Ukraine is constantly seeking and recruiting foreign medical professionals to work in its healthcare system. The opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Ukraine for doctors and pharmacists opens new horizons, providing the chance to work and develop within a promising medical system. Thanks to favorable conditions for professional growth and the high demand for skilled specialists, Ukraine is becoming an attractive choice for medical professionals worldwide.
Who Can Apply for Permanent Residency in Ukraine?
According to the Order of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine No. 14554 dated 10.06.2024, the following medical professionals are eligible for PR in Ukraine:
- Doctor
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Medical Nurse (Male Nurse)
Requirements for Obtaining Permanent Residency in Ukraine for Medical Professionals
The mandatory requirement is a confirmed work experience of at least one year within the last three years. This does not have to be continuous but can be several time periods totaling at least one year.
Documents that can confirm work experience:
- Employee work record book or its analogs
- Recommendation letter
- Service contract with completion marks
- Service acceptance act
- Order extract from the workplace
- Payroll records
- Certificate of employment
- Job reference indicating periods of employment
In addition to the mandatory requirement, you must meet at least one of the following:
- Higher education in the field of “Healthcare”
- A qualification document for “Pharmacist”
- Professional qualification upgrade in your field
If you meet the mandatory requirement plus one of the additional ones, you are eligible to apply for PR in Ukraine.
Document Submission Process
- Document Preparation: You will need to provide us with documents confirming your compliance with the requirements, typically education documents and proof of work experience. All documents issued by government authorities must be legalized or apostilled, depending on the country of issue. We then prepare an official translation of all documents into Ukrainian.
- Submission to the Ministry of Economy: The next step is to submit documents to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, which confirms that the applicant is indeed a specialist of interest to Ukraine. This stage can be initiated remotely, and a response is typically received within a few weeks.
- Submission to the State Migration Service of Ukraine: After receiving a positive response from the Ministry of Economy, we compile the necessary documents, which may vary depending on citizenship or additional applicants. Part of the documents must be prepared in the country of citizenship, while others are processed in Ukraine.If the applicant’s family is also planning to immigrate, all family members must be present when submitting documents. Documents can be submitted in one day, and after that, you can either leave Ukraine while your application is processed or remain in the country. Processing time is about six months.
- Obtaining a D-01 Visa for Ukraine (if necessary): This visa is issued by the Ukrainian embassy or consulate based on an immigration permit issued by the State Migration Service of Ukraine. The visa is valid for 90 days. Citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Uzbekistan, and other countries do not require this visa if they already hold a temporary residence permit or have an extended stay in Ukraine.
- Receiving the Permanent Residence Permit: This document, in the form of a plastic ID card, certifies the holder’s identity and right to permanent residency in Ukraine. Important: the application for a permanent residence permit must be submitted no later than 15 working days before the expiration of the D-01 visa/temporary residence permit/extended stay.
- Registration of Residence in Ukraine: According to the law, foreigners must register their place of residence within 30 days of receiving a permanent residence permit.
Authorization of Foreign Medical Professionals in Ukraine
If you plan to work as a medical professional in Ukraine, you will need to go through two procedures:
- Nostrification of educational documents: This is the process by which the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine recognizes foreign diplomas.
- Obtaining a license for professional activity: Issued by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, this often involves additional conditions for obtaining a medical practice license, such as internships, specialization courses, or category certification. Each procedure’s duration depends on the Ministry’s evaluation of education and qualifications.
Advantages of PR for Doctors and Pharmacists in Ukraine
- Direct Path to PR: There is no need to live in Ukraine for a certain period before applying for PR, unlike many European countries.
- Lifetime Status: PR in Ukraine is granted for life, and there are no residency requirements regarding the number of days you must spend in the country per year.
- Family Immigration: Your spouse and minor children can immigrate with you.
- Simplified Employment: PR holders do not need a work permit, which must be renewed every 1-2 years for temporary residents.
- Eligibility for Ukrainian Citizenship: You can apply for citizenship after five years of continuous residence in Ukraine. A Ukrainian passport allows visa-free travel to 148 countries.
- Future Prospects: As Ukraine is a candidate for EU membership, its residency will become more valuable, and obtaining it may become more difficult in the future.
You can read the full list of reasons for migrating to Ukraine by following this link.
Conclusion
If you are considering relocating, obtaining PR in Ukraine as a doctor or pharmacist could be an excellent and swift option. Take advantage of the opportunity to work in modern medical institutions with access to cutting-edge technologies and treatment methods. Ukraine offers favorable conditions for professional growth, competitive wages, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s health. Choose Ukraine for your medical career and enjoy a high quality of life and the hospitality of our country!
The experts at Residence Law Firm are happy to assist you with any legal questions!
