Polish work visa for Ukrainians - what documents are needed and how to apply for it yourself

What did the adoption of visa-free travel give to Ukrainians?

For several years, the Ukrainian authorities have been negotiating with the European Union to provide citizens of the country with a visa-free regime, and finally this decision was made. The date June 11, 2021 became a turning point in Ukraine’s relations with the EU: from that day on, the visa-free regime for Ukrainians came into force.

What does a visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU mean today? This means that from the summer of 2021, citizens of the country who have received a biometric passport do not need to apply for a visa for a short trip to the Schengen countries - they just need to present their passport at the border. There are no conditions or additional requirements for travelers. At the same time, border guards and customs officers, as before, check documents and luggage at the border and put their marks in passports.

However, when going to work, study or for a long stay abroad, you must still apply for a Schengen visa.

What visa do Ukrainians need to work in Poland?

One of the travel options for Ukrainians to Poland, when they do not need to apply for a work visa, is visa-free. It will only be necessary to comply with the deadlines - no more than 90 days. It is enough to have a valid biometric passport.

However, if you need more time for work, it is necessary for registration. You will have to apply for it even if you do not have a biometric passport. To do this, you need to understand how to get a work visa to Poland.

The main work visas D, which can be issued for work in Poland, are usually distinguished by their duration:

1. Work visa to Poland for six months . It is for short-term work not related to seasonality. It can only be opened for 180 days out of 360 a year. Thus, you can apply for this type once a year. The basis for opening it is oswiadczenie for work not related to seasonality.
2. Work visa to Poland for a season . It is issued for the purpose of performing work defined by Polish law as seasonal. Seasonal work gives you the opportunity to work in Poland 270 days a year. However, if there are fewer days left until the end of the year, then the visa can be issued for a shorter period. The basis for its opening is a seasonal invitation to Poland.
3. Work visa based on voivodeship invitation to Poland . As a rule, you can open such a work visa for the whole year. However, sometimes shorter work and stay times are provided. In order to apply for a working voivodeship to Poland based on a voivodeship invitation, you must receive it. Or, as it is also called, zezwolenie typ A. A work visa to Poland based on a voivodeship invitation is free from visa corridors, and it can be issued regardless of their availability.

Important! Please note that these visas give you the right to officially work only in Poland. To work in other Schengen countries you need to obtain other visas. And according to these work visas, you can visit them as a tourist and for no more than 90 days in six months.

Which EU and Schengen countries can Ukrainians enter without visas?

The visa-free regime for Ukraine in the EU in 2021 involves entry with a biometric passport into 26 EU member countries (except for the UK and Ireland), as well as into 4 states that are associated members of Schengen: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Thus, obtaining a visa will not be required when traveling to countries such as: Austria, Belgium, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Poland , Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland.

You can only go to these countries for a short time for tourism purposes. At the same time, there are a number of countries for which Ukrainians do not need to obtain visas in advance. Find out more about what other visa-free countries there are for Ukrainians in 2019.

Visa-free countries

Visa-free states include states where Ukrainians are allowed to go only with a foreign passport, without a visa. In 2021, the EU abolished the visa regime for Ukrainian citizens with new passports:

Europe

In 2021, citizens of Ukraine, holders of biometric passports, have the right to enter the following countries without a visa for the purpose of tourism, visiting relatives and for other short-term trips:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Estonia.

Do not forget that the length of stay should not exceed 90 days within a period of 180 days.

Visas are still required for work and other purposes.

Macedonia

Visa-free travel for up to 3 months is valid until mid-March 2021. Citizens of Ukraine must have with them:

• Passport for traveling abroad.
• Medical policy.
• Confirmation of financial security (50 euros per day of stay).

Ukrainians traveling to Macedonia by land must take care of obtaining visas for transit through Romania, Bulgaria or other countries if they do not have biometric passports.

Romanian Schengen visa.

If you have a new type of international passport, from June 11, travel through the European Union for citizens of Ukraine will be visa-free.

Serbia

In 2021, citizens of Ukraine will continue to have visa-free entry to Serbia for up to 1 month.

It is allowed to enter, exit, transit and stay in the country for up to 3 months within six months from the date of first entry if you have any of the following documents:

• Visa for Britain or other EU countries.
• United States visa.
• Permission to reside in the Schengen area or EU countries or in the USA.

Kosovo and Metohija

The procedure for the entry of Ukrainian citizens into Kosovo and Metohija is separately stipulated. In 2021, you can only get there through the Serbian state border. The presence of marks from the Kosovo authorities on crossing the border in a travel document is considered a violation of the migration and visa regime.

Asia

Malaysia migration map.

Azerbaijan

In 2021, Ukrainians have the right to freely stay in Azerbaijan without a visa for up to 3 months. When crossing the border, you must present a passport valid for the period of your trip. However, Nagorno-Karabakh is closed to visitors. The same rule applies to seven adjacent districts:

• Agdamsky,
• Lachinsky,
• Kelbajar,
• Gubadlinsky,
• Zangelansky,
• Dzhabrailsky,
• Fizulinsky.

Visiting these territories without prior consent from official Baku is prohibited. A foreigner violator is included in the list of persona non grata.

Georgia

Ukrainians can stay in Georgia without a visa for a year. You only need to have a passport in your hands, valid for the entire duration of the trip. At the same time, entry of citizens into Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region / South Ossetia is possible only with special permission from Georgian government agencies. Violation of the regime is punishable by law.

Israel

In 2021, you can travel to Israel without a visa for the following purposes:

• Tourist trip (independent or through a travel agency).
• Business tourism.
• A trip for treatment.
• Visiting family and friends.

At the same time, a visa-free regime for Ukrainians does not guarantee entry into Israel. The final decision is made by the border service. A minor's travel document is not recognized as a passport. Information about children traveling abroad with their parents (legal representatives) must be included in the passports of adults.

Documents for visa-free travel to Israel

• Foreign, diplomatic or service passport.
• Papers confirming the purpose of the trip (hotel reservation, invitation from colleagues or business partners, certificate from doctors or referral for treatment, invitation of relatives).
• Confirmation of solvency (in some cases).
• Round trip flights.
• Medical insurance policy.

Mongolia

In 2021, there is a visa-free regime for Ukrainians when traveling to Mongolia. In addition to your passport, you must confirm the purpose of your trip:

• An invitation issued by the Mongolian Immigration Agency (for citizens who enter by invitation for business or private purposes).
• Documents confirming hotel reservations (for citizens arriving as tourists).

Africa

America and West Indies

Chile3Valid passport for traveling abroad; round trip tickets; migration card; documents guaranteeing solvency

Australia and Oceania

Who can take advantage of the right to visa-free entry

Traveling to Europe without a Schengen visa is a tempting prospect, but only certain categories of citizens will be able to take advantage of this advantage:

• the right to cross the border with the European Union without first obtaining a visa can only be exercised if you have a biometric passport - holders of old international passports must, as before, obtain the appropriate entry permits;
• Only citizens of Ukraine can travel to Europe without visas; citizens of other countries living on its territory do not have the right to take advantage of the abolition of visas;
• trips without Schengen registration are available only to tourists or businessmen for a short period of time. You can also use this right when visiting relatives. It is prohibited to use a visa-free visa for travel to study, work or for the purpose of long-term residence in the EU - in order to implement these intentions, it is necessary, as before, to contact the embassies, collect documents and obtain a visa.

Countries with visas at the airport and at the border

Next are the countries that require a visa, but they will give you one right at the airport or at the border upon arrival, without any unnecessary problems. Some of them are paid, which is worth considering in advance!

• Macao (Macau) – for 30 days
• Bangladesh – up to 30 days at the border for tourists with a return ticket
• Bolivia (at the airport) – if you have a hotel reservation. This visa is issued for a period of up to 90 days. You are required to have a passport size photo with you.
• Burkina Faso (you can get a visa at the border, but it will be much more expensive + you won’t be put on a plane to Burkina Faso without a visa, so it’s not recommended)
• Burundi (it is very difficult to get at the border, it is advisable to open at the embassy)
• Bhutan - only with an invitation from a tour operator registered in Bhutan. Must present $200 per day of stay
• East Timor (Timor-Leste)
• Gambia
• Guyana – 30 days
• Djibouti
• Egypt (you can get a free Sinai visa to travel around the peninsula)
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe (for 3 months)
• Jordan
• Iran
• Cape Verde
• Comoros (up to 45 days)
• Laos (upon arrival at the airport if you have a hotel reservation)
• Lebanon (only when entering through Beirut airport, up to 1 month)
• Mauritius (for 60 days)
• Mauritania – at Nouakchott airport
• Madagascar (90 days)
• Maldives (up to 30 days with the possibility of extension for 60)
• Marshall Islands – up to 90 days
• Mozambique (30 days)
• Nepal (90 days)
• Palau (up to 30 days)
• Thailand (tourist visa for 15 days is issued at the border)
• Tanzania
• Togo (7 days)
• Tonga (31 days)
• Tuvalu (1 month)
• Uganda
• Eritrea (only at Asmara airport or the seaports of Massawa and Assab with permission from the migration service and 1 photo)

How long can you stay in the EU without a visa?

The abolition of Schengen visas initially did not provide for uncontrolled crossing of the borders of European states, but the possibility of short-term trips to the EU for business, tourism, to participate in conferences and exhibitions, and to visit relatives or friends. You can stay in the European Union for a total of 90 days within six months.

Answering the question about what the visa-free regime with the EU gives Ukrainians, we can say with confidence: this is a great opportunity to make short trips abroad without any hassle. However, some nuances of visa-free travel should be taken into account:

• it is undesirable to stay in the EU for 90 days in a row - this may raise suspicions among the local police, and questions from border guards when leaving;
• the date of entry is the moment of crossing the border with the EU, and not the arrival at the final destination, respectively, the date of departure is the crossing of the border in the opposite direction;
• it is necessary to ensure that the stamp in the passport is clearly affixed, and the date on it is clearly visible - this may be necessary to confirm the number of days of stay in controversial situations.

Entry with an internal passport

• Russia,
• Belarus.

Citizens of Ukraine cross the borders of Russia and Belarus not only without visas, but also with an internal rather than a foreign passport. The existing right will continue in 2021.

Ukrainian passport.

Ukrainians are allowed to stay on the territory of Belarus for up to 3 months within 180 days from the date of first entry. In Russia, guests from a neighboring republic also have the right to stay up to 90 days within six months from the date of arrival. Having exceeded this period in the Russian Federation, a citizen of Ukraine must register with the migration authorities. Use the length of stay calculator in Russia.

What documents are needed to travel to EU countries without a visa?

Before the decision on visa-free travel was made, there were rumors that at the border you would have to present all the documents that previously had to be provided to the embassy. Of course, this is not true - no one requires a certificate of employment or bank statements. However, border guards may still require some documents:

• a new international passport (biometric) - without this passport, the visa-free agreement is not valid. An old-style passport allows Ukrainians to obtain a visa to Europe in 2021 under normal conditions;
• Ukrainians entering the EU may be asked about the purpose of the trip and the conditions of stay at the final destination. In this case, you will have to show a call from relatives, an official invitation to the conference and confirm that the hotel has been reserved or you will be staying with your loved ones. Sometimes they ask to see return tickets;
• Border guards may ask you to provide sufficient financial means for living during the trip: cash at the rate of 50 euros per day of stay or a bank card.
• Everyone entering the EU must have health insurance. Its absence is a reason to deny entry.

  

Documents explaining the purpose of the visit

It’s good if you have official documents explaining the purpose of the visit: a tour package or an invitation to an event. But what if a person goes to visit relatives? In this case, you will need an invitation, which is written in any form. It must contain the following information:

• surname, first name and patronymic of the inviter;
• his passport number;
• address;

as well as the surname, name, patronymic of the invitee; his passport number and place of residence.

In addition, the document must indicate in which city and at what address the invited person will live, as well as that the inviting party guarantees accommodation and meals.

Your relatives can independently send such a letter to the mayor’s office of their city, attaching a scan of their own passport, and then forward it to you. Such a document will be considered official confirmation of legal travel abroad.

How to get a work visa to Poland

Poland, in the struggle for the prosperity of its economy, is doing everything possible to simplify the access of Ukrainian labor to its enterprises as much as possible. Considering that Germany has recently also been trying to create a “free window” in which Ukrainians will be able to work freely in their country, in Poland the most favorable conditions are created for Ukrainians:

1. A Ukrainian can even find employment in Poland at local labor exchanges.
2. A Ukrainian can even apply for a visa directly in Poland, traveling there under a visa-free regime. Thus, you can obtain an official work permit after choosing a suitable vacancy and even an interview.
3. The minimum wage for a Ukrainian is equal to the minimum wage for a Pole;
4. Poland is creating many promising projects that are aimed at mass employment (not only of Ukrainians, but also citizens of other countries). According to experts, such a move will allow the state to prosper and increasingly strengthen the economy.
5. Polish employers, for the most part, treat Ukrainians well, since our migrant workers are very hardworking, responsible and cope well with all assigned tasks.
6. Interest in the workforce forces employers to provide workers with free housing, extra days off to travel home to their families, and even free food.

If you want to apply for a visa in Poland, we advise you to collect all the documents necessary for this in Ukraine so that there are no problems later. What you need to get a visa:

• two photographs that meet the basic requirements;
• foreign passport, as well as its copy (all pages);
• Ukrainian passport (also with copies of all pages);
• original and copy of the insurance policy (Europe, Schengen or worldwide);
• an invitation to work (if available), the original must be provided.

It is worth considering that the consulate has the right to ask the applicant to provide a number of other documents. It also happens that those wishing to obtain a visa are called for an interview.

Most often, consideration of the application lasts for a week. A thorough check is carried out for about a month. Complex cases can drag on for up to two months.

If the applicant is given the go-ahead to receive a visa, it is affixed to the Ukrainian passport, or to the “foreign passport” in the form of a corresponding stamp with a code. An appeal against a refusal is possible only within a week. It will not be possible to appeal a repeated refusal.

Features of visa-free travel with children

Many Ukrainians travel around Europe with families, so the question of whether it is possible to take children on a trip using the visa-free regime is quite relevant. Of course, traveling with children without a visa is quite possible, but provided that the child, even the smallest one, has his own biometric passport.

Features of obtaining this document are as follows:

• Children under 12 years old are not fingerprinted, but a photo recorded on a special chip is already a sign of biometrics;
• from the age of 14, to obtain a foreign passport, you need an internal passport - without it, biometrics will not be issued;
• from April 2021, a ban on the departure from Ukraine of children included in their parents’ old-style international passports will come into force;
• if children are traveling with one of the parents, the second must have permission, certified by a notary, that he does not object to the trip; if children are traveling with their grandmother or other relatives, permission from both parents will be required.

European direction. Where is the best place to go?

Which European countries allow entry without a visa? visa-free countries where you must present a passport:

• Albania (up to 90 days visa-free regime). Ukrainians do not need a visa to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can stay in these countries for one month. Additional documents: an official statement from the inviting party, handwritten and certified by a notary, or a voucher from a tourist organization. In rare cases, proof of departure from the country may be required;
• Moldova. The maximum visa-free stay is up to 100 days. Türkiye. Mandatory condition: the trip must be short-term (short-term) - up to 60 days. For Ukrainians, in addition to their passport, they must present a voucher from a tourist organization and tickets with a specific departure date;
• Serbia. Ukrainians can stay in this country for no more than 30 calendar days. There is a visa-free regime, but a visa is required for a long stay. In addition to a passport for trips abroad, you need an official invitation from relatives or friends, issued by hand;
• Montenegro. Citizens of Ukraine will not need to apply for a visa if the trip is limited to 90 days - the visa-free regime is maintained for this number of days.

If you are planning a holiday on the island of Cyprus, you need to know some features:

• The northern part of the island belongs to Turkey, therefore, when visiting this territory, Ukrainians do not need to apply for a visa - there is a visa-free regime here;
• If you go on vacation to the southern part of the island, you need a visa. To obtain permission to enter the Republic of Cyprus, citizens can download the application file and, after carefully filling out, send the document for consideration.

The Svalbard archipelago is also an area with special conditions when crossing the border.

Attention! Officially, Ukrainians do not need a visa, but in fact this permission is required - you can only get to Spitsbergen through the Norwegian state.

Visa-free travel rules for motorists

If a citizen of Ukraine is going to travel abroad in his own car, taking advantage of the visa-free regime, he needs to prepare in advance.

A personal car must have a state license plate (you will have to leave the registered one at home), a Green Card insurance policy, a car registration certificate (or power of attorney), and a UA sticker on the car.

If another owner is included in the registration certificate, you need to issue a temporary registration certificate from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, confirming the fact that you have received the right to drive a vehicle, or the power of attorney must indicate: “With the right to travel abroad.”

Regular domestic MTPL insurance does not apply abroad, so you must purchase a Green Card policy.

The car itself is also subject to certain requirements: it must be in good working order, not make noise, not leave liquid stains when parked, and not have cracks or tinting on the windows. In addition, you must have a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, a spare tire, a jack, a towing rope - you may even have to demonstrate them when crossing the border.

Visa-free transit countries for Ukrainians

However, where did ours not disappear? Sometimes you can see a particular country that requires a visa, and sometimes a very expensive or difficult one, completely free of charge, with the help of... transit! Yes, there are countries where visa-free transit is possible if you have a ticket to the next destination (cannot be the same as the first ticket), and with exit outside the airport!

• Great Britain – visa-free transit is possible if you have a residence permit in the EU countries or Switzerland, as well as if you have entered with a British visa in the last 6 months. The permit is issued online. The old rules of visa-free transit for 24 hours are no longer valid since December 2014!
• Bahrain – up to 9 o’clock, but without the right to leave the airport.
• China – up to 144 hours.
• Lebanon – although you can get a visa at the airport, it is paid. And for transit up to 48 hours it is installed free of charge.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – up to 96 hours, when transiting through Sharjah airport.
• Pakistan (only at Karachi airport)
• Singapore – visa-free transit for 96 hours. Only neat people, clean and with decent hairstyle are allowed in.
• Japan – visa-free transit for up to 72 hours (subject to change, please check with the airline before purchasing a ticket and check via Timatik!).

How much money will you need for the trip?

When entering EU countries, you must have a certain amount of money - on average, 50 euros per day of stay. Of course, no one will ask you for any bank statements or salary certificates from your place of work, but travelers must have enough funds with them for the trip.

Please note that different amounts may be required in different countries. For example, in Finland – 30 euros per day, in Sweden – 47, in Lithuania – 40, in Germany – 45, in Spain – 71 euros. In France, if you want to stay with relatives, you will need 32.5 euros per day, and 65 euros if you book a hotel.

To travel to Italy for up to 5 euro days, you need to have almost 270 euros with you, but if you are going to Greece, then you should have 50 euros for each day.

The corresponding amount may be required to be shown at the border - in cash or on a bank card.

What types of visas are there?

A visa is a kind of pass to the wide world. To get the green light to enter another country, you need to collect and submit certain documents to the consulate (or certified visa center), make a payment (a visa fee is required regardless of the country for which the visa is issued), and wait.

Before examining in detail the specifics of obtaining work visas, it is worth familiarizing yourself with what types of visas there may be, in principle. Most often, all types of visas are divided into two large types:

• short-term;
• long-term.

In turn, short-term types are divided into:

• transit;
• guest room;
• business;
• tourist.

The long-term type also has its own subtypes:

• guest room;
• working;
• student;
• immigration or for family reunification.

The visa type may also vary depending on the applicant's status:

• simple;
• official;
• diplomatic.

What restrictions apply to Ukrainians

If a citizen of Ukraine is noticed in some illegal actions, caught in illegal employment, stays in the country longer than expected or has problems with the police, he will immediately be handed over to representatives of the Ukrainian consulate, after which the issue of his deportation to his homeland will be decided. In this case, the violator faces deprivation of the right to visit the EU for 5 years.

In order for you not to have any problems, you must strictly adhere to the terms of your stay in the country, using the 90 days provided in accordance with the purpose specified upon entry, without disturbing the order and without trying to get a job or study. But it is allowed to negotiate about organizing a business or looking for work for subsequent legal employment.

How to get a work visa to Israel?

Since 2011, a free “corridor” to Israel has been opened for Ukrainians. Without the need to apply for a visa, most Ukrainian citizens have the right to visit this Middle Eastern country and stay there for no more than 90 days. This “visa-free” policy is valid only for tourists or guests, but, alas, not for workers. To officially find employment in Israel, you must obtain a work visa.

Today, cooperation in the field of employment is being established between Israel and Ukraine. This is due to the fact that “even” working hands are always needed by everyone, especially if you can pay less for the work. For the most part, this applies to working professions: painter, tiler or plasterer.

Important : for some reasons, if the foreign passport contains a visa and a mark that confirms the subject’s visit to some Arab countries (for example, Iran, Libya, Syria, Lebanon), then most likely they will not be allowed into Israel. In order to get into this country with such a mark, you will need to go through “seven circles of hell-tests.”

To obtain an Israeli visa you must:

• receive an invitation from an Israeli employer;
• collect documents (taking into account the purpose of visiting a given country);
• submit papers to the embassy;
• make payment.

A visa can be opened either directly by the subject wishing to visit the country or by an authorized representative. When going to the embassy, ​​experts recommend putting all your documents in a transparent folder and not taking anything else with you.

It is worth noting that your documents cannot be transferred to third parties who claim that they will help you obtain the necessary decisions very quickly and even without visiting consulates. These are most often scammers.

The processing time for a work visa to Israel for residents of Ukraine is from 1 to 3 weeks. Usually, this process does not take long, but if the consulate is busy with other, more important matters, this stage may drag on.

Additional questions and documents, as well as inviting the applicant for an interview, is a common practice of most consulates when representatives do not have enough information about a person.

Some job seekers initially visit Israel, look for work there, negotiate with the employer, receive an invitation, and only then apply for a work visa, which allows the employee to stay in the country for the entire duration of the contract with the employer company.

What documents are needed to work in Israel (to obtain a visa):

• international passport;
• questionnaire filled out in accordance with the example;
• four photographs that meet the requirements;
• documents confirming employment;
• employer invitation;
• information about vacancies and salaries, as well as savings.

In what cases is entry denied possible?

Even citizens with biometric passports may be denied entry into the EU. In what cases can this happen?

According to statistics, the main reason for refusal is the lack of documents confirming the purpose of the trip, a guaranteed place of accommodation or a return ticket. That is, you must document that you are traveling on business, you have a place to live and you are going to return home, and not become a tramp somewhere in Paris or Rome.

In addition, entry can be denied to those who have been deported from the EU, have violated the rules of stay on the territory of the European Union, are suspected of committing serious crimes, citizens with an outstanding criminal record, those with large debts to pay for housing and communal services, alimony, etc.

There is one more reason: recognition as dangerous to the security of the EU - as you understand, people can fall under this article even with correctly prepared documents.

Biometric passport, old-style passport and ID card

Before we talk about obtaining a biometric passport, you should define the terms:

• A biometric passport for traveling abroad is a document that allows you to take advantage of the visa-free regime with the EU. This document contains a chip with information about the holder of such a passport. The chip may not contain fingerprint data (for various reasons), which is not a reason for refusal of entry into the EU.
• The old-style passport for traveling abroad does not contain a chip and is used when traveling abroad simultaneously with a national visa. You will not be able to obtain a visa by presenting a passport with a chip (biometric). A passport without a chip (if you have a passport with a chip) can be used at your own discretion until its expiration date. For example, traveling abroad with a valid visa.
• An ID card is an internal document that is an analogue of an internal passport of a citizen of Ukraine and has the same features and properties.

How to obtain a passport with a chip (biometric)?

You can apply for a biometric international passport (with a chip) at regional branches of the State Migration Service of Ukraine or at specialized service centers. When you first apply for a foreign passport (meaning that the applicant did not previously have such a document), you should apply at the place of regional registration. A list of branches with addresses and telephone numbers is posted on the State Migration Service website dmsu.gov.ua in the “Territorial Bodies” section. If the applicant lives abroad, then a passport can be issued (renewed) by contacting a diplomatic mission.

For registration you will need:

1. Fill out the application form.
2. Show your passport.
3. Birth certificate for those under 14 years of age.
4. Receipts for payment for the service.
5. Taxpayer identification number (TIN) for persons who are applying for a foreign passport for the first time.

When applying for a passport with a chip, you must undergo a fingerprint scanning procedure. This procedure applies to persons over 12 years of age.

In connection with many questions, you should be aware that for a number of reasons (moral, religious beliefs or physical defects) fingerprint scanning may not be carried out. The absence of scanned fingerprints will not affect the quality of the passport when crossing the EU border. Moreover, fingerprint information is inaccessible to border officials, according to experts and people familiar with the situation.

The cost of the service today is 557 UAH. 32 kopecks (253 UAH cost of administrative services and 304.32 UAH for a passport form). The processing time is 20 working days. For urgent registration, you will need to pay 810.32 UAH. (of which admin services are 506 UAH), and the production time will be 7 working days.

International passport for children

For children under 12 years of age, fingerprint scanning is not required when applying for a passport. Registration takes place on the basis of the birth certificate data.

Children over 14 years of age must have their fingerprints scanned and receive an ID card. The validity period of such “children’s” passports is 4 years. For persons over 16 years of age, a passport is issued for a period of 10 years.

And one more note on the topic of children traveling abroad. Until the age of 16, children must be accompanied by both parents or one parent with the notarized permission of the other. This rule applies when leaving Ukraine. This will not be required to enter the European Union. Therefore, you should worry about documentary support in advance.

How to get an ID card?

An ID card is an analogue of an internal passport of a citizen of Ukraine. Citizens of Ukraine who have reached the age of 14 have the right to receive it, as well as persons who replace their passport due to changes in personal data, loss, and also in case of its unsuitability for further use.

ID cards can be obtained by persons aged 25 and 45 years, who, according to the regulations, must paste photographs into a valid passport. In some departments of the State Migration Service (SMS), in order to intensify the replacement of old-style passports with ID cards, they insist on replacement, but this norm is not yet mandatory. An ID card, like a 1994 passport, are equal identification documents.

To get an ID card you need:

• Passport (internal) of a citizen of Ukraine.
• Documents on marriage/divorce, birth of children.
• Receipt for payment for the service.
• Photo 10x15 (1 piece).

A more complete list of documents is presented on the official website of the State Migration Service in the corresponding section.

Information for residents of Crimea, Donetsk and Lugansk regions

For residents of Crimea, Donetsk and Lugansk regions, the same rules apply to obtaining international passports as throughout the entire territory of Ukraine. The main condition is the presence of an internal passport of a citizen of Ukraine and the absence of citizenship of another state. However, a representative of the state enterprise “Document”, commenting on the situation, noted the need for special verification and additional confirmation of the applicant’s identity. According to him, if a passport of a citizen of Ukraine, an INN, or an old-style international passport are presented, then residents of Donbass or Crimea will be asked to provide some additional document. This could be a driver's license, birth certificate, or any other document that can be used for personal identification.

Based on these documents, a biometric passport will be issued, giving the right to visa-free border crossing. Earlier, the media reported on the initiative of the President of Ukraine to issue old-style international passports to residents of the temporarily occupied territories. But this proposal was received ambiguously in the European Union, since such a measure goes against the principles of equality and the development of humanitarian ties of all Ukrainians without exception.

Possibility of entry with a Schengen visa

Since June 2021, Ukrainians have been entering EU countries for a short time, mainly with a biometric passport, using a visa-free regime, but this does not mean a complete abolition of Schengen visas.

Those who are going to get a job in the European Union, open their own business or study there will need to collect a full package of documents to open a full-fledged visa. Opening a Schengen visa is also necessary for those who go on a short-term trip using an old-style passport.

Having chosen a country and determined the purpose of your trip, start collecting documents - their number depends on the purpose of your trip. When submitting papers to the embassy, ​​you must pay a visa fee, provide biometric data and wait for a decision.



How much does a work visa cost in Ukraine in 2021?

Applying for a visa is a fairly costly procedure, and where big money is floating around, there are always people who want to make money. Thus, in the modern Ukrainian market there are dozens of different companies that offer to issue a visa to any corner of the world for a tidy sum.

Visa prices for different countries vary. The price is determined by many factors, for example, the purpose of staying in the country, the processing time (the faster the client wants a visa, the more expensive it will cost him), the company’s package of services (some offer powerful legal assistance).

If you do everything yourself, you will only have to pay the consular fee. The amount is determined depending on the visa category and the country where the visa is needed. Thus, a resident of Ukraine will need to deposit from 0 to 60 euros into the cash register. For expedited processing, an additional payment is required (usually 10 euros).

To apply for a visa on their own, applicants travel to Kyiv or Kharkov to submit documents to the consulate.

Average cost of a work visa at visa centers (the cost of consular and service fees is taken into account separately):

• Poland (for 180 days, the cost of a visa is on average 170 euros);
• Czech Republic (from 250 euros for 2 years);
• Bulgaria (from 80 euros for 2 years);
• Lithuania (from 350 euros for 2 years).

Important: beware of scammers who, under the guise of legal assistance in obtaining a visa, “rip off” their clients completely. The result of such cooperation: no money, no visa, no right to prove that you are right.