Temporary residence permits for foreigners serving in the Defence Forces of Ukraine: what the new procedure provides
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine explains the procedure for obtaining temporary residence permits for foreigners and stateless persons serving or intending to serve in the Defence Forces of Ukraine.
An updated migration procedure for foreign service members has been in effect in Ukraine since May 10, 2026, pursuant to Law of Ukraine No. 4730-IX dated December 17, 2025, and Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 573 dated May 6, 2026.
Who is eligible for a residence permit under the new procedure
A temporary residence permit (category code “04/19”) is available to foreigners and stateless persons who have duly entered into a contract for military service with:
- the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- the National Guard of Ukraine;
- the State Special Transport Service of Ukraine.
Foreigners who are already serving must apply for a residence permit within six months of the Law entering into force—that is, by November 10, 2026.
Residence permit validity period
The residence permit is issued for the full duration of the military service contract, plus six months after its expiration or termination. This period following the completion of military service gives foreign veterans time to resolve social, legal, and practical matters or to depart Ukraine safely.
Throughout this entire period, the individual is considered to be legally present in Ukraine.
Required documents
To obtain a residence permit, a foreign service member must submit the following documents to a State Migration Service office or an authorized entity:
- military registration document (service member ID): the original must be presented, and a certified copy must be attached to the application;
- military service contract: the original must be presented, and a certified copy must be attached to the application;
- a written undertaking by the military unit to notify the State Migration Service of the early termination of the contract.
The original documents are returned to the applicant. The copies are certified by an employee of the State Migration Service or an authorized entity with the notation “Certified true copy of the original.”
When renewing an expired residence permit, holders of category “04/19” residence permits are exempt from the requirement to submit proof of health insurance.
Administrative requirements that have been simplified
Resolution No. 573 removes several administrative requirements that previously applied to all migrants:
Residential address verification.
When processing applications for temporary or permanent residence permits, the State Migration Service does not verify the residential address of foreigners in category “04/19”.
Residential address abroad.
When submitting immigration application documents, foreign service members may provide an overseas address without supporting documentation.
Expired passport.
When applying for a permanent residence permit, persons who are required to apply to the authorities of a country that has committed armed aggression against Ukraine or does not recognize its sovereignty for a new passport may submit an expired passport or a passport due for replacement.
Why a residence permit matters
A temporary residence permit confirms the holder's lawful stay in Ukraine and provides access to a full range of services. With a temporary residence permit, a foreign service member can:
- open bank accounts and access financial services;
- access notarial and medical services;
- obtain official documents from government authorities;
- prove their lawful stay during any administrative procedure.
Before the new procedure entered into force, foreign service members without this document had to resolve immigration matters while simultaneously carrying out combat missions.
Where to apply for a residence permit
To obtain a residence permit, applicants must apply to one of the following:
- a State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) office;
- the State Enterprise “Document”;
- an Administrative Services Center (ASC), where provided for by law.
For more information on service eligibility requirements for foreigners and choosing a unit, see “The right to choose a brigade: how foreigners can join the Defence Forces of Ukraine”.