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A Permanent Residence Permit in Ukraine (PRP) is a document that confirms a foreign national’s or a stateless person’s right to live in Ukraine on a permanent basis. It is issued as an ID card with a contactless electronic chip and has a validity period of 10 years.

Unlike a temporary residence permit, which is issued for a limited period (most often up to 1 year), the PRP generally provides a stable legal basis for permanent residence and employment in Ukraine without the need to obtain a separate work permit. With a PRP, a foreign national can also access many services in Ukraine more easily, including administrative, social, and medical services—depending on the applicable rules.

Who can obtain a PRP: quota and non-quota categories

A PRP is issued, in particular, to foreign nationals and stateless persons who have immigrated to Ukraine for permanent residence. Depending on the grounds, applicants fall into non-quota or quota categories.

Non-quota categories (common in practice)

Non-quota most often includes close relatives of Ukrainian citizens (for example, the spouse of a Ukrainian citizen if the marriage has lasted for more than 2 years, parents, children, and other closest relatives), as well as guardians/custodians of Ukrainian citizens. It may also include cases where immigration corresponds to state interests, foreign Ukrainians, and persons who have the right to Ukrainian citizenship based on territorial origin. For these categories, an immigration quota is not applied.

You can order a lawyer’s consultation on obtaining a permanent residence permit in Ukraine on this page.

Quota categories

Quota categories include other people who wish to immigrate, for whom a limited number of immigration permits is set each year by a decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. This may include, for example, certain specialists, researchers, investors, and other categories outside the non-quota group. If a person does not fall within the quota for the current year, they may have to wait until the next year when quota limits are updated.

Application stages: Immigration Permit → submission → PRP issuance

1. Immigration Permit.
   First, the applicant submits documents to obtain an Immigration Permit. The application is filed with the territorial unit of the State Migration Service (SMS / DMS) at the place of residence or through a CNAP (Administrative Services Center). The applicant submits a document package (identity documents, proof of grounds for immigration, etc.) and a payment receipt for the administrative fee. The SMS reviews the documents and issues a decision—approval or refusal.
2. D-type visa (if required).
   If the Immigration Permit is granted, the applicant may need to obtain a long-term D-type visa at a Ukrainian consulate abroad. The Immigration Permit is needed for further entry to Ukraine for the purpose of permanent immigration.
3. Submitting documents for the PRP.
   After arriving in Ukraine, the applicant collects the required PRP document package (see below) and applies to the State Migration Service (SMS/DMS) or a CNAP at the place of stay. An application form, personal documents, and proof of payment of the fees are submitted. If the applicant is under 16, the application is filed by their legal representative (parents/guardians).
4. Receiving the PRP.
   In general, the decision to issue a PRP is made within 15 working days from the date the complete set of documents is accepted. After a positive decision, the applicant receives the plastic ID card—the Permanent Residence Permit, valid for 10 years. Also remember to comply with residence registration requirements after arrival.

Documents required for a PRP

To obtain a PRP, an applicant typically submits the following documents:

• A valid passport document of the foreign national with a D-type visa (if required). If the person has dual or multiple citizenship, passports of all relevant countries may be required.
• Photographs in the required format (often 2 photos).
• A notarized Ukrainian translation of the passport (the page with personal data).
• A copy of the decision granting the Immigration Permit (the original is presented for verification).
• A receipt confirming payment of the state duty and/or administrative fees (or a document confirming a benefit/exemption from payment).
• A document confirming payment of the administrative fee (or an exemption document).
• A document confirming a Ukrainian taxpayer identification number (RNOKPP / tax ID) — if available.
• If filed by a representative: the representative’s passport and documents confirming legal representation (for minors or persons declared legally incapacitated).
• Additional documents depending on the grounds: for example, proof of place of stay, civil status documents, the owner’s consent for residence in a dwelling, etc. The applicant may submit extra documents supporting the grounds for PRP (housing ownership documents, employment contracts, and so on).

The exact list can vary depending on the case and local practice, so it is best to confirm the current requirements with the territorial unit where the documents will be submitted.

Processing time and cost

Processing time

As a general rule, the territorial unit of the SMS makes a decision on issuing a PRP within 15 working days after accepting the complete set of documents. The PRP card is valid for 10 years. If the PRP is lost or damaged, it must be replaced (see below).

Cost

The total official cost for issuing a PRP is UAH 1,175, including:

• State duty — UAH 85.00
• Administrative fee — UAH 496.00
• Cost of the PRP card blank — UAH 594.00

Some categories of applicants are exempt from paying the duty or certain fees (for example, persons with disabilities in specific groups, persons affected by the Chornobyl disaster, etc.). Stateless persons may also have specific exemptions when applying for the first time.

Refusal: common reasons and how to avoid them

A refusal to issue a PRP can occur for various reasons. The most common include:

• Status conflict: if the applicant already has a valid temporary or permanent residence permit (except in cases of exchange/replacement) or holds refugee/additional protection status at the time of application.
• Violation of stay rules: overstaying, lack of lawful grounds, or an outstanding decision on forced return/deportation.
• Incomplete or late submissions: missing required documents, incorrect translations, or submission in violation of established deadlines.
• False information: forged or invalid documents, misrepresentation, or cancellation/revocation of the previously granted Immigration Permit.
• Security/legal concerns: information from competent authorities indicating risks, serious criminal history, or other legal prohibitions.
• Other issues: invalid passport, missing representative where required, and other procedural or legal obstacles.

To reduce the risk of refusal, prepare a complete and accurate document package: submit everything on time, ensure translations and personal data are consistent, pay the required fees before filing, and verify every field in the application form.

Exchange, loss, and expired PRP

When a PRP must be exchanged

A PRP is typically exchanged in cases such as:

• Change of personal data (surname, name, etc.);
• An error discovered on the card;
• Expiration of the card’s validity period;
• The card becomes unusable (damage to the card or chip);
• Other cases where the law requires replacement (including certain rules for older document formats without a chip).

In these situations, the foreign national submits an application for exchange to the SMS with the required documents (usually a valid passport, updated photo, proof of payments, etc.). The exchange procedure is generally similar to the initial issuance.

Loss or theft

If a PRP is lost or stolen, the holder should promptly apply to the SMS for re-issuance. Typically required: passport, notarized Ukrainian translation, photos, and supporting documents/information confirming identity and lawful grounds. The fees are paid again, and after verification, a new card is issued.

Expiration

If the PRP card expires, it should be exchanged within the period established by applicable rules. Delays may cause practical issues (banking, services, border crossing), so it is best not to postpone replacement.

Martial law: what changes for PRP holders

During martial law, special rules apply. In particular, it is established that valid temporary and permanent residence permits confirm the right to reside in Ukraine and to enter Ukraine during the period of martial law and for 30 days after it ends. This means that even if the PRP card expires during martial law, a person may retain lawful grounds to remain in Ukraine until martial law ends and the transitional period expires.

After martial law ends, foreign nationals (with certain exceptions depending on nationality and specific restrictions) are required to exchange expired documents within the time period established by applicable rules (often referenced as 30 calendar days). If your PRP expired during the wartime period, do not panic—replacement is generally possible after the special regime ends, but it is important to avoid other violations of stay rules.

Digital services: can a PRP be added to Diia?

Ukraine’s Diia app allows certain residence permits to be added digitally. A key requirement is that the PRP must be a biometric plastic ID card with a chip, generally issued after 28 April 2018. Paper permits or older non-chip cards cannot be added.

To add a PRP to Diia, a person typically needs:

• A Ukrainian tax ID (RNOKPP);
• Authorization through BankID (as applicable);
• A smartphone with NFC to scan the card.

In Diia, you select “Add document” → “Permanent Residence Permit” and follow the NFC scanning prompts. If everything is correct, the digital version appears in the app. The physical card remains the primary document; the digital version is for convenience.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1) What is a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in Ukraine?
It is an ID card that confirms a foreign national’s or stateless person’s right to live in Ukraine on a permanent basis and, as a general rule, work without a separate work permit.

2) How is a PRP different from a temporary residence permit?
A PRP is issued for a longer period (the card is valid for 10 years and is replaced when it expires), while a temporary permit is limited in duration (often up to 1 year) and tied to a specific purpose (work, study, family reunification, etc.).

3) Who can obtain a PRP in Ukraine?
Foreign nationals and stateless persons who have an approved basis for immigration for permanent residence. Close relatives of Ukrainian citizens and certain other categories often fall outside the quota.

4) What are common grounds for obtaining a PRP?
Typical grounds include family ties to Ukrainian citizens (including marriage exceeding 2 years), territorial origin, foreign Ukrainian status, investment, special merits, or cases meeting state interests—depending on the legal category.

5) What is the step-by-step process to obtain a PRP?
Usually: obtain an Immigration Permit → (if required) obtain a D-type visa → submit PRP documents to the SMS/CNAP in Ukraine → receive the PRP card.

6) How long does PRP issuance take and how long is it valid?
A PRP decision is generally made within 15 working days after accepting the full package. The PRP card is valid for 10 years.

7) How much does a PRP cost in Ukraine?
The official total cost is commonly cited as UAH 1,175 (state duty + administrative fee + cost of the card blank), though some categories may have exemptions.

8) What are common reasons for refusal?
Incomplete documents, errors in translations/personal data, violation of stay rules, conflicting valid status, false documents/information, and legal or security restrictions.

9) What should I do if my PRP is lost or damaged?
Apply to the SMS for re-issuance/exchange, submit identity documents, translations, photos, and required proof, pay the fees, and receive a new card after verification.

10) What changes under martial law?
Special rules may apply to the validity and replacement of residence documents during martial law and a transitional period after it ends. After that, expired documents usually must be exchanged within the prescribed timeframe.

11) Can I add my PRP to the Diia app?
Yes, if it is a biometric chip-based card (generally issued after 28 April 2018) and you meet the app’s requirements (tax ID, BankID authorization, NFC scanning).

12) Do I need a separate work permit if I have a PRP?
As a general rule, a PRP allows employment in Ukraine without obtaining a separate work permit.

For detailed consultations, please contact your local units of the State Migration Service (SMS) or a CNAP (Administrative Services Center) at your place of stay (the contact details are listed on the SMS website) dmsu.gov.ua. Official informational cards (“Diia Guide”) and legislation are available online. It is also helpful to consult a lawyer who specializes in migration law.