Government simplifies life for foreign military: new rules from January 2026
9 October 12:59
The government has simplified the paperwork procedure for foreigners and stateless persons who are fighting in the Defense Forces or providing assistance to our military, as well as their family members. This was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
The new rules simplify access to legal stay in Ukraine for foreign military personnel and their families.
The main provisions include:
- the right to obtain a temporary residence permit for foreigners and stateless persons who have assisted the Defense Forces in combat zones for at least six months;
- the possibility of extending the period of stay in Ukraine even after the expiration of passport documents;
- abolition of the requirement to submit medical and criminal record certificates for certain categories of persons;
- a clear procedure for appealing against decisions to deny immigration;
- simplification of the procedure for obtaining an immigration permit for family members of foreigners who died while serving in the Armed Forces, the National Guard or the State Special Transport Service.
The amendments will come into force on January 16, 2026, simultaneously with the entry into force of the Law of Ukraine on Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on the Right to Acquire and Retain Ukrainian Citizenship.
