In 2026, due to the acute shortage of qualified labor in Ukraine, the employment of foreigners and the opening of businesses by foreign investors have become one of the most popular ways to legalize their stay in the country. Foreigners who plan to legally work or conduct business in Ukraine have the full right to obtain a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP / Residence Permit).
This document legalizes the stay in Ukraine for the duration of the work permit, allows official employment, opening bank accounts, receiving medical services, purchasing real estate, driving a car, and enjoying other rights.
During the process of obtaining a residence permit based on employment, it is crucial to strictly comply with the norms of the legislation, as violations may lead to administrative or even criminal liability. The law firm INSEININ provides full support for immigration procedures — from obtaining a work permit to issuing and extending the residence permit.
This document legalizes the stay in Ukraine for the duration of the work permit, allows official employment, opening bank accounts, receiving medical services, purchasing real estate, driving a car, and enjoying other rights.
During the process of obtaining a residence permit based on employment, it is crucial to strictly comply with the norms of the legislation, as violations may lead to administrative or even criminal liability. The law firm INSEININ provides full support for immigration procedures — from obtaining a work permit to issuing and extending the residence permit.
Legal Grounds
The grounds for issuing a TRP are defined by Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons". One of the key grounds is employment with a permit for the employment of foreigners and stateless persons (work permit) or a gig-contract for IT specialists.
The permit is issued for the term of the work permit and is a reliable tool for specialists, managers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Stages of Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit Based on Employment/Business
1. Obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
This is the first mandatory step. A foreigner applies to the tax authority with a passport and its notarized translation into Ukrainian. The procedure takes 1–5 business days. Without a TIN, it is impossible to obtain a work permit or register a company. The tax number can be obtained remotely through a representative under a notarized power of attorney.
2. Obtaining a Type D Visa (if necessary)
Most foreigners need to first obtain a long-term national visa of type D (D-visa) to legally enter Ukraine for the purpose of employment or doing business.
Key points:
- The D visa is issued by a Ukrainian consulate or visa center abroad for a period of up to 90 days.
- The basis for obtaining it is an invitation from a Ukrainian employer or company (issued after receiving the work permit or registering an LLC).
- After entering on a D visa, the foreigner must submit documents for a Temporary Residence Permit within 15 business days.
- Citizens of visa-free countries may enter without a visa, but obtaining a D visa is still recommended for long-term stay.
3. Business Registration or Finding an Employer
- Own business: Registration of an LLC (1–3 days). For certain categories, an investment of at least €100,000 in the authorized capital is important. A foreigner can be the founder, director, and employee of their own company.
- Employment: Finding a Ukrainian employer ready to officially hire the foreigner. The employer submits documents for the work permit.
4. Obtaining a Permit for the Employment of Foreigners (Work Permit)
Issued by regional/city employment centers. The review period is up to 7 business days (extension or amendments — up to 3 days).
Cost of the work permit in 2026 (depending on the term):
- Up to 6 months — 9,984 UAH
- 6–12 months — 16,640 UAH
- Up to 2 years (in certain cases) — 26,624 UAH
Main documents (submitted by the employer):
- Application of the established form
- Copy of the foreigner’s passport with notarized translation
- Draft employment contract (or gig-contract)
- Justification of the need for a foreign employee
- Documents confirming the specialist’s qualifications
- Receipt of payment of the fee
Important: A work permit is not required for many categories (representatives of foreign company branches, university lecturers, accredited journalists, volunteers, etc.).
- You may also be interested in: Permanent Residence Permit in Ukraine by Investment 2026: How to Get PR for $100,000.
5. Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit at the State Migration Service
After receiving the work permit, the foreigner (in person) submits documents to the territorial division of the State Migration Service.
Required documents:
- Valid passport (with D visa if required) + notarized translation
- Work permit (or employment contract for exceptional categories)
- Employer’s commitment to notify the Migration servise and employment center about contract termination
- Medical insurance policy
- Proof of residence in Ukraine
- Biometric data (photo + fingerprints)
Processing time — 15 business days. The permit is issued for the period of validity of the work permit.
Extension and Exchange of the Permit
In 2026, new rules are in effect (CMU Resolution No. 141). Expired permits are no longer considered a legal basis for stay. Extension must be done in advance, confirming the validity of the grounds (valid work permit, tax payments, actual business activity).
Important Warnings and Criminal Liability Risks
A foreigner must actually work or conduct business activities. Fictitious employment, creation of “paper” companies without real activity, or imitation of work entails serious liability.
According to Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, actions related to the illegal stay of foreigners through document forgery or fictitious employment are punishable by imprisonment for up to 9 years (depending on the circumstances). Law enforcement agencies are actively exposing such schemes in 2026.
State authorities check:
- Payment of taxes and unified social contribution.
- Actual performance of job duties.
- Real economic activity of the company.
If you are a foreigner planning to come to Ukraine for work or business, it is important to ensure the legality of obtaining your work permit and residence permit. If the company’s activity is fictitious (no real business, taxes not paid, no personnel records) or you want fictitious employment or to register a fictitious company — you may face very serious consequences, including criminal liability, cancellation of the permit, and a ban on entry to Ukraine.
That is why it is worth taking care of the legal purity of intentions and documents.
Why You Should Contact INSEININ Law Firm
The procedure, despite clear regulation, often contains “pitfalls”: formal refusals due to minor errors in documents, delays at employment centers, and requests for additional certificates. Self-processing can lead to loss of time, money, and even denial of entry.
We offer turnkey services:
- Analysis of the situation and selection of the optimal ground.
- Preparation and support in obtaining a work permit.
- Registration of an LLC for foreign founders.
- Full package of documents for the Migration servise.
- Extension and exchange of the permit.
- Legal protection in case of inspections.
Contact the INSEININ law firm for professional advice. We will help you quickly, safely, and legally obtain a Temporary Residence Permit while minimizing all risks. Important: We provide services only if there are real grounds and clean intentions. We do not provide services in case of fictitious activities.
For consultation, please contact +380 97 507 06 53 or +380 93 228 01 24.
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