The Verkhovna Rada has adopted in the first reading Bill No. 13055, which removes the requirement for foreign and stateless volunteers to obtain long-term visas in order to receive temporary residence permits in Ukraine. This applies to those who entered the country after February 24, 2022, amid Russia’s full-scale invasion.
What Will Change?
Currently, according to the law "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons", any foreigner who wishes to apply for a temporary residence permit must first obtain a long-term type D visa. This has created bureaucratic hurdles for many volunteers entering Ukraine on humanitarian or reconstruction missions.
Bill No. 13055 proposes to eliminate this requirement for specific groups:
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Foreigners and stateless persons (excluding citizens of the Russian Federation) who work in representative offices of foreign NGOs or companies that provide humanitarian aid;
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Foreigners and stateless persons (excluding Russian citizens) who are engaged in volunteer programs or operate through organizations that attract and coordinate volunteer efforts.
Legal Stay and Simplified Permits
The new rule states that individuals from the above categories who entered Ukraine after February 24, 2022, and submit an application for a residence permit within 60 days after the law comes into force, will be considered legally residing in Ukraine on a temporary basis.
This update is aimed at removing unnecessary visa barriers and ensuring that those assisting Ukraine in humanitarian or reconstruction efforts can stay and work legally.
Why It Matters
The general procedure requiring a long-term visa was deemed overly restrictive and out of touch with the current wartime context, when fast and flexible access to foreign expertise and aid is crucial.
Quote: "This legislative initiative acknowledges the significant contribution of international volunteers and aid workers to Ukraine’s resilience and recovery," said members of Parliament during the vote.
Final Steps
The bill passed its first reading with 277 votes in favor and is expected to move to the second reading soon. Once signed into law, it will ease administrative procedures and encourage greater international volunteer participation in Ukraine’s defense, recovery, and humanitarian missions.
