Residence Permit in Ukraine for Foreigners

What a TRC is and why it matters

A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a plastic card confirming a foreigner's lawful right to stay in Ukraine beyond the validity of their visa. It's a key document in the legalization process: without it, a foreign worker is formally treated as staying temporarily on a visa rather than residing, which limits them in a number of everyday matters — from banking to signing a longer-term lease.

A TRC and a work permit are different documents with different functions: a work permit grants the right to work for a specific employer, while a TRC confirms the lawfulness of the stay itself. In practice, a foreign worker usually needs both.

Who can apply for a TRC

The most common basis is employment — i.e. an already-issued work permit with a Ukrainian employer (see Work Permit). Other grounds exist too — study, family reunification, and so on — but for labour migrants, employment remains the most common route.

What documents are needed

The standard package includes a passport with a valid visa (or a mark confirming lawful stay), the work permit, documents confirming an address in Ukraine, standard-format photographs, and an application to the migration service. We prepare the package in advance and check it before filing, to reduce the risk of it being sent back for corrections.

Where and how to file

The TRC application is filed with the local office of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, at the foreigner's actual place of residence. We support the candidate directly during filing — from booking the appointment through to receiving the finished card.

Processing timelines

Review time is set by law and can vary by region and how busy the migration service is at the time. We give estimated timelines at the consultation stage, based on the candidate's specific situation and region.

Renewal and what comes next

A TRC is issued for a limited period, tied to the basis for the application (for example, the term of the employment contract and work permit). We start preparing the renewal package several months ahead of the expiry date, so the worker doesn't end up with a gap in lawful status. If your document has already expired, see Document Renewal — it covers what to do in that situation.