If you want to leave Ukraine to permanently reside in another country, you should obtain permission for permanent residence abroad from Ukraine.
It should be noted that there are cases in which emigration for permanent residence in another country is prohibited. The categories of citizens who may be denied this permission are determined by the Law of Ukraine “On the Procedure for Departure from Ukraine and Entry into Ukraine of Ukrainian Citizens.”
Documents that must be provided to obtain permission
To obtain permission for citizens to leave for permanent residence in another state, they must provide the following documents to the department of the State Migration Service:
- A request for permission, in which you must specify the surname, first name, and patronymic of the person leaving for permanent residence in another country. This request should also include the passport details of the citizen and their contact phone number.
- Receipt confirming the payment for the service of providing permission (the cost of this service at the time of obtaining permission can be found at the Migration Service office).
- For individuals aged 16 and older, a Ukrainian citizen’s passport is required. For those who have not reached this age, a birth certificate should be provided. These documents must be returned to the citizens immediately after the documents are accepted.
- Ukrainian citizen’s international passport.
- A copy of the taxpayer identification number registration card. In cases where a citizen, based on certain religious beliefs, has refused to be assigned a registration number, there should be a note in their passport indicating the timely notification of this refusal to the relevant tax authorities.
- Men aged 18 to 25 who have completed compulsory military service must also provide their military service record book or an equivalent document. Those who have not completed military service must provide a certificate from the military commissariat confirming their ability to move to another country.
- In the case of children aged 14 to 16 emigrating for permanent residence in another country, their written consent, notarized, is required.
When submitting these documents to the local Migration Service office, it is important to carefully verify the accuracy of all information provided in the request and other documents. Special attention should be given to the correct transliteration of all surnames and names.
The request must be signed by the person leaving for permanent residence in another country.
The request can be submitted in person or through representatives of the person leaving Ukraine.
The request will be processed within 3 months.
Result of Obtaining Permission
In the event that a citizen is granted permission to emigrate for permanent residence from Ukraine, they are issued a Ukrainian citizen’s passport for foreign travel, which contains the necessary information regarding the permission granted.
The process of obtaining permission to emigrate abroad can take up to three months. The application must be submitted in person or through a legal representative of the individual wishing to leave the country.
Grounds for Refusal to Grant Permission for Emigration from Ukraine
In some cases, an individual applying for permission to relocate from Ukraine may be denied this permission.
The grounds for refusal are as follows:
- If the citizen is aware of Ukraine’s state secrets. In such cases, it is prohibited for them to emigrate from Ukraine for permanent residence in another country until the expiration of the period determined by the Law of Ukraine “On State Secrets.” After this period, the citizen can reapply for permission to emigrate.
- If the individual has any outstanding obligations related to contracts, alimony, etc. Permission may be granted after the completion of these obligations, providing collateral for them, or resolving the dispute in another manner.
- If criminal or civil proceedings have been initiated against the individual applying for permission. Permission may be granted after the case is closed.
- If the citizen has been sentenced for a committed crime. The citizen can reapply for permission after serving the imposed sentence.
- If military service is pending for the individual.
- If incorrect information was provided when submitting the documents for permission.
If all requirements for the submission of the documents are met, and the applicant does not fall into the mentioned categories of citizens, they can obtain permission to emigrate for permanent residence in another country within three months.
Advantages of Emigrating for Permanent Residence in Another Country
After obtaining permission to relocate abroad, you will be guaranteed the following benefits:
- Residing in another country on legal grounds without renouncing Ukrainian citizenship.
- Easy and expedited registration at the consulate of the country where you plan to reside.
- The ability to resolve any issues through the consulate or diplomatic representation of Ukraine.
- The right to receive social protection through the Ukrainian diplomatic representation or consulate.
- The option to apply for or renew a Ukrainian passport for travel to another country (without the need to return to Ukraine for this purpose).
- The ability to renounce Ukrainian citizenship without returning to Ukraine.
- The right to participate in elections outside the territory of Ukraine.
- The right to participate in referendums.
Please note that handling the emigration process independently may require more time and financial resources. By consulting with competent specialists, you can significantly expedite and simplify the process of obtaining permission to emigrate.
Reasons to Seek the Services of Specialists
The list of basic services provided by a legal company includes the following:
- Providing detailed consultations regarding the procedure for obtaining permission for permanent residence abroad.
- Payment of necessary official fees and state duties.
- Preparation of documents required for obtaining permission to emigrate (drafting application forms, consent forms, petitions).
- Representation of the client’s interests in government agencies (when submitting documents and surrendering the Ukrainian citizen’s passport to the migration authorities, as well as when deregistering permanent residence in Ukraine).
- Assistance to the client in obtaining a Ukrainian citizen’s passport for foreign travel with a notation allowing permanent residence abroad.
The above list represents standard services offered by legal companies. By consulting our specialists, you will receive more comprehensive information about our specialization and the range of services we provide.
The “Migrate” Legal Association offers legal services in Lviv and provides qualified assistance in matters related to the emigration of Ukrainian citizens for permanent residence abroad. Immigration lawyers will help you prepare a complete set of all necessary documents and provide guidance on how to expedite the process of obtaining permission for permanent residence abroad.