PRP in Ukraine: the complete guide to permanent residence
A permanent residence permit (PRP) lets a foreigner live and work in Ukraine with no time limit and no work permit. The Migration Service issues it on the basis of an immigration permit (quota, marriage, origin or a $100,000+ investment); it is valid for 10 years.
- Review period
- 6 months
- Validity
- 10 years
- Investment
- from $100,000
- Right to work
- no permit needed
How does PRP differ from a temporary permit?
A temporary permit (TRP) is tied to a ground and a term (work, study, family) and is renewed every year. A permanent permit (PRP) confirms the right to live in Ukraine with no time limit and no link to a specific ground.
A PRP holder gains three key advantages:
- resides in Ukraine with no time restrictions
- crosses the border with no limit on the number of entries, using either passport or permit
- takes up employment without a permit to employ a foreigner
Document checklist
0/7 doneWho is eligible for an immigration permit?
The key rule: first the immigration permit, then the residence permit. Two groups of foreigners are eligible: those who qualify within the quota and those processed outside it.
The immigration quota is set every year by the Cabinet of Ministers by category. Within the quota, a permit can be granted to highly qualified specialists needed by Ukraine's economy and to persons who have made a foreign investment of at least USD 100,000.
Outside the quota, an immigration permit is most often obtained through family ties and origin:
- a spouse where the other spouse is a Ukrainian citizen
- parents, children, brothers and sisters of a Ukrainian citizen
- persons who were Ukrainian citizens in the past
- persons of Ukrainian origin
- guardians, custodians and persons under the care of a Ukrainian citizen
The investment route: how it works
The most common ground for a foreigner without family ties in Ukraine is a foreign investment of at least USD 100,000. There are a few important nuances worth knowing in advance:
- Monetary form only: funds in a foreign convertible currency. Corporate rights, shares or bonds on their own do not count as a ground.
- Through the authorized capital: it is best to open a company (for example, an LLC) and contribute at least USD 100,000 to its authorized capital.
- Buying real estate is not an investment, even if it is worth more than USD 100,000.
- Funds cannot be withdrawn: withdrawing the investment removes the ground, and the immigration permit may be cancelled.
How does the process work?
- 1You determine the ground for immigration (quota, family, origin, investment) and collect the documents that confirm it.
- 2You file an application for an immigration permit with a Ukrainian consulate abroad or with the local Migration Service office if you are lawfully in Ukraine.
- 3You wait for the review: 6 months by law; minor delays are possible in practice.
- 4After receiving the immigration permit and entering Ukraine, within 5 working days you apply to the Migration Service for the permit.
- 5You submit biometric data and receive the permanent residence permit.
- 6You register your place of residence.
What documents are required?
The list depends on the ground. The base package for the permit after the immigration permit is shown in the checklist above.
For the investment ground you additionally file the charter of the Ukrainian company and a bank certificate confirming that at least USD 100,000 was contributed to the authorized capital.
How long is the PRP valid?
The permanent residence permit is issued as an ID card and is valid for 10 years, after which it must be exchanged. Exchange documents are filed in advance, before the validity expires.
An exchange is also needed when data changes, when you get a new passport or when the card is damaged; if it is lost or stolen, a replacement is issued.
TRP or PRP: what is the difference?
- Temporary (TRP)
- 1-2 years
- Permanent (PRP)
- 10 years, then exchange
- Temporary (TRP)
- permit required
- Permanent (PRP)
- no permit needed
- Temporary (TRP)
- every year
- Permanent (PRP)
- exchange once in 10 years
- Temporary (TRP)
- limited
- Permanent (PRP)
- free
- Temporary (TRP)
- indirect
- Permanent (PRP)
- yes
What to do if you are refused
- 1Obtain the written decision stating the grounds for refusing the immigration permit or the residence permit.
- 2Check the appeal deadline: it runs from the date you receive the decision.
- 3Choose the route: a complaint to a higher Migration Service body or a claim to the administrative court.
- 4If the cause is technical (a missing document, an error), fix it and refile the package.
- 5For a complex ground, consult a lawyer, we assess the prospects for free.
Temporary permit, PRP or citizenship: what to choose
- Temporary permit
- 1-2 years, by ground
- Permanent (PRP)
- 10 years, then exchange
- Citizenship
- indefinite
- Temporary permit
- permit required (exemptions exist)
- Permanent (PRP)
- no permit needed
- Citizenship
- no restrictions
- Temporary permit
- unlimited
- Permanent (PRP)
- unlimited
- Citizenship
- unlimited
- Temporary permit
- work, study, marriage
- Permanent (PRP)
- immigration permit: quota, $100k or family
- Citizenship
- naturalization 5 yrs, origin or marriage
- Temporary permit
- limited
- Permanent (PRP)
- free
- Citizenship
- free
- Temporary permit
- move to PRP
- Permanent (PRP)
- apply for citizenship
- Citizenship
- —
| Criterion | Temporary permit | Permanent (PRP) | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 1-2 years, by ground | 10 years, then exchange | indefinite |
| Right to work | permit required (exemptions exist) | no permit needed | no restrictions |
| Number of entries | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| Typical ground | work, study, marriage | immigration permit: quota, $100k or family | naturalization 5 yrs, origin or marriage |
| Living abroad | limited | free | free |
| Next step | move to PRP | apply for citizenship | — |
Exact state fees and timelines depend on the ground — check the service page or ask a lawyer. Figures are general; status is determined individually.
Common questions about PRP
Does PRP allow working without a permit?+
Yes. Permanent residence permit holders take up employment without a permit to employ a foreigner.
Can I apply for PRP directly, skipping the immigration permit?+
No. The immigration permit is issued first, and only on that basis is the permanent residence permit granted.
Do family members also have to invest?+
No. An immigrant's family members receive a permit on the basis of family ties with the person who has already made the investment.
Does PRP lead to citizenship?+
Yes, the immigration permit and residence under the permit are among the conditions for naturalization. We cover the terms and requirements in the citizenship guide.
Does buying an apartment count as an investment for PRP?+
No. Buying real estate is not a foreign investment in Ukraine's economy, even if it is worth more than USD 100,000.
Can I apply for PRP directly?+
No. The immigration permit is issued first, and only on that basis is the permanent residence permit granted.
Official sources
Residence permit, done for you
From choosing the legal ground to the issued card: fixed price, case status online.