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Ukraine Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

A Ukraine Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) is a legal document that allows foreign nationals and stateless persons to reside in Ukraine on a long-term basis for specific purposes such as employment, study, family reunification, volunteering, or other lawful grounds. In this article, you will find detailed and practical information on how to obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, processing timelines, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Compared to many other countries, the cost of a Ukrainian temporary residence permit is relatively affordable, and the procedure itself is clear and achievable when handled in compliance with the law. With professional legal assistance from an immigration lawyer in Ukraine, the risks of delays, refusals, or document errors can be significantly reduced. A TRP offers important advantages, including visa-free stay in Ukraine for the validity period, the right to official employment, and the possibility to apply for visas to other countries while legally residing in Ukraine. If you require individual guidance or full legal support, our immigration lawyer is ready to assist you at every stage of the TRP process.

Content:

Without a Lawyer

– Complexity, bureaucracy, and intricacies.

– Long queues and extended or missed deadlines.

– High risks of errors and rejections.

– Unnecessary waste of time and finances.

With a Lawyer

– Clearness and dependability.

– Swiftness and punctual adherence to deadlines.

– Compliance and guaranteed results.

– Time and cost savings.

What Is a Ukraine Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)?

A Ukraine Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) is an official document that confirms the identity of a foreign national or a stateless person and their legal grounds for temporary residence in Ukraine. The TRP is issued in the form of a plastic biometric ID card containing an electronic chip with personal data.

In practice, this document may also be informally referred to as a temporary residence card, TRC card, or “posvidka”. A TRP may be issued for a period ranging from 3 months up to 5 years, depending on the legal grounds for stay and the validity of the underlying documents.

Who Can Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit in Ukraine?

A Temporary Residence Permit in Ukraine may be applied for by foreign nationals and stateless persons who are legally and temporarily staying in Ukraine, provided that they meet the statutory requirements.

In particular, a TRP may be issued to:

  • persons who have reached the age of 16 and submit their application in person;
  • minors under 16 years of age who entered Ukraine independently for the purpose of education;
  • minors under 16 years of age or persons legally recognized as incapacitated, where the application is submitted by a parent, guardian, or other legal representative with whom the applicant has arrived in Ukraine for family reunification, in accordance with Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons.”

Eligibility for a TRP always depends on the specific legal grounds for stay, compliance with migration rules, and proper submission of supporting documents.

How to Obtain a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Ukraine

Under Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons”, a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) may be issued to a foreign national or a stateless person who has lawfully entered Ukraine for one of the purposes listed below.

A TRP may be obtained if the applicant arrived in Ukraine for the purpose of:

  1. Employment in Ukraine on the basis of a valid work permit or other lawful grounds.
  2. Participation in international technical assistance projects registered in accordance with the established procedure.
  3. Religious activities, including preaching, religious instruction, performance of religious rites, or other canonical activities, upon invitation of a registered religious organization and with approval from the competent state authority.
  4. Participation in the activities of branches, divisions, representative offices, or other structural units of foreign non-governmental organizations, duly registered in Ukraine.
  5. Employment at representative offices of foreign business entities officially registered in Ukraine.
  6. Cultural, scientific, educational, or volunteer activities, including participation in international or regional volunteer programs, or activities of organizations engaging volunteers under the Law of Ukraine “On Volunteering,” provided such organizations are listed on the official website of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine.
  7. Professional activity as a correspondent or representative of foreign mass media.
  8. Business ownership or investment, where the foreigner or stateless person is a founder, participant, or beneficial owner (controller) of a Ukrainian legal entity, or of a foreign legal entity that owns a share in a Ukrainian company, with an investment of at least EUR 100,000 (calculated at the official exchange rate of the National Bank of Ukraine on the date of investment).
  9. Studies or education at Ukrainian educational institutions.
  10. Family reunification with Ukrainian citizens, including marriage to a Ukrainian citizen during lawful stay in Ukraine.
  11. Family reunification with foreign nationals or stateless persons who already hold a valid TRP in Ukraine.
  12. Release from Migrant Accommodation Centres, where a foreigner or stateless person was detained for irregular stay but released by court decision due to cancellation of detention or forced expulsion, or where expulsion was impossible due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control (lack of travel documents, transport connections, etc.).
  13. Military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, based on a duly concluded contract.
  14. Provision of instructor or operational assistance (including tactical, medical, shooting, communications, explosive, or other training) to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military formations, special law enforcement units, or volunteer formations involved in ensuring national security, defense, and repelling armed aggression against Ukraine.
    Persons falling under this category are considered to be legally staying in Ukraine, including in cases where their passport has expired or requires replacement, until the end of the temporary occupation of certain territories, as defined by Ukrainian law.

When to Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Ukraine

To apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Ukraine, an applicant must first obtain a long-term Type D visa, issued in accordance with the purpose of the intended stay (work, study, family reunification, etc.).

After entering Ukraine, the applicant must submit the TRP application in person to the territorial department of the State Migration Service of Ukraine or, in certain cities, to a state-owned enterprise authorized to accept TRP applications. The application must be filed no later than 15 working days (or 24 calendar days) before the expiration of the Type D visa. The exact list of required documents depends on the specific legal grounds for the TRP.

Once the documents are submitted, the standard processing time for a TRP is up to 15 working days. In some cases, migration service officers may invite the applicant for an interview in order to verify documents or clarify the purpose of stay in Ukraine.

What If You Do Not Have Your Own Legal Grounds for a Temporary Residence Permit in Ukraine?

It is important to understand that a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Ukraine cannot be purchased, nor can documents be lawfully obtained without genuine legal grounds. Ukrainian state authorities thoroughly verify every TRP application, and failure to properly justify the purpose of stay may result in a refusal to issue the permit.

Attempts to misuse migration procedures or submit applications based on fictitious or non-genuine grounds may lead to serious legal consequences, including administrative penalties, cancellation of the TRP, deportation, entry bans, and in certain cases even criminal liability. Ukrainian migration authorities actively monitor compliance after a TRP is issued.

For example, some applicants treat Ukraine as a transit country and apply for a TRP on the basis of employment, but fail to actually start work or pay mandatory taxes after arrival. In such cases, the issued TRP may be revoked, as the legal grounds for residence no longer exist.

Lawful and Secure Ways to Obtain a Temporary Residence Permit in Ukraine

Each case is individual, and the most reliable and legally safe ways to obtain a TRP in Ukraine include:

  • Employment with a Ukrainian employer on the basis of a valid work permit;
  • Business registration or ownership of real estate, where permitted by law;
  • Investment in a Ukrainian legal entity meeting statutory thresholds;
  • Studies at accredited Ukrainian educational institutions;
  • Volunteering with registered organizations in accordance with Ukrainian law.

It is important to note that each of the above grounds requires strict and ongoing compliance with Ukrainian law. This includes, for example, actual performance of work duties and payment of taxes, regular attendance of classes at an educational institution, or genuine participation in volunteer activities. A TRP cannot be maintained on a formal or fictitious basis.

If competent authorities establish that the declared purpose of stay is not being genuinely fulfilled, they may initiate withdrawal of the TRP, followed by legal consequences. These may include administrative liability (such as fines, deportation, and entry bans) and, in serious cases involving fraud or abuse of documents, criminal liability.

Choosing the correct legal grounds and properly documenting — and continuously complying with — the purpose of stay are therefore critical to a successful and sustainable TRP. Where eligibility is unclear or circumstances change, professional legal advice is strongly recommended to avoid refusals, withdrawal of the permit, and long-term immigration consequences.

Documents Required for a Ukraine Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

The exact list of documents for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) depends on the legal grounds for residence. However, all applicants must submit a basic set of documents, supplemented by category-specific documents.

General Documents Required for All TRP Applications

  • TRP application form (issued and completed at the State Migration Service);
  • Valid passport with a Type D visa, issued according to the purpose of stay
    (Type D visa is not required for citizens of Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Armenia, or in certain cases of TRP renewal based on marriage);
  • Copy of all passport pages;
  • Documents confirming legal guardianship (for underage applicants);
  • Notarized Ukrainian translation of the passport;
  • Valid medical insurance policy;
  • Proof of payment of the administrative service fee, or a document confirming exemption;
  • Additional documents depending on the TRP category.

Category-Specific Documents

Employment in a Ukrainian Company

  • Notarized copy of the work permit;
  • Notarized copy of the employment contract;
  • Employer’s written obligation to notify the State Migration Service of early termination of employment.

International Technical Assistance Projects

  • Request from the host organization (state authority, company, or project recipient);
  • Copy of the international technical assistance project registration card issued by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.

Religious Representatives

  • Request from the relevant religious organization;
  • Approval letter from the state authority that registered the religious organization.

Employees of Foreign NGOs

  • Request from the registered branch, division, or representative office;
  • Original and copy of the registration certificate of the NGO’s structural unit in Ukraine.

Employees of Foreign Companies

  • Request from the registered representative office of the foreign company;
  • Original and copy of the registration certificate of the representative office.

Employees of Foreign Banks

  • Request from the branch or representative office of the foreign bank;
  • Accreditation certificate of the branch or representative office.

Cultural, Scientific, Educational Activities and Volunteering

  • Request from the competent public authority responsible for the relevant program; or
  • Request from a registered organization engaging volunteers.

Foreign Media Correspondents

  • Request from the foreign media outlet;
  • Official solicitation from the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine.

Business Owners / Investors (Investment of EUR 100,000 or More)

  • Certified copy of the company’s constituent documents;
  • Written obligation from the company to notify the State Migration Service if the foreigner’s ownership or beneficiary status ends;
  • Additional documents depending on the form of investment.

TRP Through Real Estate Purchase

As a general rule, purchasing real estate in Ukraine does not automatically entitle a foreigner to a TRP.

However, a TRP may be obtained if:

  • the real estate is contributed as an asset to the authorized capital of a Ukrainian legal entity; and
  • the foreigner is a founder, participant, or beneficial owner of that legal entity; and
  • the value of the property is at least EUR 100,000.

Under similar conditions and subject to obtaining an immigration permit, real estate investment may also serve as a basis for permanent residence and future Ukrainian citizenship.

International Students

  • Document confirming actual enrollment and studies in Ukraine;
  • Request from the educational institution with an obligation to notify the State Migration Service in case of termination of studies.

Spouses and Relatives of Ukrainian Citizens

  • Document confirming marriage to a Ukrainian citizen;
  • Ukrainian passport of the spouse, submitted in person.

If the marriage was concluded abroad, its validity is determined under the Law of Ukraine “On Private International Law.”

Family Members of Foreigners Holding a TRP

  • Documents confirming family relationship under the law of the country of origin;
  • Proof of sufficient financial means of the host foreigner;
  • Valid TRP of the host foreigner, submitted in person.

Foreigners Released from Migrant Accommodation Centres

  • Certificate confirming detention in a Migrant Accommodation Centre;
  • Decision or conclusion of the State Migration Service confirming impossibility of forced expulsion due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control (lack of travel documents, transport connections, etc.).

What to Do If a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) Expires, Is Lost, or Is Stolen

If a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) expires, is lost, or is stolen, the holder must apply for an exchange or replacement of the permit in accordance with Ukrainian migration rules.
(Please note: loss or theft requires replacement, while expiration or changes require an exchange.)

To exchange or replace a TRP, the following documents are generally required:

  • an application for TRP exchange or replacement (submitted at the State Migration Service);
  • passport of the foreign national or identity document of a stateless person;
  • notarized Ukrainian translation of passport pages;
  • documents confirming the circumstances requiring exchange or replacement (expiration, damage, change of data, loss, or theft);
  • for underage applicants – documents of the parent, legal representative, or guardian
    (originals are shown; copies are submitted);
  • proof of payment of the administrative service fee, or a document confirming exemption
    (original shown, copy submitted).

Timely application is essential, as failure to replace or exchange an expired or invalid TRP may result in administrative liability or loss of legal stay in Ukraine.

Cost of a Ukraine Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

The cost of issuing or exchanging a TRP consists of state and administrative fees, including:

  • State duty: 34 UAH, in accordance with Article 3(6) of the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine “On State Duty”;
  • Administrative service fee: 452 UAH, as approved by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 770 of 2 November 2016;
  • Administrative service fee for urgent or specific procedures: 594 UAH.

Exemption From State Duty

Exemption from payment of the state duty applies to the following categories:

  • persons classified as Categories I and II affected by the Chornobyl catastrophe;
  • disabled war veterans, families of servicemen (or resistance fighters) killed in action or missing, and persons equated to these groups under Ukrainian law;
  • persons with disabilities of Groups I and II.

Is It Allowed to Cross the Border Before Receiving a TRP?

No. After submitting an application for a Temporary Residence Permit, the applicant must remain in Ukraine until the TRP is issued. Leaving Ukraine before receiving the permit may result in loss of the right to obtain the TRP and complications with re-entry.

Grounds for Refusal to Issue a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Ukraine

The territorial bodies or divisions of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) may refuse to issue or process a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) to a foreign national or stateless person if one or more of the following grounds apply:

  • The applicant already holds a valid status document on the date of application, such as: a temporary or permanent residence permit (except in cases of permit exchange); a military ID confirming contractual service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, or the National Guard; a refugee certificate or a certificate of a person granted subsidiary protection.
  • The applicant is staying in Ukraine in violation of the permitted period of stay, or there is an unexecuted decision on: forced return, forced expulsion, or entry ban. This ground does not apply to persons recognized as stateless under Article 61 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons”.
  • Information obtained from state registers, databases, or records does not confirm the information provided by the applicant.
  • The applicant is established to be a citizen of Ukraine.
  • The application is submitted by a legal representative who lacks duly documented authority to receive the residence permit.
  • Required documents or information are incomplete or submitted in violation of statutory deadlines, as defined by the applicable procedure.
  • Competent authorities (National Police, Security Service of Ukraine, or other state bodies) provide information indicating that the applicant’s actions: pose a threat to national security, public order, or public health; threaten the rights and legitimate interests of Ukrainian citizens or other residents; or involve crimes against peace, war crimes, crimes against humanity, or the applicant is wanted for committing a serious crime under Ukrainian law.
  • The applicant’s passport or identity document: is forged, damaged, invalid, or does not meet established standards; belongs to another person; or has expired.
  • Submission of knowingly false information or forged documents, or where the permit submitted for exchange has been declared invalid in accordance with established procedures.
  • Failure to comply with court decisions or decisions of competent state authorities, or the existence of outstanding financial obligations, including those related to: prior forced return or expulsion from Ukraine; readmission procedures, even after the expiry of an entry ban.
  • Other grounds provided for by Ukrainian law.

Grounds for Withdrawal or Invalidity of a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Ukraine

A Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) may be withdrawn or declared invalid by the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) or its territorial bodies that issued the permit, strictly on the grounds provided by law.

A TRP is subject to withdrawal in the following cases:

  • Receipt of a reasoned request from the host party to withdraw the permit, including cases of: termination of employment of the foreign national or stateless person; or termination of activities of the host legal entity.
  • Conviction of the foreign national or stateless person in Ukraine resulting in a sentence of imprisonment.
  • Threat to national security, public order, public health, or the rights and legitimate interests of citizens of Ukraine or other persons residing in Ukraine.
  • Adoption of a decision by a competent authority on: forced return, forced expulsion from Ukraine, or prohibition of further entry into Ukraine.
  • Acquisition of another lawful status, including: Ukrainian citizenship (or temporary certificate of a Ukrainian citizen); permanent residence permit; refugee certificate; certificate of a person granted subsidiary protection.
  • Termination of legal grounds for stay in Ukraine, or where it is established after issuance that: the legal fact confirmed by documents submitted for the TRP application has been declared invalid, cancelled, void, or legally did not occur.
  • Submission by the foreign national or stateless person of a written request to withdraw the issued TRP.
  • Withdrawal or invalidation of a decision recognizing a person as stateless.
  • Loss or theft of the TRP.
  • Failure to return the TRP after the death of the holder.
  • Failure to apply for exchange of the TRP within the statutory deadlines.
  • Other cases provided for by Ukrainian law.

Grounds for Declaring a TRP Invalid

A TRP is declared invalid by the issuing authority in the following cases:

  • Information obtained from state registers, databases, or competent authorities (including the National Police or the Security Service of Ukraine) confirms that the TRP was issued on the basis of: false information; forged documents; or invalid documents.
  • The TRP was issued in violation of legislative requirements.
  • Other grounds provided for by law.

Appeal Procedure for Refusal, Exchange, Issuance, Withdrawal, or Invalidity of a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

A decision to refuse the issuance, exchange, or delivery of a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), as well as a decision on its withdrawal or recognition as invalid, may be appealed by a foreign national or stateless person in accordance with Ukrainian law.

Such a decision may be challenged:

  • in an administrative (out-of-court) procedure within 30 calendar days from the date the decision is communicated to the applicant; or
  • before a court, in accordance with the established judicial procedure.

When submitting an administrative appeal, the applicant must attach documents and evidence confirming the existence of legal grounds for review and cancellation of the decision. Properly substantiated appeals, supported by relevant documentation, significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Legal status during the appeal review:
If an appeal is submitted within the statutory time limit, the complainant is considered to be legally staying in Ukraine for the duration of the appeal review. However, this legal stay does not constitute a residence status and does not grant the rights or benefits of a valid TRP, such as the right to employment or other residence-related privileges.

Departure from Ukraine during the appeal:
If the complainant voluntarily leaves Ukraine while the appeal is pending, re-entry into Ukraine will be possible only under the general entry rules. This means the individual must independently comply with standard entry requirements, including obtaining a visa (if required) or meeting other applicable conditions for lawful entry into Ukraine.

Legislation Governing TRP Issuance to Ukraine

Legislation Governing the Provision of the Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) Service in Ukraine

The issuance, exchange, withdrawal, and invalidation of a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Ukraine are regulated by the following key legislative and regulatory acts:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Ukraine Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

What is a Ukraine Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)?
A TRP is a biometric ID card that confirms a foreign national’s or stateless person’s legal right to temporarily reside in Ukraine for a specific purpose (work, study, family reunification, etc.) and for a defined period.

How long is a TRP valid?
A TRP may be issued for 3 months up to 5 years, depending on the legal grounds and the validity of the underlying documents (e.g., work permit, study invitation).

Do I need a Type D visa to apply for a TRP?
In most cases, yes. Applicants must enter Ukraine on a Type D (long-term) visa aligned with the purpose of stay. Exceptions: citizens of Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Armenia, and certain exchange cases based on marriage.

When should I apply for a TRP after entering Ukraine?
You must apply no later than 15 working days (24 calendar days) before the Type D visa expires by submitting documents in person to the State Migration Service (SMS) or authorized state enterprises.

How long does TRP processing take?
Standard processing takes up to 15 working days. The SMS may invite you for an interview to clarify documents or the purpose of stay.

Can I leave Ukraine while my TRP application is under review?
No. You must remain in Ukraine until the TRP is issued. Leaving the country before issuance may jeopardize the application.

What documents are required for a TRP?
All applicants submit a basic set (application, passport, translations, insurance, fees), plus category-specific documents (e.g., work permit, study invitation, marriage certificate). Requirements vary by legal ground.

Can I obtain a TRP by purchasing real estate in Ukraine?
Not directly. A TRP may be possible if the property is contributed to the authorized capital of a Ukrainian company and you are a founder/beneficial owner, typically with an investment of at least EUR 100,000.

What happens if my TRP expires, is lost, or is stolen?
You must apply for exchange or replacement promptly at the SMS with supporting documents. Failure to do so may result in administrative liability or loss of legal stay.

What are common reasons for TRP refusal?
Typical grounds include overstay, incomplete or late documents, insufficient legal grounds, security concerns, false information, invalid passports, or unresolved migration violations.

On what grounds can a TRP be withdrawn or declared invalid?
A TRP may be withdrawn due to termination of the host relationship (e.g., job loss), security risks, criminal conviction, acquisition of another status, or if the legal grounds cease to exist. It may be declared invalid if issued based on false/forged documents or in violation of the law.

Can I appeal a refusal, withdrawal, or invalidation of a TRP?
Yes. You may file an administrative appeal within 30 calendar days or challenge the decision in court. Appeals must be supported by evidence.

What is my legal status during the appeal review?
If the appeal is submitted on time, you are considered legally staying in Ukraine during the review. However, this does not grant TRP status or benefits (e.g., employment rights).

What if I leave Ukraine while the appeal is pending?
If you voluntarily depart, re-entry will be possible only under general entry rules, meaning you may need to apply for a visa or meet other standard entry requirements.

Do lawyers guarantee TRP approval?
No outcome can be guaranteed. What professional assistance ensures is proper legal assessment, correct documentation, risk mitigation, and full compliance with Ukrainian law.

Should I seek legal assistance for a TRP application?
Legal support is strongly recommended for employment-, investment-, family-based cases, prior refusals, or complex situations to reduce risks and delays.