Thinking About Settling in Ukraine Permanently?
If you’re a foreigner considering making Ukraine your permanent home, you’re in the right place. Obtaining a permanent residence permit can seem daunting, but we’re here to break it down for you. This guide will walk you through who is eligible, what documents you’ll need, how to apply, and some essential tips to make the journey smoother—even if you’re applying from abroad, including from the USA.
What’s a Permanent Residence Permit Anyway?
A permanent residence permit is your golden ticket to living in Ukraine indefinitely. It’s an official document that proves your identity as a foreigner or stateless person and confirms your right to reside in Ukraine permanently. Usually, this document gives you the right to freely leave and enter the country during its entire validity period. To get one, you’ll need an immigration permit and must arrive in Ukraine intending to live here for good. In some cases, managing your documents can be streamlined through services like the electronic queue for a foreign passport, which helps in scheduling appointments and reducing wait times.
Advantages of Permanent Residence
Holding a permanent residence permit comes with several perks:
- Employment Freedom: You have the right to work in Ukraine without needing a separate employment permit.
- Unlimited Visits: You can enter and leave Ukraine without any restrictions on the number of times.
- No Annual Renewals: There’s no need to extend the validity of the permit every year.
- Dual Status: You retain your original citizenship while becoming a resident of Ukraine.
So, Who Can Get One?
You might be eligible for a permanent residence permit if you fit into one of these categories:
- Immigrants Under the Law: You’re a foreigner or stateless person who has immigrated to Ukraine for permanent residence according to the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration.”
- Former Ukrainian Citizens: You previously lived in Ukraine permanently before renouncing your Ukrainian citizenship and decided to stay afterward. In this case, a decree from the President of Ukraine ending your citizenship and your personal application will serve as the basis for your permit.
Age also plays a role:
- If You’re 16 or Older: You can apply on your own.
- If You’re Under 16 or Have Limited Legal Capacity: A parent, adoptive parent, guardian, or trustee with whom you live based on an immigration permit will need to apply on your behalf.
It’s important to note that a permanent residence permit is issued on the basis of an immigration permit. After receiving a positive decision on your immigration permit, you can apply for the permanent residence permit. Also, keep in mind that you’ll be issued a copy of the immigration permit, as the original stays with the Migration Service.
How Do You Apply?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:
- Gather Your Documents: Make sure you have all the required paperwork.
- Find the Right Place to Apply: Head to a state enterprise under the State Migration Service (SMS), an administrative service center, or the SMS territorial bodies/divisions where you live.
- Submit Your Application: Hand in your documents and any required forms.
- Wait for Approval and Receive Your Permit: Once everything is processed, you’ll get your permanent residence permit.
The processing time for your application is typically 15 working days.
Good News: You Can Apply from Abroad!
Did you know you can start your application outside Ukraine? Experts from the prominent Kyiv-based law firm “Intermarium” highlight the particular convenience this offers for those residing in the USA or other countries.
Who Can Apply from Abroad?
You can apply or exchange your permanent residence permit from outside Ukraine if:
- You’ve Lost Your Permit: If it’s been stolen or lost.
- Your Permit Is Damaged: If it’s not usable anymore.
- You’ve Reached a Milestone Age: If you’ve turned 25 or 45 and your current permit doesn’t have an electronic chip.
- War or Conflict Prevented You: If you couldn’t get your permit due to events like the recent conflicts in Ukraine.
What Do You Need to Apply from Abroad?
Make sure you have:
- A Certified Translation of Your Passport: Translate your passport into Ukrainian and get it certified.
- Your Old Permanent Residence Permit: If you have it.
Heads Up! For now, there’s no electronic queue system. That means services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
What Documents Will You Need?
When you’re ready to apply, here’s what you’ll need to have in hand:
- Your Valid Passport: This includes any passports if you have multiple citizenships, or a stateless person’s ID, along with a type D visa if required.
- Translated Passport: Get your passport translated into Ukrainian and notarized.
- Copy of Immigration Permit: You’ll need a copy since the original stays with the Migration Service.
- Proof of Payment: Bring the original document showing you’ve paid the administrative fee, or proof that you’re exempt.
- Legal Representative’s Documents: If someone is applying on your behalf, you’ll need their ID and proof that they can represent you.
- Copy of Immigration Permit Decision: Depending on your situation, this could vary:
- For Those Who Arrived Before the Law Changed: If you came to Ukraine before the Law of Ukraine “On Immigration” took effect and have an old USSR passport with a residence stamp or an old permanent residence permit, bring originals and copies.
- Displaced Persons from Abkhazia, Georgia: You’ll need the temporary certificate you got when you arrived in Ukraine and proof that you’ve lived in Ukraine continuously for at least five years.
- Orphans from Conflict Zones: Provide documents showing you’re being raised in a state institution or under guardianship.
- Taxpayer Registration Document: If you have one, include your taxpayer identification number from the State Register of Individuals.
- Other Supporting Documents: Anything else that can help your case, like property ownership papers or rental agreements.
If you haven’t been in Ukraine and didn’t receive a temporary residence permit during the review of your immigration permit, you’ll need to obtain a separate type D visa.
A Few Important Tips
After receiving your permanent residence permit, you need to register your place of residence in Ukraine within 30 days from the date of issuance of the permit. Note that the 30-day period starts from the date indicated on the permit itself, not from the day you physically receive it. Some people get confused about this, so mark your calendar accordingly!
Getting a permanent residence permit isn’t a walk in the park—it involves several steps, and the first big one is getting an immigration permit. You’ll need to pay close attention to details, understand Ukrainian laws (which can be tricky), and be consistent in your actions.
In general, the procedure might seem straightforward at first glance, but in practice, it’s quite different. There are many unclear details, and the process requires close contact with the State Migration Service. To avoid mistakes or delays, it might be a good idea to get some legal help. Professionals who know the ins and outs of migration law can guide you through each stage, making the process less stressful.
Ready to Make Ukraine Your New Home?
Moving to a new country is a big step, and Ukraine has a lot to offer. Just remember, you need the right documents to stay here legally for the long haul. Without them, your stay will be limited.
By knowing what you need and taking the right steps, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful move. Whether you’re applying from within Ukraine or from the USA, being prepared is key.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance if you need it—it’s worth it to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Source: Official website of the Intermarium Law Firm intermarium.legal
