What makes up the cost
A Ukrainian visa does not come down to a single figure. The main part is the consular fee you pay for processing. On top of it come a medical insurance policy, translation and legalisation of documents, notary services and the trip to the consulate. The general visa procedure is described in the guide to getting a Ukrainian visa.
The base consular fee is set by the visa Rules, and below we give it together with the exceptions. Reciprocity can change the amount for a particular citizenship, so we explain what it depends on, so that you can ask the consulate and the МЗС (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MFA) the right questions and plan your budget.
Document checklist
0/5 doneThe consular fee
Paragraph 23 of the Rules for issuing visas, approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 118, sets the consular fee for visas of types B, C and D issued by a Ukrainian diplomatic mission abroad. The base rate is the same for all three types and amounts to USD 65, unless international treaties provide otherwise.
Three factors move the fee away from the base rate. The first is urgency, since urgent processing is charged at double the rate, twice the base fee. Citizenship comes second, because the reciprocity principle applies. The third is the place of issue, as a visa issued at a border crossing point carries a separate fee of 150 tax-free minimum incomes.
Reciprocity
Paragraph 26 of the Rules provides that when a foreign state charges Ukrainian citizens more than the base rate, Ukraine charges that state's citizens a fee that reflects reciprocity. As a result, for citizens of some countries the visa D fee is noticeably higher than the base rate, and it may also vary with the ground for the visa.
This is the main reason a visa budget has to be calculated for a specific citizenship. For some countries the fee is zero under treaties, while for others it is well above the base rate. Confirm the current amount for your country directly with the consulate before you apply.
Who does not pay
Paragraph 27 of the Rules sets a zero consular fee for certain categories. The ones we come across most often are:
A zero rate may also apply to citizens of particular states on a reciprocal basis by decision of the Cabinet of Ministers.
- children under six;
- foreign Ukrainians who hold a foreign Ukrainian certificate, and their spouses and children;
- participants in international technical assistance projects invited by the project recipient;
- holders of diplomatic or service passports travelling on official business.
E-visa
For an e-visa the fee is paid online when you apply. Its amount depends on whether the visa is single or double-entry. A single-entry e-visa costs USD 20 and a double-entry one USD 30. Urgent processing of an e-visa is also charged at double the rate. Who can get an e-visa is explained in the article on the Ukraine e-visa.
Related expenses
Every visa requires a medical insurance policy with cover of at least EUR 30,000. Its price depends on the insurer and the period covered. A policy for a visa is not the same as a policy for a residence permit, so one insurance usually cannot serve both procedures.
For a visa D you often need to legalise and translate foreign documents, such as a marriage certificate. An invitation from a private individual is certified by a notary. Each of these steps has its own price, and it is wise to budget for them in advance, before you book a consulate appointment. How to prepare an invitation is explained in the article on the invitation for a Ukrainian visa.
How the fee is paid
Payment arrangements depend on the consulate. Some consulates take the fee on the spot, while others accept it only by bank transfer to details handed out at the entrance. The currency also depends on the country where you apply. Check the payment procedure before your visit so that you do not have to come back.
Keep the receipt. Proof of payment of the fee is on the list of documents for every visa, and without it your application will not be considered.
How not to lose money
A refusal is the most expensive mistake, because the fee is not refunded and a new application means paying again. Before you apply, check your passport, insurance, funds and the document proving your ground. The most common reasons for refusal are covered in the article on visa refusals.
Urgency deserves a second thought. Paying double makes sense only when your travel date really cannot wait. If you apply in good time, standard processing, which takes up to 10 working days, is usually enough.
Lawyer's experience
Clients are most often surprised to learn that the fee for their country is higher than the one they saw online. The reason is almost always reciprocity. That is why I calculate a visa budget only once I know the client's citizenship and the consulate where they will apply.
My second piece of advice concerns refusals. We never guarantee a consulate's decision, but we can make sure that a refusal does not happen because of an oversight in the documents. This is where you save the most on a visa.
If you want to know the budget before you start, our visa support begins with a cost estimate for your citizenship and consulate.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Why was I quoted a higher fee than a friend from another country?+
Because of reciprocity. If a country charges Ukrainian citizens a higher visa fee, Ukraine charges citizens of that country a correspondingly higher fee.
Will I get the fee back if my visa is refused?+
No. Paragraph 31 of the Rules states plainly that the consular fee is not refunded when a visa is refused.
Who does not pay the consular fee?+
The Rules set a zero rate for certain categories, including children under six and foreign Ukrainians who hold a foreign Ukrainian certificate. For citizens of some states a zero rate applies under international treaties.
Does urgent processing cost more?+
Yes. For urgent processing the consular fee is charged at double the rate. The base fee is USD 65, so an urgent visa costs twice that, and for citizens of countries with a raised fee it is the raised amount that doubles.
Can I pay the fee at the consulate itself?+
That depends on the consulate. Some accept the fee on the spot, while others take it only by bank transfer to the details they give you. Check this before your appointment.
This article is general guidance, not individual legal advice.