SERVICES FOR FOREIGNERS IN UKRAINE

• Our scope of services in Ukraine
• Types of Visas
• Extensions of Stay and Registration Requirements
• Employment in Ukraine
• Permanent Residence in Ukraine
• Changes in visa regime in 2009

Feod Group established in 1992 is internationally recognized for their exemplary immigration and legal business services it provides for foreigners in Ukraine. Feod Group are members of the European Business Association. With an in house English lawyer and Ukrainian lawyers, Feod Group are able to provide an extensive range of services to enable foreigners to operate in Ukraine with less difficulties and complications.

Scope of services in Ukraine:

• Wide spectrum of visa consultancy services for overseas visitors, visa extensions;
• Immigration applications to Ukrainian authorities for residency, work permit;
• Registration of various company’s types on the territory of Ukraine;
• Legal advise and assistance on opening personal and business accounts;
• Real-estate advice and due diligence;
• Assistance in obtaining mortgage and long-term credits;
• Audit and management of your company;
• Business risks analysis and effective risk management;
• Ukrainian Family Law consultation;
• US, United Kingdom and other European countries immigration and entry clearance applications for Ukrainian partners, spouses and fiancés;
• British, American, Ukrainian Solicitors’ and advocacy services;
• Accredited translators, Notary services, apostille.

We effectively work with Appeals and complicated cases.

Our professional staff speaks English, Greek, Italian, French and German.

Immigration to Ukraine

In Ukraine like in any civilized country the migration processes are regulated by the Constitution of Ukraine, Law “On Immigration” and some other statutory acts. These legal documents determine conditions and procedure of the immigration of aliens and stateless individuals into Ukraine.

Types of Visas

Visas should be obtained from the consular section of the Embassies or Consulates of Ukraine overseas.

Types of visas that the government of Ukraine issues to foreign nationals are as follows:
1. Diplomatic (for holders of diplomatic passports only)
2. Service
3. Business
4. Student
5. For scientists
6. For mass-media personnel
7. For religious mission
8. Cultural and sport
9. Tourist
10. Private
11. Immigrant
12. For service personnel of international means of transportation
13. Transit

All types of visas could be single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry. Transit visa is valid five days for each entry.

For short-term stays in Ukraine (up to 90 days) visa is not required for citizens of the following countries:
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belorussia
Canada
European Union Countries
Georgia
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Liechtenstein
Moldova
Russia
Swiss Confederation
Tajikistan
USA
Uzbekistan

Extensions of Stay and Registration Requirements

All foreign nationals must be registered at Border Control upon arrival to Ukraine. This initial registration is valid for up to 90 days only.

Once inside Ukraine, it may be possible to get an extension of stay from the Ministry of Interior's Office of Visas and Registration (OVIR). If such travelers need to remain in Ukraine beyond these time limits they need to file an application for extension of stay with a relevant OVIR office at least three working days before the expiration of the allowed term of stay.

Employment in Ukraine

Foreign citizens who apply for employment in Ukraine should obtain work permits for foreign nationals, who are either directly employed or seconded to work in Ukraine by foreign companies.
A work permit may be issued for up to one year with subsequent renewal. The overall time of employment in Ukraine is not limited.

The foreigner is not allowed start working in Ukraine until the work permit is issued.

Permanent Residence in Ukraine

In accordance to the Ukrainian Law "On Immigration" , the following categories of foreign citizens can apply for permanent residence in Ukraine:
a) scientists and artists whose immigration is of public interest of Ukraine;
b) highly qualified specialists and workers whose specialization is deficit in Ukraine;
c) businessmen who invested over US $100,000 into Ukrainian economy;
d) brothers, sisters, grandparents or grandchildren of a Ukrainian citizen;
e) former Ukrainian citizens;
g) parents, spouse and children of minor age of immigrants to Ukraine;
h) refugees who have lived in Ukraine for 3 years subsequently, their parents, spouse and minor children.

The following categories of foreign citizens can apply for permanent residence in Ukraine disregarding annual immigration quote:
a) spouse of a Ukrainian citizen married to him/her for over two years, parents/children of a Ukrainian citizen;
b) guardian of a Ukrainian citizen;
c) persons born in Ukraine and therefore eligible for the Ukrainian citizenship;
d) persons whose immigration corresponds to national interests of Ukraine.