Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, thousands of foreign nationals have voluntarily arrived in Ukraine and joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Foreigners serving under contract in the military effectively defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine on an equal footing with the country’s citizens.
Until recently, a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine was formally equated to grounds for temporary stay; however, in practice this gave rise to serious legal and bureaucratic problems. Foreign military personnel had no opportunity to change the basis of their residence in Ukraine—for example, to obtain a residence permit on the grounds of marriage, employment, volunteer activity, or other lawful grounds.
Changing status required mandatory departure from Ukraine followed by visa issuance and re-entry. Under conditions of martial law, such a procedure was impossible or extremely difficult for many foreigners, especially citizens of the Russian Federation who, despite their citizenship, decided to stand in defense of Ukraine.
On February 9, 2026, the President of Ukraine signed Law of Ukraine No. 4730-IX dated December 17, 2025, which eliminated existing legal conflicts and introduced a special procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit for foreign military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The law significantly simplified the legalization of stay and ensured a stable legal status for the period of service and after its completion.
Advantages of a Temporary Residence Permit for Military Personnel in Ukraine
1. Validity period of the residence permit for military personnel
Unlike a standard temporary residence permit, the residence permit for foreign military personnel is valid for the entire period of military service, as well as an additional 6 months after termination or cancellation of the contract (with statutory exceptions).
This period allows a foreign national, without haste, to determine further lawful grounds for residence in Ukraine—obtain a work permit, register a marriage with a citizen of Ukraine, obtain volunteer status, or arrange departure from the country.
2. No obligation to register place of residence
Foreign military personnel are not subject to the obligation to declare or register their place of residence that applies to most other categories of residence permits. This decision is aimed at increasing personal security and eliminating unnecessary administrative procedures under conditions of military service.
3. Access to social services
Foreign military personnel gain access to a range of social guarantees, including pension provision and other forms of social protection provided by the legislation of Ukraine for persons serving and paying the relevant contributions.
4. Access to notarial services
The availability of a temporary residence permit allows foreign military personnel to freely use notarial services in Ukraine. In particular, they may execute powers of attorney, sale and purchase agreements, wills, and other legally significant documents without additional restrictions.
5. Medical insurance and medical services
The law provides for the right of foreign military personnel to medical care and medical insurance. The detailed procedure for the implementation of these rights will be additionally regulated by a separate resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Important to know: dates of entry into force of the law
Law No. 4730-IX enters into force 3 months after signing,
that is, from May 10, 2026.
From that date, all foreign military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
will have 6 months to obtain a temporary residence permit.
The final deadline for submission of documents is November 10, 2026.
Missing this deadline may result in difficulties with the legalization of
further stay in Ukraine.
Conclusion
The adoption of Law of Ukraine No. 4730-IX became an important and timely decision with respect to foreign nationals who defend Ukraine as part of the Armed Forces. The law eliminated systemic bureaucratic barriers, made it possible to legalize stay without leaving the country, and ensured legal stability for the period of service and after its completion.
The new procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit significantly simplifies the legal status of foreign military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and provides them with access to social, medical, and notarial services on an equal footing with other persons lawfully residing in Ukraine.
