Residence Permit for Ukrainians in Europe
A residence permit, or residence card, is a national permit document of a specific European country that confirms the legal right of a foreigner to live, work, or study on its territory for a longer period than allowed by temporary protection. Unlike temporary protection, which operates within the EU's common mechanism until March 4, 2028, the residence permit is issued by an individual state according to its own national rules.The lawyers of the Law Firm "Zahist" assist in selecting the grounds, gathering documents, and obtaining a residence permit without refusals and delays.
Obtaining a residence permit for Ukrainians in Europe is becoming increasingly relevant, as EU countries gradually transition refugees from the general status of temporary protection to national permits – for work, study, or family reunification. The years spent under temporary protection are generally not automatically counted towards the duration for long-term residence permits, so it is advisable to start the application process in advance rather than postponing it until 2027-2028.
How Residence Permits Differ from Temporary Protection
Temporary protection is granted automatically to all Ukrainians through a simplified procedure and is governed by a common EU decision. In contrast, residence permits are issued individually according to the national rules of a specific country, providing a pathway to long-term or permanent residency.
Obtaining a residence permit is important for those planning to stay in Europe for years: to study, develop a business, or reunite with family, as this status is less dependent on political decisions regarding temporary protection.
Grounds for Obtaining a Residence Permit: What to Focus On
Ukrainians most commonly apply for residence permits based on one of several typical grounds recognized by most European countries.
- Employment under an employment contract or agreement.
- Studying at a higher educational institution or language courses.
- Family reunification with a family member who already has status in the country.
- Conducting business activities or making investments.
- Specific humanitarian and residency programs for Ukrainian citizens.
Each ground has its own list of documents required for a residence permit and requirements for income or housing, so it is advisable to clarify the specific list with the migration service of the chosen country.
Residence Permits for Ukrainians in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Other Countries: Comparative Table
Law Firm "Zahist" supports the obtaining of residence permits in its offices in Poland, France, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic, and in each of these countries, the procedure has its own names for documents and timelines.
| Country | Document Name | Typical Grounds | Initial Validity Period |
| Poland | Karta pobytu | work, study, family reunification | 1–3 years |
| France | Titre de séjour | work, study, family circumstances | 1 year |
| Germany | Aufenthaltserlaubnis | employment, study, family reunification | 1–3 years |
| Czech Republic | Dlouhodobý pobyt | work, entrepreneurship, study | 1–2 years |
| Netherlands | Verblijfsvergunning | work, study, family reunification | 1 year |
| Finland | Oleskelulupa | work, study, family grounds | 1 year |
The mentioned durations are approximate: the processing time depends on the grounds for application, the workload of the migration service, and the completeness of the document package.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining a Residence Permit
The general logic for obtaining a residence permit is similar in most European countries, although the names of institutions and processing times vary.
- Determine the grounds and gather documents for the residence permit: job invitation, enrollment certificate, or confirmation of family ties.
- Submit the application to the migration service or consulate of the chosen country.
- Undergo biometric data collection and an interview, if required by the procedure.
- Wait for a decision and, if necessary, provide additional documents.
- Receive the residence permit card and register at your place of residence.
Overall, the application review takes from a few weeks to several months, and a refusal can be appealed administratively or in court.
Legal Support for Obtaining a Residence Permit: The Experience of Law Firm "Zahist"
Our experience shows that clients who seek legal assistance at the document preparation stage receive positive decisions on average twice as fast as those who apply independently. Over the years, we have helped thousands of Ukrainians obtain residence permits in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and other countries, and most clients report less stress compared to their own attempts to navigate foreign legislation.
Our experience outlines how to better appeal a refusal to issue a residence permit: the most common reasons are an incomplete document package or inaccurate translations of certificates, so our lawyers carefully check each document before submission.
If you plan to obtain a residence permit in Europe or transition from temporary protection to a national permit, the lawyers of Law Firm "Zahist" will accompany the process from consultation to obtaining the card.
