Obtaining a “D” Visa for Foreigners to Ukraine in Lviv

The D visa in Lviv is issued to foreigners who intend to stay in Ukraine for a long term, at least 90 days (3 months). This visa is also granted to foreign nationals for the purpose of obtaining temporary or permanent residence permits in Ukraine. The visa is valid for 1 year.

Obtaining a “D” visa is required for foreigners residing in countries that have a visa regime with Ukraine. However, there are several countries whose citizens do not need a visa because they have a visa-free regime with our state.

Which countries’ citizens do not need to obtain a D visa to Ukraine?
Citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Belarus, and Uzbekistan are not required to obtain a D visa.

D-Type Visa to Ukraine: When It Is Needed and How to Obtain It

A D-type visa (long-term visa) is a document that grants a foreigner the right to enter Ukraine with the purpose of subsequently applying for temporary or permanent residence. This visa is mandatory for citizens of countries with which Ukraine has a visa regime, as well as for those who plan to legalize their stay through a residence permit.

The main grounds for obtaining a D visa include employment, study, family reunification, participation in volunteer or religious organizations, as well as establishing a business. Depending on the purpose of stay, a foreigner must submit the appropriate package of documents to a Ukrainian consular office abroad.

Mandatory documents include a passport, an invitation from the Ukrainian side, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial support. The application review period usually takes up to 10 business days. After entering Ukraine with a D visa, a foreigner has up to 90 days to apply for a residence permit.

Legal support in preparing documents for the D visa helps avoid refusals, saves time, and ensures confidence in the outcome.

Grounds for Obtaining a D Visa for Foreigners:

• Invitation for study or internship in Ukraine;

• Marriage with a Ukrainian citizen;

• Official work permit issued by the employment center;

• Invitation from a state institution, enterprise, or organization that is the recipient of an international technical assistance project;

• Family reunification with a foreign citizen who already holds a residence permit in Ukraine;

• Immigration permit and other grounds provided by international acts.

Long-term visas are issued by Ukrainian consular offices or diplomatic missions. However, before obtaining a visa, it is necessary to carry out thorough preparatory work that requires sufficient time, attention, and effort. Therefore, if you realize that you cannot handle the entire process on your own, it is advisable to find qualified specialists who can take on almost all obligations.

D Visa to Ukraine: How to Obtain It, Required Documents, and Why It’s Worth Consulting Lawyers in Lviv

The D visa to Ukraine is a long-term visa that allows foreigners to stay in the country for more than 90 days and is mandatory for further applying for a temporary residence permit. It is issued to those planning to study, work, run a business, or reunite with family. Below we explain how to properly obtain a D visa in Lviv, what documents are required, and how long the procedure takes.

Where to Apply for a D Visa?

Applications for a D visa can only be submitted abroad — at a Ukrainian consulate or embassy, as well as through VFS Global visa centers. Important: it is not possible to obtain this visa directly in Ukraine. Before submitting the documents, you must complete an online application form, schedule an appointment, and pay the consular fee.

Can a D Visa Be Obtained Online?

Currently, there is no electronic D visa. It cannot be issued entirely remotely; however, the application form must be completed online, and the status of the application can be tracked through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.

Cost and Processing Time for a D Visa

• Consular fee: starting from USD 65. For some countries, different rates apply based on reciprocity.

• Urgent processing: double the fee.

• Processing time: up to 10 business days in standard mode and up to 5 days for urgent processing. In some cases, the visa can be issued even within 1 day.

• Documents can be submitted no earlier than three months before the intended entry date.

Special Conditions for Certain Countries

For some states, additional requirements apply: documents can only be submitted in the country of citizenship or permanent residence, and prior to visa issuance, an additional security check by the Security Service of Ukraine may be conducted, which extends the processing time.

Required Documents for a D Visa

The main document package includes:

• A 35×45 mm photo;

• Health insurance policy valid for the entire visa period (coverage of at least €30,000);

• Proof of financial support (guarantee letter, bank statement, accommodation booking, etc.);

• Documents confirming the purpose of the trip (invitation from an employer, contract, study documents, or family reunification papers).

Why Consult Lawyers in Lviv?

The procedure for obtaining a D visa to Ukraine has many nuances — from correct document preparation to meeting submission deadlines. A mistake can lead to visa refusal and wasted time. Olson Lviv Law Firm offers comprehensive support:

• Document review and correction of possible errors;

• Preparation of the full package for the consulate;

• Assistance during the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit;

• Consultations regarding legalization of stay and starting a business in Ukraine.

Need Help with a D Visa?

Contact us, and we will provide full support for obtaining a D visa in Lviv — from consultations to receiving the finalized documents. With us, you will save time and get results without unnecessary complications.

Official Categories of Long-Term D-Type Visas in Ukraine

A D-type visa is a document that allows a foreigner to legally stay in Ukraine for an extended period, with the possibility of applying for a residence permit afterward. Legislation provides for various types of such visas, depending on the grounds for their issuance:

• D-01 — for persons planning immigration to Ukraine and obtaining permanent residence.

• D-02 — for family reunification with members holding refugee status, temporary or additional protection in Ukraine.

• D-03 — diplomatic or service visa for accredited MFA employees.

• D-04 — for foreigners coming to work under employment contracts.

• D-05 — for participants in international technical assistance programs.

• D-06 — for engaging in religious activities in Ukraine.

• D-07 — for representatives of foreign public or non-governmental organizations’ structural subdivisions.

• D-08 — for employees of foreign companies’ representative offices.

• D-09 — for work in foreign banks’ representative offices in Ukraine.

• D-10 — for individuals involved in cultural, scientific, educational, sports, or volunteer activities. Requires an official invitation from a Ukrainian state body or an organization registered with NSSSU.

• D-11 — for journalists, correspondents, and foreign media representatives.

• D-12 — for founders, participants, or beneficiaries of Ukrainian legal entities.

• D-13 — for foreign citizens planning to study in Ukrainian educational institutions.

• D-14 — for family reunification with a Ukrainian citizen based on marriage.

• D-15 — for family reunification with individuals holding a residence permit in Ukraine.

• D-16 — other cases provided by international treaties of Ukraine.

Where to Obtain a D-Type Visa: Addresses of Some Ukrainian Consulates Abroad

Consulate General of Ukraine in Krakow (Poland)
Address: 31-514 Kraków, al. Beliny-Prażmowskiego 4
Phone: +48-12-429-60-66, +48-124-29-45-22
Email: gc_plk@mfa.gov.ua
Official website: https://krakow.mfa.gov.ua

Consulate of Ukraine in Bălți (Moldova)
Address: Kyivska St., 143, Bălți, 3121, Republic of Moldova
Phone: +373-23-16-65-08
Email: gc_mdb@mfa.gov.ua
Official website: https://baltsi.mfa.gov.ua

Consulate General of Ukraine in Milan (Italy)
Address: via Ludovico di Breme, 11, Milan 20156
Phone: +39-02-80-13-33
Email: gc_itm@mfa.gov.ua
Official website: https://milan.mfa.gov.ua

Consulate General of Ukraine in Guangzhou (China)
Address: 510613, Guangzhou, Tianhe District, Tianhebei St., 233, Office 1407
Phone: +86-20-3877-3755
Email: gc_cngz@mfa.gov.ua, gc_cngz@ukr.net
Official website: https://guangzhou.mfa.gov.ua

Consulate General of Ukraine in New York (USA)
Address: 240 East 49th Street, New York, NY 10017
Phone: +1 (212) 371-6965, +1 (212) 371-5690
Hotline: +1 (917) 325-1444
Email: gc_usn@mfa.gov.ua
Official website: https://ny.mfa.gov.ua

A full list of Ukrainian diplomatic missions is available on the MFA of Ukraine’s website: https://mfa.gov.ua/diplomatichni-ustanovi

Olson Lviv Law Firm will gladly help you obtain a D visa in Lviv. Our team of competent specialists has the experience, knowledge, and resources to achieve the desired result in the shortest possible time.

By cooperating with OLSON, you will receive full support and guidance. We will help you register on the MFA of Ukraine website, complete and submit the application, collect the necessary documents, and act as your representatives at every stage.