Foreigners and stateless persons serving in Ukraine’s armed forces will be eligible for temporary residence permits under a new law signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the State Migration Service announced Tuesday.
The legislation, Law No. 4730-IX dated Dec. 17, 2025, regulates the legal status of non-citizens performing military service under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations. According to the migration service, the measure aims to clarify residency rules for foreign volunteers fighting alongside Ukrainian troops.
Under the law, eligible individuals will be officially regarded as legal residents once they obtain a temporary residence permit. Authorities said the permit will remain valid for the full length of a service contract and for an additional six months after the contract ends.
Authorities outline application rules and benefits
Meanwhile, officials stressed that foreigners and stateless persons already serving in the military must apply for the permit within six months of the law entering into force. During this transition period, their lawful stay in Ukraine will be confirmed through military registration documents or an official service certificate.
Furthermore, the migration service said the new permit will provide full access to essential services. These include banking, notary services, medical care, and other social benefits available under Ukrainian law. Officials noted that the change removes administrative barriers that previously complicated daily life for foreign servicemen and women.
In addition, the move reflects Kyiv’s broader effort to formally recognize the role of foreign nationals who have joined Ukraine’s defense since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Analysts say the law also strengthens legal protections for volunteers while improving oversight of their status.
Consequently, authorities believe the reform will simplify residency procedures, ensure compliance with migration rules, and offer greater stability to those serving under contract in Ukraine’s military during an ongoing conflict that continues to draw international attention.
