Long-term entry to Ukraine: how to choose the right type of visa D?

If you plan to stay in Ukraine for a long time, it is very important to choose the right type D visa in advance to obtain a residence permit without any problems. Find out which visa codes are suitable for different grounds, how to avoid mistakes when applying for a visa, and who to contact for professional help

Legal counselling on migration issues

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When planning a long-term stay in Ukraine and applying for a temporary residence permit (TRP), foreign nationals should apply for a long-term visa (category D) in advance. However, it is important to remember that the code of your D visa must directly correspond to the grounds on which you will be applying for a residence permit. Below, we will analyse the main types (subtypes) of such visas, as well as provide examples and important nuances to pay attention to.

Why is it important to choose the right D visa code?

A long-term D visa is issued to foreigners and stateless persons for the purpose of further obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine. If the visa code does not correspond to the real reason for your stay, you may face difficulties or even a refusal when applying for a residence permit.

For example, if you are entering for employment, but received a visa under a code intended for study or family reunification, this will result in a mismatch of grounds. As a result, you will most likely have to apply for a new visa of the correct category, which will entail additional time and money.

Typical examples of choosing a D visa

1. Family reunion with a citizen of Ukraine (marriage). If you are married to a citizen of Ukraine, the grounds for a residence permit are ‘family reunification with a person who is a citizen of Ukraine’. Accordingly, it is necessary to obtain a D-14 visa.

2. Employment in a Ukrainian company. If you plan to work for a Ukrainian company, the ground is ‘employment’. For this purpose, a D-04 visa is suitable. However, there are exceptions related to specific types of activities and places of work:

🔻 Work in a foreign bank on the territory of Ukraine - D-09.

🔻 Work in a representative office of a foreign legal entity - D-08.

🔻 Work in a foreign media outlet - D-11.

3. Obtained an immigration permit (ready-made solution). If you already have an official permit to immigrate to Ukraine (i.e. a final decision, not just an intention to apply), you should choose code D-01 in the visa application form.

In each case, you should carefully check with the migration authorities or legal advisers which visa code actually corresponds to your grounds for further residence permit.

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Subtypes of long-term visa D

Below is a complete list of D visa codes provided for by Ukrainian legislation:

D-01 - immigration (if you have a decision on granting immigration);

D-02 - family reunification with a person recognised as a refugee in Ukraine or a person in need of complementary/temporary protection in Ukraine;

D-03 - diplomatic/service visa (accreditation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs);

D-04 - employment (work in a Ukrainian company);

D-05 - participation in international technical assistance projects;

D-06 - religious activities;

D-07 - participation in the activities of branches, representative offices, structural units of foreign non-governmental organisations;

D-08 - work in a representative office of a foreign business entity in Ukraine;

D-09 - work in a representative office of a foreign bank;

D-10 - cultural, educational, scientific, sports, volunteer activities;

D-11 - work as a correspondent or representative of foreign mass media;

D-12 - founder or participant (beneficial owner) of a Ukrainian legal entity;

D-13 - studying in Ukraine;

D-14 - family reunion with a citizen of Ukraine (including on the basis of marriage);

D-15 - family reunification with persons holding a temporary residence permit in Ukraine;

D-16 - other grounds provided for by international treaties of Ukraine.

What should you pay attention to when applying for a D visa?

Firstly, documents issued in a foreign country (except for a passport) must be legalised or apostilled, unless otherwise provided by Ukrainian law.

In addition, all documents drawn up in a foreign language must be submitted for a visa along with a certified translation into Ukrainian. If this is not possible, a translation into English is acceptable.

In order to obtain a visa, you must have a passport with a visa label affixed to it, valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the territory of Ukraine (but at least 6 months) and with at least two free pages.

Assistance of migration lawyers for foreigners at Visit Ukraine

If you have any questions about choosing the right D visa code or are looking for professional support in applying for a residence permit in Ukraine, we recommend that you contact experienced migration lawyers. They will help you:

1. Choose the right visa code in accordance with your goals and plans;

2. Prepare and execute a full package of documents for submission to the consulate or migration authorities;

3. Support you at all stages: from obtaining a D visa to obtaining a residence permit and extending your stay in the country.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can find contacts and detailed information about the services of migration lawyers who specialise in working with foreigners. By turning to professionals, you save time and minimise the risk of rejection so that you can enjoy your stay in Ukraine with peace of mind.

We remind you! Earlier, Visit Ukraine's lawyers explained whether it is necessary to leave Ukraine to obtain a long-term type D visa for a residence permit.

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