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Ukraine Simplifies Residency Permits for Foreign Volunteers Joining Armed Forces
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The Ukrainian government has introduced new measures to simplify the process of obtaining temporary residency permits for foreign nationals serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine or those planning to join.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the changes on May 7, which aim to reduce administrative hurdles for international volunteers during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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According to the Prime Minister, temporary residency permits will now be issued for the entire duration of a volunteer's military contract, with an additional six-month extension provided after the contract concludes. This update is intended to provide more stability for those committed to the country's defense.
The new regulations also address challenges faced by individuals who intend to sign a contract but possess expired documentation. This is particularly relevant for volunteers whose home countries are either the aggressor state or nations that do not recognize Ukraine's territorial integrity, making it impossible for them to renew their passports without returning home.
"It is now possible to submit documents with an expired term of validity in cases where a new passport can only be obtained in the aggressor country or a state that does not recognize the territorial integrity of Ukraine," Svyrydenko stated.
Furthermore, the Cabinet of Ministers has simplified the process for foreigners who cannot update their passports because doing so would require contacting Russian authorities or governments that do not support Ukraine's sovereignty. In these specific instances, applications for residency will be accepted even with expired passports.
"In such cases, documents can be submitted even with an expired passport. Separately, the confirmation of the place of residence is being simplified for some foreigners who are performing service," Svyrydenko said.
The Prime Minister expressed her hope that these decisions would eliminate "unnecessary bureaucracy" and create "more understandable and normal conditions" for foreign nationals living in Ukraine while serving in the military.
The International Legion of Ukraine functions as a structured branch of the Armed Forces, recruiting motivated individuals from over 55 countries to assist in the nation’s defense during Russia’s full-scale invasion. To maintain professional standards, the recruitment process remains strictly digital, requiring candidates to apply through online platforms from their home countries rather than traveling to Ukraine prematurely.
Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old, possess a clean criminal record, and be in sound physical and mental health. Once accepted, volunteers sign official military contracts, which distinguishes them from mercenaries and provides a legal pathway for long-term residency and potential citizenship.
The operational structure of the Legion is diverse, consisting of various battalions and special task groups that have participated in major campaigns from the defense of Kyiv to the battles in Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar. Financial compensation is scaled based on the level of risk, with monthly salaries ranging from $550 for support roles to approximately $4,800 for active combat deployment.
While the standard contract length is three years, volunteers retain the right to request a discharge after serving a minimum of six months. Training programs are tailored to a recruit's background, ensuring that even seasoned veterans are familiarized with the specific command structures and battlefield conditions unique to the current landscape in Ukraine.
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