriage?
Immigration permit is granted within an immigration quota determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. It includes the following categories of people:
- persons who possessed the Ukrainian citizenship earlier but lost it;
- close relatives of the citizens of Ukraine;
- cultural activists, as well as famous scholars and scientists, whose immigration meets the interests of Ukraine;
- former victims of human trafficking, persons granted asylum in Ukraine, and refugees who lived continuously in Ukraine for three years.
Except for these categories, an immigration permit can also be granted to the following people:
- Ukrainians residing abroad with their children and spouses;
- persons who were born or lived in Ukraine before 24 August 1991;
- persons whose close relatives were born or lived in Ukraine before 24 August 1991;
- parents, children, or persons under the guardianship of the citizens of Ukraine;
- persons whose immigration relates to the Ukrainian state interests;
- husband or wife of the citizen of Ukraine.
Please note that if you want to get an immigration permit, your marriage should last at least two years.
Documents to submit:
- properly filled application form;
- notarized copy of the identification document translated into Ukrainian;
- notarized copy of the marriage certificate;
- confirmation of the place of residence in Ukraine and abroad;
- notarized consent by the owner of the apartment that the applicant will be registered there;
- 3 photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
The documents and the application form should be submitted personally. It can be done both, in Ukraine and abroad:
1. Persons living in Ukraine on the legal basis should submit documents to the State migration service of Ukraine.
2. Personal living outside Ukraine should submit documents to the consular institutions or diplomatic representatives of Ukraine abroad.
Keep in mind that the applicant may be refused an immigration permit if their claim is based on a fake or sham marriage.
FAQ:
Can a foreigner obtain a permanent residence permit after five years of living in Ukraine on the legal basis?
No, they cannot. No matter how many years a foreigner lives in Ukraine, they don’t have the right to claim for a permanent residence permit. Long-term accommodation in Ukraine does not provide the foreigner with any additional advantages.
What are the benefits of a permanent residence permit?
The most important benefits you get from obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine are the following:
- free enter to Ukraine without a visa at any time;
- right for permanent residence for your parents and children;
- right to import your car or other personal property without payment of Customs Duty (within 6 months after obtaining the permanent residence permit).
Is it possible to register a foreigner who has not yet received permanent residence?
It is possible only in case the foreigner already has a temporary residence permit. Please note that a registered address does not give the right to claim for a permanent residence permit.
How long can a foreigner stay on the territory of Ukraine after obtaining a permanent residence permit?
If a foreigner has a permanent residence permit, their period of stay on the territory of Ukraine is unlimited. They can stay in Ukraine as long as they want or need.
Can an immigration lawyer provide permanent residence distantly?
Each application should be submitted by the applicant personally. An immigration lawyer can consult you, help you properly prepare the documents, explain the process, but they cannot apply for permanent residence instead of you. If someone promises you to do it, most likely they are fraudsters.
Can a foreigner with a temporary residence permit claim for a permanent residence permit?
No matter how long a foreigner lives in Ukraine, a temporary residence permit does not give the right for a permanent residence permit. The exception is two years of staying in marriage with the Ukrainian citizen. In such a case, a foreigner with a temporary residence permit can claim for a permanent residence permit.
Does a permanent residence permit automatically make the foreigner a tax resident?
No, it doesn’t. To become a tax resident in Ukraine, you need to fulfill some other conditions that are not related to the immigration process.
Is the period of validity of the permanent residence permit limited? Can I replace it with a new one?
The period of validity of the permanent residence permit is unlimited. However, if you have an old-style cardboard permanent residence permit, it is recommended to replace it with a new one. The fact is that old-style permits are often not included in the electronic database, which means that if you lose it, you will need to start the procedure of getting a permanent residence permit from the very beginning. Therefore, if you want to avoid these problems and protect yourself from any hassle, it is better to replace the old-style permit with a new one.
If you have any questions regarding the process of obtaining a permanent residence permit or an immigration permit, please do not hesitate to contact “Bachynskyy, Kolomiets and partners” by email ua.legalaid@gmail.com or by phone +380960020100. We will be pleased to provide you with any information and assistance you need!
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