KYIV — Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has issued guidelines for military units aimed at simplifying the process through which foreign nationals and stateless persons serving under contract obtain temporary residence permits.
The ministry said the procedure is intended to make responsibilities clearer for commanders, administrative officers and foreign service members.
What the guidelines provide
According to the Ministry of Defence, military units are expected to help organize preparation of the required documents and arrange appointments with Ukraine’s State Migration Service.
The service member provides documents held personally and attends in person for steps that require it, including photographs, biometric data or signatures.
The ministry says a temporary residence permit is generally issued for the duration of the military contract and for an additional six months after the contract ends, subject to exceptions established by law.
November 10 deadline for some service members
Foreigners who signed their military contracts before May 10, 2026 and who still lack a residence permit or another document confirming lawful residence must apply for a permit by November 10, 2026, according to the ministry.
The ministry says that until the transition period ends, a military registration document or service identification document confirms lawful stay for the affected service members.
For service members who entered into contracts on or after May 10, the filing deadline depends on the date they entered Ukraine and the period for which they are otherwise permitted to remain.
Processing time
The Ministry of Defence says the State Migration Service issues the permit within 15 working days after accepting the documents. The completed permit must be collected personally.
Official Sources
- Ministry of Defence of Ukraine — Residence permit guidelines for foreign service members
- Verkhovna Rada legislation portal