Glossary of terms
What TRP, PRP, apostille and other words you meet during legalization actually mean. In plain language.
A
- Apostille
- A special stamp confirming the authenticity of an official document for use abroad. Required for documents from Hague Convention countries and issued in the country of origin. For other countries the alternative is consular legalization.
- Administrative fee
- A state payment for issuing the permit or another Migration Service action. Paid before filing; payment details are provided by the local office.
E
- e-Visa
- An electronic type C visa for citizens of listed countries: issued online at evisa.mfa.gov.ua without visiting a consulate. Short purposes only.
G
- Ground for residence
- The legal reason for a foreigner's stay in Ukraine (work, study, family, business), confirmed by a specific document. The permit is valid only while the ground is.
I
- IPN (tax number)
- The taxpayer registration number (officially RNOKPP). Issued by the tax service free of charge; without it official work, banking and most contracts are impossible. How to get it →
- Immigration quota
- The yearly limit on immigration permits (for permanent residence) in certain categories. Some categories, such as spouses of Ukrainian citizens, are exempt from the quota.
M
- MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- The authority responsible for visa policy and Ukrainian consulates abroad.
P
- PRP (permanent residence permit)
- An indefinite permit granting the right to live and work in Ukraine without a separate work permit. Issued based on an immigration permit.
R
- Residence registration
- Entering the foreigner's address into the state register. Done after receiving the permit.
S
- SMS (State Migration Service)
- The authority that issues residence permits, documents foreigners and keeps the residence register. Ukrainian abbreviation: ДМС.
T
- TRP (temporary residence permit)
- A card granting a foreigner the right to live in Ukraine for more than 90 days. Issued for the validity of the ground, usually 1 year, renewed yearly. How to get it →
- Type C visa
- A short-term visa for tourism, visits or business trips: up to 90 days within 180. Does not lead to a residence permit. C or D →
- Type D visa
- A long-term visa for those moving to Ukraine. Grants entry and 90 days to file for a residence permit. Issued only at consulates abroad. C or D →
- The 90/180 rule
- The visa-free stay limit: no more than 90 days within any 180-day period. The window is rolling; leaving does not reset the counter. How to count →
W
- Work permit
- Officially: the permit to employ foreign workers. Obtained by the employer at the employment center; serves as the ground for a work-based residence permit. Full guide →