Ukraine (UA)

Register your residential address (реєстрація місця проживання)

Foreign nationals with a temporary residence permit must register their place of residence within 5 working days of receiving the permit. Registration is done at the ЦНАП or local migration authority. Your landlord must consent and usually accompany you or provide a notarised statement. Address registration is required for bank KYC, RNOKPP application, and many government services.

Register a birth or marriage in Ukraine

Births in Ukraine must be registered at the local civil registry office (РАГС / відділ ДРАЦС) within 30 days of birth. Both parents' passports and the hospital birth certificate (form 103/0) are required. Marriages are registered at РАГС with standard notice periods. Foreign nationals receive Ukrainian civil documents — these will need apostille and translation for use in your home country. The Diia app can issue a digital birth certificate for Ukrainian citizens.

Apply for a temporary residence permit

Foreigners staying longer than the visa-free period need a temporary residence permit. Valid grounds include employment by a Ukrainian entity (requires work permit first), study at an accredited institution, family reunification with a Ukrainian citizen or permanent resident, volunteering, religious activity, or property investment of at least USD 100,000. Apply at the local DMSU office or ЦНАП. Processing takes up to 15 working days under normal conditions; wartime delays can extend this.

Verify your legal stay basis and 90/180-day count

Visa-free entry allows most EU, UK, US, Canadian, and other nationals up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period — not a calendar half-year. Count from your last entry stamp, not from the start of the calendar year. Overstaying triggers fines and potential entry bans. Check the DMSU website for your nationality's specific treaty provisions.

File an annual personal income tax declaration

Ukrainian tax residents with non-employment income (rental income, FOP income, foreign income, investment gains) must file an annual personal income tax declaration (декларація про майновий стан і доходи). Deadline: 1 May of the following year. The tax authority issues declaration forms; most submissions are online via the DPS Taxpayer Account (cabinet.tax.gov.ua). Tax payable is 18% PIT + 5% military levy on net taxable income.

Learn air alert procedures and identify your nearest shelter

Air alerts (повітряна тривога) signal potential missile or drone threats. When an alert sounds: stop what you are doing; go to the nearest shelter (укриття); stay until the all-clear signal. Identify the nearest registered shelter to your home, workplace, and frequently-visited locations using ukryttya.com.ua. In apartment buildings, the basement or underground parking (if reinforced) is typically the designated shelter. Do not stand near windows during alerts.

Choose a school with verified shelter and continuity plan

All Ukrainian schools must have a designated shelter for students during air alerts. Before enrolling children, verify the school has a certified shelter on-site (not just a basement corridor), a generator for heating and lighting during outages, and a plan for switching between in-person and online teaching. Many Kyiv and Lviv schools operate hybrid models — confirm which days require in-person attendance and which are online.

Confirm correct PIT and military levy deductions from salary

Ukrainian employers must deduct 18% personal income tax (ПДФО) and 5% military levy from gross salary. In addition, employers pay 22% Unified Social Contribution (ЄСВ) on gross payroll — this is not deducted from your take-home pay but is your Employer's separate obligation. In 2026, the military levy applies to all employment income. Get a monthly payslip showing each deduction separately.

Obtain a work permit before starting Ukrainian employment

Foreigners employed by a Ukrainian legal entity need a work permit issued by the State Employment Service before starting work. The employer applies on your behalf. Work permits are typically tied to a specific employer and role. Remote workers employed by foreign companies are in a different position but should verify the tax and immigration analysis before assuming no permit is needed.

Import your pet with correct vaccination and microchip documents

Pets entering Ukraine must have an ISO microchip (15-digit), a rabies vaccination within the last 12 months (minimum 21 days before entry for first vaccination), and a veterinary health certificate. EU pet passports are accepted. Non-EU certificates must follow the official format. Dogs additionally need a leash and muzzle at border crossings. There is no standard quarantine for pets from most countries if documents are complete. Register your pet with a local vet after arrival.

Obtain your RNOKPP tax identification number

The RNOKPP (Реєстраційний номер облікової картки платника податків) is a 10-digit individual tax number required for employment, opening a bank account, signing contracts, buying property, and filing taxes. Apply at the State Tax Service regional office (ДПС) with your passport and address registration. Processing takes up to 5 working days; some offices issue same-day.

Purchase mandatory OSAGO third-party vehicle insurance

OSAGO (Обов'язкове страхування цивільно-правової відповідальності) is mandatory for all vehicles in Ukraine. It covers third-party bodily injury and property damage. Without OSAGO, driving results in a fine of UAH 425 and potential liability for all damages from an accident. Available from any licensed insurer: Uniqa, PZU Ukraine, ARX, Allianz Ukraine. Cost depends on vehicle type, engine size, and driving region.

Register for child benefit and birth allowance if eligible

Ukraine pays a one-time birth grant (допомога при народженні дитини) of UAH 41,280 for the first child, UAH 82,560 for the second child, and UAH 164,120 for the third and subsequent children (2026 rates, updated annually as a multiple of the subsistence minimum). Ongoing monthly child allowances of UAH 2,220 apply to eligible families. Foreign parents with Ukrainian residence permits and registered employment may apply. Register at the local social protection office or via Diia.

Use ЦНАП (Administrative Service Centre) for government services

ЦНАП (Центр надання адміністративних послуг) are one-stop government service centres where you can access 300+ administrative services: address registration, RNOKPP application, document apostilles, permits, and more. ЦНАП is more efficient than visiting individual ministries. Book an appointment online at cnap.gov.ua or via the Diia app. ЦНАП staff speak Ukrainian; bring a translator if your Ukrainian is at A0.

Apostille and legalise foreign documents for Ukrainian use

Foreign documents (diplomas, birth/marriage certificates, criminal record checks) need an apostille from the issuing country before they can be used in Ukraine, plus a certified Ukrainian translation from a sworn translator. The apostille is issued by a designated authority in the document's country of origin (Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or designated regional body — varies by country). Translation must be from a translator registered with the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice.

Open a Ukrainian hryvnia bank account

PrivatBank and monobank are the most commonly used by expats for day-to-day UAH payments. Opening requires your RNOKPP, passport, address registration, and legal-stay evidence. KYC is strict — banks must verify source of funds for foreign-origin transfers. monobank is app-only and requires a partner-bank in-person visit for foreign nationals. PrivatBank has the widest branch and ATM network.

Understand National Bank of Ukraine FX and transfer restrictions

Since February 2022, the National Bank of Ukraine (НБУ) imposes foreign exchange controls. Individuals face limits on purchasing foreign currency, international SWIFT transfers, and cash withdrawals in foreign currency. Limits change periodically. As of 2026, personal FX purchases are capped and large international transfers require additional documentation. Plan major overseas transfers in advance with your bank.

Purchase a Ukrainian SIM card

Ukraine has three main mobile operators: Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and lifecell. Kyivstar has the widest coverage including many rural and border areas. SIM cards are sold at operator shops, supermarkets, and postal offices. A passport is required for SIM registration — unregistered SIMs are not issued. Choose a plan with at least 10 GB data for reliable Diia access, air alert apps, and navigation.

Set up home internet with power-backup plan

Home internet providers in Kyiv and major cities include Kyivstar, Vodafone, VOLIA, and local ISPs offering fibre. Choose a provider whose street cabinet has a generator backup — ask explicitly. During power outages, 4G/5G mobile data is often more reliable than fixed broadband. Consider a 4G router (MiFi) as a backup. Speeds in central Kyiv: typically 100–500 Mbps fibre.

Assemble an emergency bag and blackout supply kit

Ukraine's State Emergency Service recommends all residents maintain a "тривожна валізка" (alarm bag) ready for rapid evacuation: passport and copies of all documents, cash (UAH and foreign currency), 3 days' medications, charger and power bank, torch, first aid kit, water and food for 72 hours, warm layer. Keep this bag accessible and updated. Additionally, maintain at home: candles or battery lights, a gas or camping burner for cooking during outages, and a battery or hand-crank radio.

Install and activate the Diia government services app

Diia (Дія — diia.gov.ua) is Ukraine's national digital government platform. Ukrainian citizens can store digital ID, driving licence, vehicle registration, and education documents. Foreign residents use Diia for permit status tracking, appointment booking at DMSU, and some administrative services. The app requires BankID authentication via PrivatBank or Oschadbank. Diia also provides official government communications and emergency alerts.

Install essential Ukraine apps: Air Alert, Nova Poshta, navigation

Essential apps for living in Ukraine: (1) Air Alert (Повітряна тривога) — official air-raid alert app with oblast-level notifications; (2) Nova Poshta — parcel delivery and pickup notifications; (3) Bolt or Uklon — taxi app (Uber is less reliable in Ukraine); (4) Glovo — grocery and food delivery; (5) Monobank or PrivatBank — mobile banking; (6) Google Maps with offline Ukraine maps downloaded. Install all before you need them.

Enrol children in kindergarten or childcare

State kindergartens (дитячий садок) accept children from age 3 and are heavily subsidised. Waiting lists exist in major cities — register early. Monthly parent contributions range from UAH 800–2,500 depending on district. Private kindergartens and daycare centres offer more places but cost UAH 6,000–18,000/month. International nurseries in Kyiv (British, German, French) typically cost USD 800–1,500/month. Verify shelter provisions as for schools.

Review your employment contract for legal minimums

Ukrainian labour law (Кодекс законів про працю) sets a minimum wage of UAH 8,647/month for 2026. Employment contracts must be in writing. Notice periods: employer must give 2 months for redundancy; employee typically 2 weeks. Probation periods cannot exceed 3 months (6 months for management roles). Overtime must be compensated at 1.5× for the first 2 hours and 2× thereafter. All contracts should be in Ukrainian or bilingual — the Ukrainian text prevails.

Register as a sole entrepreneur (ФОП / FOP)

FOP (Фізична особа-підприємець) is Ukraine's simplified business structure for freelancers and small businesses. FOP Group 1 is for small traders (income up to UAH 1,336,500/year, fixed monthly single-tax). Group 2 covers service businesses and retail (income up to UAH 6,672,000/year, fixed monthly rate). Group 3 is for larger revenue with 5% single-tax on turnover (without VAT) or 3% (with VAT). Each group also requires separate military levy (5% on all income) and Unified Social Contribution (minimum UAH 1,474/quarter in 2026). Register online via Diia or at a ЦНАП.

Keep an emergency cash and supply reserve for blackouts

Power and telecom outages can render card terminals and ATMs unavailable for hours or days. Keep a cash reserve of UAH 5,000–10,000 at home plus a foreign currency emergency fund (EUR 500–1,000 or USD equivalent). Additionally, maintain non-perishable food for 72 hours, water (3 litres/person/day), a first-aid kit, and a charged power bank. The Ukrainian government recommends a "alarm bag" (тривожна валізка) packed for rapid evacuation.

Register with a private family doctor or clinic

Most expats use private clinics for routine healthcare rather than the public NHSU system, which is primarily for Ukrainian citizens. Dobrobut, Oxford Medical, and Into-Sana are the main private clinic networks in Kyiv and major cities. Register with a GP to get ongoing prescriptions, referrals, and continuity of care. Confirm the clinic has a shelter in case of air alerts during appointments.

Purchase international health insurance with war and evacuation cover

Standard travel and health insurance explicitly excludes war zones and armed conflict. In Ukraine, you need a specialist policy that includes war/terrorism coverage, medical evacuation, and air ambulance. CIGNA Global, AXA Global Healthcare, and specialist providers such as International SOS issue these. Confirm in writing which exclusions apply — many policies still exclude mine detonation, specific oblast frontline zones, or intentional exposure to danger.

Plan medication continuity and carry prescription documentation

Some medications are not available in Ukrainian pharmacies or require a Ukrainian prescription. Controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, some ADHD medicines) face strict import and prescription rules. Carry an official letter from your home-country doctor in Ukrainian translation for any ongoing medication, especially if crossing borders. For long-term stays, identify a Ukrainian doctor willing to issue local prescriptions for chronic conditions.

Check shelter access and blackout resilience before renting

Before signing any rental contract, verify: (1) the building has a designated shelter (укриття) or basement accessible during air alerts; (2) the building has a generator or the landlord has a power-backup plan for heating pumps and water supply; (3) the mobile signal is acceptable inside the shelter; (4) the heating system is gas-boiler or district heating (ОСББ centralised), and ask about the 2023–2025 heating outage history. These factors materially affect safety and livability.

Sign and officially register a rental contract

Rental contracts in Ukraine should be in writing. Contracts for 3 years or more require notarisation and registration at the State Register of Real Property Rights. Short-term contracts (under 3 years) do not legally require notarisation but should be in writing. For address registration and bank KYC, a notarised contract provides the strongest evidence. Ensure the contract specifies the UAH amount (many are written in USD with UAH conversion), the exact conversion rate basis, deposit conditions, and return rules.

Verify property title and encumbrances before buying

Before purchasing property in Ukraine, extract a title report from the State Register of Real Property Rights (Реєстр речових прав). Check for mortgages (іпотека), arrest orders (арешт), court claims, or developer permit issues. For war-damaged areas, commission a structural engineer's assessment. Never rely solely on the seller's lawyer — hire your own.

Get health and evacuation insurance covering war risks

Standard health insurance policies exclude war, terrorism, and civil unrest — making them worthless in Ukraine. You need a specialist plan explicitly covering war risk, medical evacuation by air or land ambulance, and repatriation. Review the policy wording carefully: "active conflict zones" may exclude specific oblasts. CIGNA Global, AXA Global Healthcare, IMG Global, and International SOS are among the providers offering Ukraine-valid plans.

Insure household contents and personal property

Contents insurance (страхування майна) for renters and property owners covers theft, fire, water damage, and some accidental damage. Standard policies in Ukraine exclude war damage and missile/drone strikes — ask explicitly what exclusions apply. Available from Ukrainian insurers: Uniqa Ukraine, PZU Ukraine, ARX, ASKA. For high-value items (laptop, camera, instruments), check whether a specialist floater is needed.

Start Ukrainian language learning for daily life

Ukrainian (Українська мова) is the sole state language and has been increasingly dominant since 2022. Russian was widely spoken in eastern and southern Ukraine but Ukrainian is now the primary public language nationwide. For expats, A1–A2 Ukrainian enables navigation, shopping, shelter procedures, and basic communication with authorities. Many Ukrainians speak English in Kyiv and Lviv; outside major cities, Ukrainian or Russian may be the only options.

Establish a Ukrainian power of attorney for key transactions

A notarised power of attorney (довіреність) allows a trusted person to act on your behalf for property, banking, vehicle transactions, or permit renewals while you are outside Ukraine or unable to attend in person. Given wartime mobility restrictions and the risk of evacuation, having a POA for key transactions with a trusted lawyer or family member is strongly advised. Draft the scope carefully — overly broad POAs create risk.

Understand Ukrainian contract signing rules and language requirements

Ukrainian law requires many contracts (property, major services, employment) to be in Ukrainian or bilingual. When only a Ukrainian text is provided, it fully governs the agreement — there is no automatic protection for a party who did not understand the language. All contracts should be reviewed by a bilingual lawyer before signing. Never sign a contract you have not read in full in a language you understand.

Activate Diia digital identity if eligible

Diia (Дія) is Ukraine's national digital services app. Ukrainian citizens can store and present digital ID, Driver's licence, vehicle registration, and other documents. Foreigners can use Diia to access government service information and submit some applications. Register at diia.gov.ua using your RNOKPP and Ukrainian phone number.

Determine your Ukrainian tax residency status

You become a Ukrainian tax resident if you are physically present in Ukraine for 183+ days in a calendar year OR if Ukraine is your centre of vital interests (family, business, assets). Tax residents pay 18% PIT and 5% military levy on worldwide income. Non-residents pay 18% + 5% only on Ukrainian-source income. If you are employed by a foreign company while living in Ukraine, you need a specialist analysis — remote work from Ukraine can create Ukrainian tax obligations even without a local contract.

Plan intercity travel by land — civilian airspace is closed

Ukraine's civilian airspace has been closed since February 2022. All domestic travel is by road, rail (Укрзалізниця/UZ), or bus (FlixBus, Ecolines, and domestic services). International travel requires land border crossings to Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, or Romania. Air travel must be booked from Rzeszów (Poland), Chișinău (Moldova), Bucharest (Romania), or Košice (Slovakia). Book UZ tickets well in advance at uz.gov.ua.

Exchange or confirm your foreign driving licence

Foreign driving licences are recognised in Ukraine for the duration of your legal stay. If you obtain a temporary residence permit, you may continue using your foreign licence. You can voluntarily exchange it for a Ukrainian licence at the МВС Service Centre (Сервісний центр МВС). International Driving Permits issued in your home country are accepted at checkpoints. If your foreign licence is in a non-Latin script, carry a certified Ukrainian translation.

Understand welfare benefit eligibility for residents

Foreign nationals with a temporary or permanent residence permit and Ukrainian address registration may be entitled to some social protections under Ukrainian law. Eligibility for child allowances, housing subsidies, and unemployment benefits depends on your permit type, employment record, and contributions to the Unified Social Fund. Wartime IDPs (internally displaced persons) from occupied territories have separate emergency support systems through the Ministry of Social Policy.

Apply for a housing utility subsidy if income is low

Ukraine's housing subsidy (субсидія) covers a portion of utility costs (heating, gas, electricity, water) for households where utility bills exceed 15% of household income. Foreign residents with registered address, residence permit, and Ukrainian employment may be eligible. The subsidy is calculated on actual consumption — apply before the heating season (September–October) to receive subsidies from October.