Rights and social guarantees for foreign volunteer service members
Foreign nationals who voluntarily serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine are provided with full legal protection by the state.
Any foreign national who decides to sign a military service contract (for a term of three to five years) acquires the status of a service member and is entitled to service remuneration and a range of social guarantees.
Service remuneration and social protection
Foreign volunteer service members receive service remuneration at the level established for service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including all additional payments provided by law for service during martial law. Accordingly, the service remuneration of foreign service members fully corresponds to that of Ukrainian service members.
In addition, foreign service members receive full material provision, including clothing and gear, food, and weapons, in accordance with the general standards established for military personnel. Foreign service members have the right to take leave in accordance with the general rules applicable to military personnel.
Career advancement and recognition of experience
Under applicable law, foreign service members are eligible for career advancement opportunities, including:
● Officer positions: Law No. 4019-IX stipulates that foreign nationals may hold officer positions subject to the possession of appropriate military education and experience.
● Rank recognition: A military rank obtained by a foreign national in their home country is subject to verification and may be recognized in the Ukrainian military in accordance with established procedures.
● Training: Where foreign nationals lack prior military experience, they are, upon acceptance into service, assigned to training centers and military units to obtain the appropriate Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Pathway to citizenship
Contract-based military service in Ukraine’s military opens an essential pathway for foreign nationals toward acquiring Ukrainian citizenship. It provides a lawful right to immigrate and to obtain a permanent residence permit, which constitutes the first step toward integration.
This right likewise applies to the service member’s family members: spouses and minor children are granted the right to immigrate and to legalize their stay in Ukraine together with the legionnaire.
Subsequently, upon fulfilling all conditions stipulated by the Law of Ukraine ‘On Citizenship of Ukraine,’ the foreign service member and their family members may apply under a simplified procedure for the acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship. This represents the state’s recognition of their contribution to the struggle for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.
Foreign nationals who voluntarily serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine are provided with full legal protection by the state. Upon signing a contract, a foreign national acquires the status of a service member and is granted an expanded package of rights and guarantees.