Ukrainian government backs bill easing residency rules for foreign military volunteers
Ukraine's government has approved a bill that would make it easier for foreign nationals and stateless people who served in the Ukrainian military to remain in the country after their contracts end and qualify for permanent immigration, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said.
The legislation must still be approved by Ukraine's parliament before taking effect.
Under the proposed changes, foreign veterans would have six months of temporary legal residence after completing their military service, up from the current three months, giving them more time to resolve their legal status.
Their time serving in the Ukrainian military would also count toward the five-year residency requirement for obtaining an immigration permit.
The bill would also introduce special travel documents for foreign nationals and stateless people who cannot obtain or renew passports from their countries of origin because of security threats or political circumstances.
Why it matters
Foreign volunteers who fought for Ukraine have faced difficulties legalizing their status after leaving the military.
Hromadske previously reported on John, a Chilean volunteer who joined Ukraine's Second International Legion in late 2024 and later served as a machine gunner with the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade.
John lost part of his left leg after a Russian drone attack during a combat mission in March 2025. After leaving military service, his residence permit expired, leaving him unable to complete the assessment required to formally establish his disability and receive related benefits.
Following inquiries from hromadske to Ukraine's Defense Ministry, John received assistance with his documents. He has since been granted disability status and is eligible for a one-time payment.