Invitation for foreigners

There is a visa-free regime between Ukraine and many countries of the world. An agreement has been established with some countries on the possibility of opening a so-called e-Visa (electronic visa) for 30 days remotely without a personal visit to diplomatic agency. An invitation for foreigners is not required in these cases.

Along with this, Ukraine still has a visa regime with a large number of countries. In accordance with Article 9 of Law No. 2491-III “About Immigration” dated June 07, 2001, the entry of foreign citizens into the country is possible with a visa. The Cabinet of Ministers decree No. 118 dated 01.03.2017 “About approval of the Rules for issuing visas to enter Ukraine” (hereinafter – Rules No. 118) is in force from April 16, 2017. Obtaining an invitation for a foreigner – is justification for a visa.

How to make an invitation for a foreigner with the support of Prikhodko & Partners law firm?

If you have to go through the registration of an invitation for a foreigner, first we suggest getting legal advice on migration issues. Consultations are provided in a convenient format during a personal visit to our office in Kiev, online (through communication in messengers) or by phone.

For your information! Depending on the purpose and expected timing of the visit, as well as on the basis of the analysis of the documents, the best option is selected in order to make an invitation to a foreigner with minimal investment of time and money.

Issuing an invitation to a foreign citizen includes the following steps:

consultation about the selection of the optimal way of arrival and legalization in Ukraine;

collection of documentation (including preparation of notarized translations and copies);

the actual preparation of the invitation itself (from private or a legal entity);

sending documents abroad (you can send an invitation to a foreigner through DHL or another trusted transport service);

support for the submission of documents for a visa to the diplomatic agency/consulate of Ukraine (remotely).

How is an invitation to a foreign citizen used?

Such an invitation (call, invitation letter) is the rationale for granting a visa to a foreigner or stateless person:

short-term visa (C) for up to 90 days within 180;
long-term visa (D).

For your information! In accordance with subparagraphs 1, 2 of paragraph 7 of Rules No. 118, the invitation from a legal entity registered in Ukraine on a letterhead, or an invitation from individual person with notarial certification – is one of the grounds for obtaining visa.

Often the need to make an invitation to a foreigner arises. In this case, certain nuances should be taken into account:

this visa does not provide the right to a residence permit and permanent residence;
after the invitation to the foreigner has been received, it is possible to issue a single, two- and multiple-entry visa (but not more than for five years);
the validity of the visa cannot exceed the validity of the passport;
the validity of the passport must be more than 3 months from the planned date of departure.

If it becomes necessary to open a “D” type visa (for legal stay in the country for a period of more than 90 days), it is necessary to send a special invitation to the foreigner. In particular, with the support of migration lawyers of our company, you can arrange:

invitation for foreign citizens to study (internship) at the university;
invitation for a foreign citizen from the state institutions/organizations/enterprises within the framework of international technical assistance projects;
invitation for a foreign citizens from a religious/public (non-governmental) organization;
invitation for a foreign citizen from a representative office of a foreign company/banking institution;
invitation letter for a foreigner from the state body within the framework of cultural, educational, scientific, sports, volunteer programs.

What documents are collected to issue an invitation for a foreigner?

Important! The legislation establishes the possibility of issuing an invitation to a foreigner for three categories of subjects:

citizens of Ukraine;
foreigners staying in Ukraine on the basis of a residence permit or permanent residence;
legal entities registered in the country.

A list of documents for individuals (citizens of Ukraine, foreigners with a residence permit or permanent residence):

passport/ID card of a citizen of Ukraine or a certificate for residence permit or permanent residence permit – upon presentation and a copy;
a copy of the passport of the foreigner/stateless person for whom the invitation is being issued.

Important! It is necessary to issue an invitation in a notarized form, including the following information in this document:

full name of the person, data of the passport/certificate for residence permit/permanent residence, address of residence;
the full name of the invited person, information about the date and place of birth, citizenship, passport details, information about the place of residence;
the purpose and period of the planned visit, the number of entries and place of residence in Ukraine;
a certified consent of the host party to bear the potential costs of stay and departure from Ukraine of the invited entity.

For your information! If this is a private invitation for a foreigner, then the purpose of the visit can be a guest visit to relatives and friends, family reunification, marriage or stay for a certain time with the groom or bride, and so on.

A list of documents for a legal entity includes: