Language Search Country
Ukraine is a non-EU country in Eastern Europe that is an EU candidate country as of 2022. The registration system for foreign nationals is administered by the State Migration Service of Ukraine (DMSU) and State Employment Service (DSZU). The most critical 2026 update: Cabinet Resolution No. 141 (effective 7 May 2026) ended the wartime relief that had kept expired permits valid since February 2022. All foreigners with expired permits must now renew by 4 August 2026, or face irregular status. For new arrivals, the 3-stage process applies: (1) DSZU work permit (if employed), (2) DMSU temporary residence permit, (3) DMSU address registration within 10 days. Centers for Administrative Services (CAS/TSNAP) in Kyiv and regional cities now accept applications in a combined front-back office model that is significantly more efficient than visiting DMSU directly.
I am a:

🧭

Country-Specific Guides

UA

Moving to Ukraine: Expat Registration Guide

Flag of Ukraine

Ukraine

Capital: Kyiv

Last verified: June 2026

Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate and may change. Always verify with official sources before acting.

📋7 registration steps covered in this guide. Expand each card for full details, timelines and costs.

Ukraine's registration runs through DMSU. Work permit first (if employed, obtained by your employer from DSZU), then temporary residence permit, then address registration within 10 days. Use CAS/TSNAP centres where available, they are faster and more convenient than direct DMSU visits.

Key Registrations & Procedures

Deadline: Apply before your current legal stay (visa or visa-free period) expires. Renewals: submit at least 15 working days before current permit expires. CRITICAL 2026 UPDATE: Holders of permits expired since 24 February 2022 must renew by 4 August 2026.
Processing Time: Processing by DMSU typically 10-30 working days. Applications can be submitted at Centers for Administrative Services (CAS) in Kyiv and other cities; documents are processed in a front-back office model with DMSU.
💰Fees: State fees apply (verify current amounts at dmsu.gov.ua). Biometric card production fee separate.
📅Appointment: Applications accepted at DMSU territorial offices and at Centers for Administrative Services (Tsentry Nadannya Administratyvnykh Posluh, TSNAP). Biometric data collected at the same appointment. After receiving the permit, register your place of residence within 10 days at DMSU.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport (minimum validity beyond the permit period requested)
  • Completed application form
  • Proof of the legal basis for stay: employment contract (work); company registration (business); university acceptance letter (study); marriage certificate with Ukrainian citizen or permanent resident (family); proof of IT company registration (IT sector)
  • Proof of accommodation in Ukraine
  • Health insurance valid in Ukraine
  • Criminal record certificate from country of origin (apostilled + certified Ukrainian translation)
  • Medical certificate including HIV-negative status (for certain categories)
  • Two passport-sized photos
Where to Do It:

DMSU territorial offices nationwide. CAS (TSNAP) service centres in Kyiv and regional centres. Applications via e-resident.gov.ua for some categories.

If You Don't Do It: From 7 May 2026, an expired permit is no longer a valid basis for stay. Foreigners with expired permits who do not renew by 4 August 2026 become irregular migrants subject to fines and deportation. (Exception: Russian Federation citizens are excluded from this renewal scheme.)
💡 Practical Tip: Apply well before your current legal stay expires. The State Migration Service (SMS) processes applications. Gather all documents carefully as incomplete applications are returned without processing.
Regional Variations: CAS (TSNAP) centres in Kyiv (two locations operational as of 2026) and other regional cities process applications in a combined front-back office model, making them significantly more convenient than direct DMSU visits. More CAS locations are planned.
📋 Useful Services
  • Translayte: Certified translations of passports, birth certificates, and supporting documents for residence permit applications.
  • RushTranslate: Fast certified translations of official documents. Accepted by government offices across Europe.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Temporary Residence Permit (Posvidka na Tymchasove Prozhyvannya) in Ukraine?
Apply before your current legal stay (visa or visa-free period) expires. Renewals: submit at least 15 working days before current permit expires. CRITICAL 2026 UPDATE: Holders of permits expired since 24 February 2022 must renew by 4 August 2026.
How much does Temporary Residence Permit (Posvidka na Tymchasove Prozhyvannya) cost in Ukraine?
State fees apply (verify current amounts at dmsu.gov.ua). Biometric card production fee separate.
What happens if I skip Temporary Residence Permit (Posvidka na Tymchasove Prozhyvannya) in Ukraine?
From 7 May 2026, an expired permit is no longer a valid basis for stay. Foreigners with expired permits who do not renew by 4 August 2026 become irregular migrants subject to fines and deportation. (Exception: Russian Federation citizens are excluded from this renewal scheme.)
Deadline: Within 10 days of receiving the temporary residence permit.
Processing Time: Same-day registration at DMSU or CAS office.
💰Fees: Small administrative fee.
📅Appointment: Visit DMSU or CAS office with landlord's confirmation.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport and Temporary Residence Permit
  • Proof of accommodation: rental contract, property deed, or written confirmation from host
  • Host's ownership documentation
Where to Do It:

DMSU territorial unit or CAS (TSNAP) for your area.

If You Don't Do It: Failure to register within 10 days is a separate administrative offence. Landlords may also face fines for unregistered foreign tenants.
💡 Practical Tip: Address registration is your first step in Ukraine. It is required before obtaining your RNTRC tax code, work permit, and bank account. Register at your local Administrative Service Centre (ASC / TsNAP).
Regional Variations: Applies nationally. CAS centres in major cities can handle both permit and address registration simultaneously.
🏠 Useful Services
  • Flatio: Furnished mid-term rentals with flexible contracts. Useful for securing an address before committing to a long-term lease.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Address Registration (Reyestratsia Mistsya Prozhyvannya) in Ukraine?
Within 10 days of receiving the temporary residence permit.
How much does Address Registration (Reyestratsia Mistsya Prozhyvannya) cost in Ukraine?
Small administrative fee.
What happens if I skip Address Registration (Reyestratsia Mistsya Prozhyvannya) in Ukraine?
Failure to register within 10 days is a separate administrative offence. Landlords may also face fines for unregistered foreign tenants.
Deadline: Obtain before starting employment or opening a bank account.
Processing Time: Issued within 5 working days in most cases.
💰Fees: Free of charge.
📅Appointment: Walk in to any State Tax Service office. In Kyiv, online application via cabinet.tax.gov.ua is available.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Temporary Residence Permit
  • Proof of address in Ukraine
Where to Do It:

Any State Tax Service (DPS) regional or district office.

If You Don't Do It: Without a DRFO code, you cannot be employed on payroll, open a bank account, or file a tax return in Ukraine.
💡 Practical Tip: The RNTRC (also called DRFO code) is your permanent Ukrainian tax identifier required for all employment, banking, and property transactions. Apply at the State Tax Service (STS) office or online via the Diia app.
Regional Variations: National system. Ukraine has a 18% flat income tax rate and 1.5% military levy (temporarily increased during martial law).
🩺 Useful Services
  • Wise: Multi-currency account accepted for tax refunds and salary payments across the EU.
  • Translayte: Certified document translations accepted by EU authorities. Fast turnaround, available online.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Tax Registration and Identification Number (RNTRC / DRFO Code) in Ukraine?
Obtain before starting employment or opening a bank account.
How much does Tax Registration and Identification Number (RNTRC / DRFO Code) cost in Ukraine?
Free of charge.
What happens if I skip Tax Registration and Identification Number (RNTRC / DRFO Code) in Ukraine?
Without a DRFO code, you cannot be employed on payroll, open a bank account, or file a tax return in Ukraine.
Deadline: The employer must obtain the work permit before the foreign national begins work.
Processing Time: Processing: approximately 7 working days from complete application submission.
💰Fees: Work permit fee paid by the employer (10 minimum monthly salaries, approximately UAH 72,000 in 2026).
📅Appointment: Employer submits via DSZU's online portal or at a territorial DSZU office.
Required Documents:
  • Copy of the foreign national's passport (submitted by employer)
  • Employment contract or draft contract
  • Evidence of the employer's registration and qualifications
  • Justification for hiring a foreign worker (in certain sectors)
Where to Do It:

DSZU territorial offices or online submission by the employer.

If You Don't Do It: Employing a foreign national without a valid work permit exposes the employer to significant fines. The foreign national is also at risk of permit cancellation and deportation.
💡 Practical Tip: Work permits in Ukraine are employer-specific, changing employers requires a new permit. The employer applies on your behalf through the State Employment Service. Ensure your employer is aware of the process and timeline.
Regional Variations: The 3-stage process (DSZU work permit, then DMSU temporary residence permit, then DMSU address registration) is nationally uniform. IT-sector fast-track arrangements exist for qualifying companies.
📋 Useful Services
  • Translayte: Certified translations of passports, birth certificates, and supporting documents for residence permit applications.
  • RushTranslate: Fast certified translations of official documents. Accepted by government offices across Europe.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Work Permit (For Employed Third-Country Nationals) in Ukraine?
The employer must obtain the work permit before the foreign national begins work.
How much does Work Permit (For Employed Third-Country Nationals) cost in Ukraine?
Work permit fee paid by the employer (10 minimum monthly salaries, approximately UAH 72,000 in 2026).
What happens if I skip Work Permit (For Employed Third-Country Nationals) in Ukraine?
Employing a foreign national without a valid work permit exposes the employer to significant fines. The foreign national is also at risk of permit cancellation and deportation.
Deadline: Health insurance must be in place at the time of the temporary residence permit application.
Processing Time: Private insurance can be activated online immediately.
💰Fees: Public system: theoretically free. Private insurance: varies by provider and coverage (USD 200-800/year typical for basic expat cover).
📅Appointment: Register with a GP (simeynyy likar) via the eHealth system (ehealth.gov.ua) once you have a residence permit.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Temporary Residence Permit
  • DRFO tax code (for eHealth registration)
Where to Do It:

Private insurance: online or via broker. Public GP registration: ehealth.gov.ua.

If You Don't Do It: Without health insurance at permit application stage, the temporary residence permit application will be refused.
💡 Practical Tip: Ukraine does not have a mandatory national health insurance system equivalent to Western Europe. Medical services are partly subsidised through the National Health Service of Ukraine for registered residents. Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats.
Regional Variations: Private health insurance infrastructure is well-developed in Kyiv. In other cities, international expat insurance plans are typically more reliable than relying solely on the public system.
🩺 Useful Services
  • SafetyWing: Interim health and travel cover for expats. Useful before local social security enrollment is active.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Health Insurance in Ukraine?
Health insurance must be in place at the time of the temporary residence permit application.
How much does Health Insurance cost in Ukraine?
Public system: theoretically free. Private insurance: varies by provider and coverage (USD 200-800/year typical for basic expat cover).
What happens if I skip Health Insurance in Ukraine?
Without health insurance at permit application stage, the temporary residence permit application will be refused.
Deadline: As soon as possible after obtaining Residence Permit and DRFO code.
Processing Time: Monobank (digital, via app): 1-3 days. Traditional banks: 1-5 business days.
💰Fees: Monobank is free; traditional banks charge UAH 0-100/month.
📅Appointment: Monobank: fully digital. Traditional banks: in-person KYC.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Temporary Residence Permit
  • DRFO code
  • Ukrainian address proof
Where to Do It:

Monobank (digital app) or any bank branch.

If You Don't Do It: Without a local account, receiving salary and paying utilities is significantly more difficult.
💡 Practical Tip: The main Ukrainian retail banks are Privatbank, Monobank (app-based), and PUMB. Account opening requires your RNTRC code and residence documents. International transfers have restrictions, check current regulations at the time of application.
Regional Variations: Monobank is the most popular digital option for foreign nationals, fully available in English.
💳 Useful Services
  • Wise: Multi-currency account with mid-market exchange rates. Widely used by expats for receiving salary and making international transfers.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Ukrainian Bank Account in Ukraine?
As soon as possible after obtaining Residence Permit and DRFO code.
How much does Ukrainian Bank Account cost in Ukraine?
Monobank is free; traditional banks charge UAH 0-100/month.
What happens if I skip Ukrainian Bank Account in Ukraine?
Without a local account, receiving salary and paying utilities is significantly more difficult.
Deadline: No strict deadline. Set up Diia as soon as you have your RNTRC code and Ukrainian mobile number. Diia is the primary platform for all digital government services in Ukraine.
Processing Time: Immediate once BankID-linked Ukrainian bank account is active.
💰Fees: Free.
📅Appointment: Download Diia from App Store or Google Play. Log in via BankID or EDS.
Required Documents:
  • RNTRC (individual tax number)
  • Ukrainian mobile number
  • Ukrainian bank account with BankID
  • Valid identity document
Official Link:
Where to Do It:

Download the Diia app (iOS and Android) and register using your Ukrainian passport or residence permit details and mobile phone number.

If You Don't Do It: Without Diia, most government interactions must be conducted in person at Administrative Service Centres (TsNAP). Diia significantly reduces processing times for over 50 government services.
💡 Practical Tip: Diia stores your Ukrainian ID, residence permit, and vehicle registration digitally. It is accepted as valid identification across Ukraine. Activate it immediately after receiving your residence documents.
🩺 Useful Services
  • Wise: Multi-currency account compatible with digital identity platforms. Useful for online government services.
Diia: Ukrainian Digital Government App
FAQWhat is the deadline for Diia App (Digital Government Services) in Ukraine?
No strict deadline.
How much does Diia App (Digital Government Services) cost in Ukraine?
Free.
What happens if I skip Diia App (Digital Government Services) in Ukraine?
Without Diia, most government interactions must be conducted in person at Administrative Service Centres (TsNAP).
Deadline: Within 1 year of temporary import or upon establishing permanent residence.
Processing Time: Registration typically completed same day at an MVS Service Centre.
💰Fees: Registration: UAH 500-2,000. Import excise and customs duty apply for new imports.
📅Appointment: Book online via hsc.gov.ua or walk-in at an MVS Service Centre.
Required Documents:
  • RNTRC
  • Valid passport and Ukrainian address registration
  • Foreign vehicle registration certificate
  • Customs clearance declaration
  • Valid OSTSPO third-party insurance
  • Technical inspection certificate
Official Link:
Where to Do It:

At any MVS (Ministry of Internal Affairs) service centre. Appointments can be booked online at hsc.gov.ua. MVS service centres are located in all major cities.

If You Don't Do It: Driving an unregistered vehicle or a foreign-registered vehicle beyond the legal grace period results in fines. Vehicles can be impounded at roadside checks.
💡 Practical Tip: Vehicle registration in Ukraine requires an insurance policy (OSAGO), valid technical inspection, and proof of ownership. Budget for customs duties on non-EU vehicles when importing.
📦 Useful Services
  • My Baggage: Affordable door-to-door shipping when moving to Europe. Book online, tracked delivery.
  • ParcelABC: Compare shipping prices across carriers for moving your belongings to Europe.
  • Sirelo: Compare international removal companies. Get quotes for moving your belongings to Europe.
MVS Service Centres: hsc.gov.ua
FAQWhat is the deadline for Vehicle Registration (MVS Service Centre) in Ukraine?
Within 1 year of temporary import or upon establishing permanent residence.
How much does Vehicle Registration (MVS Service Centre) cost in Ukraine?
Registration: UAH 500-2,000. Import excise and customs duty apply for new imports.
What happens if I skip Vehicle Registration (MVS Service Centre) in Ukraine?
Driving an unregistered vehicle or a foreign-registered vehicle beyond the legal grace period results in fines.
Deadline: Apply after 5 years of continuous legal temporary residence.
Processing Time: 30-60 days processing.
💰Fees: State fees apply.
📅Appointment: At DMSU territorial office.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • All previous temporary residence permits
  • Proof of 5 years of continuous residence
  • Proof of income and accommodation
  • Criminal record certificate
Where to Do It:

DMSU territorial offices.

If You Don't Do It: Without permanent residence, temporary permits must be renewed periodically.
💡 Practical Tip: Permanent residence after 5 years of continuous legal stay provides significantly stronger security of residence. Maintain unbroken legal status throughout the qualifying period. The permit requires renewing the biometric card every 10 years.
Regional Variations: National system.
📋 Useful Services
  • Translayte: Certified translations of passports, birth certificates, and supporting documents for residence permit applications.
  • RushTranslate: Fast certified translations of official documents. Accepted by government offices across Europe.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Permanent Residence Permit (Posvidka na Postijne Prozhyvannya) in Ukraine?
Apply after 5 years of continuous legal temporary residence.
How much does Permanent Residence Permit (Posvidka na Postijne Prozhyvannya) cost in Ukraine?
State fees apply.
What happens if I skip Permanent Residence Permit (Posvidka na Postijne Prozhyvannya) in Ukraine?
Without permanent residence, temporary permits must be renewed periodically.

Insider Tips for Newcomers

Diia Is a World-Class Digital Platform, Set It Up Early

Once you have a Ukrainian bank account and BankID, Diia stores your documents digitally and enables dozens of government applications from your phone.

RNTRC Tax Number Required Before Working Legally

Issued by the State Tax Service (STS, Derzhavna Podatkova Sluzhba) within 5 working days. Required for employment, business registration, bank accounts, and property transactions.

Ukrainian Banking Functions Well and Is Largely Digital

Monobank, PrivatBank, and Raiffeisen Bank Aval have modern apps with full contactless support. Monobank is particularly popular for its no-fee structure.

Monitor Security Situation Continuously

The ongoing conflict means security conditions vary by region and can change rapidly. Register with your embassy immediately on arrival and monitor official travel advisories daily.

Ukrainian Is the Sole Official Language Since 2019

Ukrainian is mandatory for government, education, and most public services. Russian is still widely spoken in many urban areas but administrative processes are in Ukrainian.

Kyiv Has a Resilient Tech and Expat Community

Ukraine's IT sector has remained active. Expat networks, coworking spaces, and English-language support are primarily available in Kyiv, Lviv, and other western cities.

🌍 Also planning to move elsewhere?

MDMove to MoldovaPLMove to PolandROMove to RomaniaHUMove to HungarySKMove to SlovakiaCZMove to CzechiaDEMove to GermanyATMove to AustriaBGMove to BulgariaGRMove to Greece