Residence permit extension during the war in Ukraine: rules and exceptions

Residence permits in Ukraine are automatically extended during martial law, but there are exceptions. Find out in which cases the extension does not take place and what to do after it is completed

Get legal assistance on entry, stay and legalization of foreigners in Ukraine

GET

In connection with the full-scale aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine and the introduction of martial law, many foreigners and stateless persons who are legally in the country have faced the question: is the residence permit extended during martial law? Let's consider the key aspects of this issue in this article.

General rules on residence permits in Ukraine

There are two types of residence permits in Ukraine:

● Temporary residence permit

● Permanent residence permit

In normal times, each of them requires timely submission of documents for extension or exchange, and in case of delay, a foreigner risks losing the right to stay in the country legally.

Martial law and legal regime: what rules apply?

Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, which has affected the validity of many documents, including residence permits. The legislation provides for a mechanism for the automatic extension of certain permits if they expire during martial law.

The main documents regulating this issue are:

● The Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Regime of Martial Law”;

● Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 165 dated February 28, 2022 (as amended).

The explanation of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) states that according to these regulations, residence permits that expired during martial law are considered valid for the entire period of its validity and for another 30 days after its termination.

By the way, we discussed whether it is possible to apply for a residence permit in Ukraine remotely in our previous article.

.Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

When is a residence permit in Ukraine not automatically renewed?

Despite the general rule of automatic renewal, there are exceptions when a residence permit is not extended, in particular

● If a foreigner has left Ukraine and stays abroad for more than the permissible period (usually 180 days within a year for a temporary residence permit);

● If the grounds for staying in Ukraine have been lost or terminated (e.g., divorce, termination of studies or employment);

● If the residence permit has been canceled or is subject to cancellation based on the relevant decision of the SMS;

● If the foreigner violated the rules of stay, in particular, was engaged in activities not provided for by the residence permit.

You can find out how to cancel a temporary residence permit in Ukraine on your own by following the link.

What should foreigners do after the end of martial law?

After martial law is lifted, foreigners will have 30 calendar days to:

● Submit documents for the extension of the residence permit;

● Apply for a new residence permit in case of loss or change of grounds;

● Resolve the issue of legalization of further stay.

Thus, during the martial law period, residence permits in Ukraine are automatically extended, but it is important for foreigners to monitor changes in legislation and prepare documents for their further processing in advance. In exceptional cases, a residence permit may expire earlier, so it is important to know your rights and obligations. To avoid risks, contact Visit Ukraine lawyers who will provide advice and support in matters of migration law.

We remind you! Obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine involves official payments and additional costs. Read how much it will cost to obtain a permanent residence permit and a residence permit in 2025, what mandatory payments must be made, and how to avoid unnecessary expenses with the help of legal support in our previous article.

Photo: iStock

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.