From May 10, 2026, the law regulating the legal status and medical care of foreign military personnel has changed in Ukraine. The Government approved new rules for stay and processing documents for foreigners who have joined Ukrainian Army Units - simplified obtaining temporary residence permits.

The permit is issued for the entire term of the contract plus an additional six months after its expiration, or for six months after the early termination of the contract. This period of six months is important for the social adaptation of a foreign veteran or his safe departure. Foreign contract workers receive a permit with a special code.

The Government has removed a few bureaucratic obstacles that were previously mandatory for all foreigners. Foreigners who have joined the Ukrainian army no longer have to look for a place to register, and the Migration Service will no longer check the address of their place of residence in Ukraine. After all, their address is often where they perform combat missions.

In order to obtain a temporary residence permit, you must have the following package of documents:

- passport or identity document;
- a notarized translation into Ukrainian of the page of the passport or document with personal data;
- a document certifying payment of the administrative fee (1,140 hryvnias, about 26 USD);
- a military registration document or military serviceman's certificate;
- a contract for military service;
- an obligation of the military unit to notify the State Migration Service of early termination of the contract.
 

With this set of documents, you must apply to the local branch of the State Migration Service or to the Center for the Provision of Administrative Services (only in the city of Kyiv). The certificate is produced and issued within 15 working days and must be received personally by the serviceman no later than 6 months from the date of its issuance.

Foreign military personnel who do not have a residence permit in Ukraine are required to obtain a temporary residence permit from May 10 to November 11, 2026. Thus, foreigners who conclude a contract with units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine receive a legally defined status and a set of legal guarantees for the duration of their service and after its completion. This creates more predictable and understandable conditions for those who join The Ukrainian.

Ukraine appreciates the contribution and assistance of foreign volunteers in the national war for the Independence of Ukraine. "Supporting those who stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the defense of Ukraine is our duty and responsibility," the Ukrainian government emphasizes.