Residency Permit in Ukraine: TRP vs PRP

Citizens of many countries can enter Ukraine without a visa. This applies to citizens of the EU countries, the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, Georgia, South Korea, Japan etc., who may stay in Ukraine for 90 days within a six-month period. A foreigner who stays longer than permitted acquires “illegal status” and loses access to public, notarial and other official services. For example, such foreigners cannot obtain a Ukrainian taxpayer identification number, get married or issue a power of attorney. In addition, a foreigner who violates the 90-day rule may face administrative liability in the form of a fine or even an entry ban from 3 months to 3 years. These complications can seriously harm the business activity or personal life of a foreigner living in Ukraine.

Can you stay in Ukraine longer than the standard 90 days of visa-free stay? Yes, in case you hold a residency permit. There are two types: temporary and permanent.

What is a residency permit?

A residency permit is an official document confirming a foreigner’s right to live legally in Ukraine for a period longer than the visa-free regime allows. Within the permit’s validity period, its holder is limited neither in the number of days spent in Ukraine nor in the number of border crossings.

What a residency permit is not

• It is not a visa. A visa is limited in the number of border crossings and has a short validity period. A residency permit is a right to reside, but a type D visa is required to apply for a permit for the first time.
• It is not citizenship. Even a permanent residency permit does not grant political rights (to vote and to stand for election), the right to own agricultural land, or visa-free entry to EU countries under the EU visa-free agreement.

TRP vs PRP comparison

* Provided that border-crossing rules and the legislation in force at the time of travel are complied with.

Both permits identify the foreigner and confirm their special legal status — the right to reside in Ukraine — but do not prove citizenship. A residency permit does not replace a passport. A foreigner must hold a valid passport of their home country, and the permit is valid only together with it (with an exception for certain categories of foreign military personnel).

The grounds for each type of permit are described in detail in separate articles:

• How to get a visa to Ukraine
• Temporary residency permit: all grounds
• Permanent residency permit: all grounds

Which path is right for you?

I work for a Ukrainian company

The ground is official employment, and the permit is temporary.

I own or want to open my own business (LLC)

This can lead to either a temporary or a permanent permit, depending on the business model and the company’s structure. If you plan to operate as a private entrepreneur, different conditions apply.

I am married to a citizen of Ukraine

A temporary residency permit first; a permanent one becomes available after at least 2 years of marriage.

I serve under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine or the National Guard

A temporary residency permit based on military service; a permanent one after the required length of service.

I am studying in Ukraine

Study is a separate ground for a temporary residency permit.

I have Ukrainian origin

Foreign Ukrainians and persons with territorial origin can apply only for a permanent residency permit.

Who doesn’t need a residency permit?

If you are coming to Ukraine for a short time, you don’t need a residency permit. Citizens of visa-free countries can stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Not sure which type of permit suits you? Read more about our immigration law practice or contact our team for a consultation: we will review your situation, choose the right grounds and prepare the documents.

In case I obtain any kind of residency permit do I become a tax resident of Ukraine?

No, residency permit does not mean automatically tax residency. Tax residency is determined by tax authorities based on a number of criteria. If you have questions regarding tax residency, we recommend consulting our specialists.