Permanent residence permit
A permanent residence permit is an official document issued to foreigners and stateless persons by the migration service. It confirms the right of such persons to permanent residence in Ukraine, and also gives foreigners the rights and obligations on an equal footing with Ukrainian citizens, except as provided by law.
By obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine, a foreign citizen can be officially employed without the need to obtain any additional documents. This document also opens up the possibility of obtaining full Ukrainian citizenship.
The procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit
To enter Ukraine legally, in order to apply for an immigration permit, a foreigner must stay in Ukraine without exceeding a 90-day stay or on a temporary residence permit;
Apply to the competent authorities for an immigration permit, which is the main condition for obtaining a residence permit;
Collect a package of necessary documents.
Submit the application and documents to the SMS department at the place of residence.
The period for processing an application for an immigration permit after the amendments in 2023 is 6 months.
Documents for obtaining a permanent residence permit
Passport document
Tax number (if any)
Notarized translation of the passport
temporary residence permit (in some cases)
Immigration permit
Receipts for payment of state duty
Reasons for obtaining a permanent residence permit
According to the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration”, there are 2 categories of persons who are entitled to obtain an immigration permit. Obtaining such a permit is, in fact, a mandatory element without which it is impossible to obtain a permanent residence permit. Once this document has been issued, it is only a matter of time before you receive a residence permit.
These are immigrants who can obtain a permit, but within the quota set by the Government. Such persons include:
- cultural and scientific figures of science and culture who are desirable in Ukraine;
- workers and specialists with high qualifications who are in short supply in Ukraine and are important for the national economy;
- foreign investors who have invested at least USD 100,000 in the Ukrainian economy;
- persons who are siblings, grandparents or grandchildren of Ukrainian citizens;
- persons who used to be citizens of Ukraine;
- Minor children, parents, and spouses of immigrants;
victims of human trafficking who have resided in Ukraine for 3 years
These are persons who are granted this right outside the quotas established by the state, namely
- being married to a Ukrainian citizen for more than 2 years;
- persons who have the right to Ukrainian citizenship by territorial origin;
- guardians or trustees of Ukrainian citizens or wards of Ukrainian citizens where the guardian or trustee is a foreigner;
- certain categories of persons whose immigration is of interest to Ukraine;
- foreign Ukrainians, spouses and their children if they enter Ukraine together;
- foreigners who resided on the territory of Ukraine before the termination of their citizenship and remained there after the procedure of citizenship termination.
What does a permanent residence permit in Ukraine entail?
- The main advantage is that a foreigner will be able to enter the territory of Ukraine without any visa requirements.
- Staying in Ukraine is not limited by any time limits.
- There is no need to obtain work permits or submit applications to various institutions or organizations.
- You can be officially employed;
- Permanent residence will save you from additional bureaucratic costs;
- Possibility to open visas to enter EU countries;
- Unlimited validity of the residence permit;
- Possibility to obtain Ukrainian citizenship.
A permanent residence permit entitles you to the full range of rights and obligations of Ukrainian citizens, except for the right to vote, the right to join political parties, military duty and the possibility to work in government agencies.
It is not easy to obtain a permanent residence permit and to prepare the correct package of documents. In addition, each situation is individual and problematic in its own way. And in order not to create problems with legalization in Ukraine, consult our highly qualified lawyers in Lviv with considerable experience in the field of migration law.
FAQ:
The main advantage for which foreigners seek to obtain a permanent residence permit is the ability to stay in Ukraine for an unlimited amount of time. You no longer need to be in a complicated legal situation and depend on the border or migration service.
A permanent residence permit will undoubtedly open up a lot of opportunities for you. Now you can officially work in Ukraine without additional permits, open visas to enter EU countries and use all social, medical and administrative services like an ordinary citizen.
The grounds for obtaining a permanent residence permit can be completely different, ranging from the desire to reunite with relatives to, but not limited to, cultural or scientific activities.
Contact information
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