Recent events in the political and social life of our northern neighbors, the Republic of Belarus, have alarmed the world community. The European Union and the United States have expressed their readiness to provide assistance to the people of Belarus. Our country is also not left out.

Representatives of the IT sector in Belarus began to think about relocating to countries with a more stable political situation. The preconditions for this were the method of struggle of the Belarusian authorities - namely, the pressure on the sphere of information technologies. The shutdown of the Internet, mobile communications, and problems with the banking system have led to industry stagnation.

With advantages such as geographical proximity, mentality and developed infrastructure, Ukraine can become a great location for Belarusian professionals. One of the advantages is the simplified entry into the territory of Ukraine. The agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on visa-free travel for citizens ", which entered into force on 05.08.2010, established a visa-free regime providing for legal stay of Belarusians in Ukraine for up to 90 days without a visa.

The first step of the Ukrainian authorities to legalize Belarusian IT specialists was the establishment of immigration quotas for foreign IT specialists at the disposal of the Cabinet of Ministers "On the establishment of an immigration quota for 2020" 31431-r of March 11, 2020. According to the provisions of this order, 5,000 highly qualified IT specialists can be employed by Ukrainian IT companies on a permanent basis.

On July 21, 2020, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine posted on its Facebook page a message that foreign IT specialists can apply for an immigration permit. Employed within the limits of the quota set by the government, employees can obtain a permanent residence permit. Thus, IT specialists will be able to live and work in Ukraine legally for up to 10 years.

To obtain an immigration permit, you must submit documents to the territorial division of the State Migration Service at the place of registration, or, in the case of stay outside Ukraine, to the embassy offices of Ukraine abroad. After obtaining an immigration permit, you must apply for a permanent residence permit.

On September 3, 2020, the Decree of the President of Ukraine “On measures to create favorable conditions for the development of the IT industry in Ukraine” came into force, which obliges the government to develop and submit to parliament within three months bills that would provide activities in the IT field. During this time, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine should focus its activities on facilitating the immigration of foreign IT specialists and their involvement in work in Ukraine.

Are you an IT representative and would you like to obtain an immigration permit or a permanent residence permit? Highly qualified lawyers of Olson Lviv Law Firm will provide you with high-quality legal advice and minimize the time you spend on resolving these issues.