PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT: PROS AND CONS OF ISSUING IT UNDER MARTIAL LAW

A residence permit is a document that certifies the legal right of a foreign citizen to legally reside on the territory of Ukraine. A permanent residence permit is a type of permit and is issued for up to 10 years. That is, even if the permit is permanent, it still needs to be renewed or exchanged when the term for which it was issued expires.

Advantages of a permanent residence permit:

• the possibility of official employment on the territory of Ukraine;
• equality of rights to education, medical care, education, etc.;
• the prospect of obtaining Ukrainian citizenship in the future.

Тhat is, for persons permanently residing in Ukraine, a permanent residence permit is an important document. When it expired, foreigners replaced it and extended its validity. But with the beginning of the war, the State Migration Service stopped providing a number of services. Including issuance of permanent residence permits. As of today, territorial bodies of the State Security Service have resumed their work with the exception of regions where hostilities are taking place and regions under occupation. For foreigners staying in Ukraine, the question arose whether it is necessary to issue a permanent residence permit in the conditions of martial law?

There is no unequivocal answer to this question, because each situation is individual. It is possible to assess the necessity of issuing a permanent residence permit only in the aggregate of all factors. This can also include the period of stay in Ukraine, marital status, employment, running a business, etc. To do this, you need to get professional advice from a specialist.

Advantages of issuing a certificate under martial law: 

• unimpeded entry into Ukraine;
• unlimited period of stay in Ukraine;
• visas are not required upon entry to Ukraine;
• equal rights with citizens of Ukraine.

It is also worth noting that if the permit expired during the period of martial law, that is, after February 24, it is considered valid until its expiration. That is, you can use your existing permanent residence permit.

Disadvantages of issuing a permanent residence permit in Ukraine

First of all, the main drawback in obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine is definitely war. At a time when many citizens of Ukraine are leaving the country, the number of those who want to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine is rather insignificant. Another shortcoming is that the units of the State Security Service do not work regularly in all regions. Therefore, after submitting documents for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine, you can wait not 15 working days, but much longer.

In such situations, it is worth using the services of immigration lawyers. Specialists can comprehensively assess the situation and will choose the best option for a legal stay in Ukraine, and if necessary, they will help to issue a permanent residence permit.