Ukraine is an attractive country for foreigners who come here for various purposes: tourism, work, study, business, or family reunification. However, staying in the country has clearly defined time limits, and violating the migration regime can lead to fines, deportation, or even a ban on re-entry. In some instances, foreigners can officially extend their stay, but they must comply with the legal requirements and adequately prepare the documents.

Who is eligible for an extension of stay?

According to Ukrainian law, foreigners can extend their stay if:

1. There are justified grounds for the extension (e.g., business necessity, medical treatment, education, family circumstances).
2. They legally stay in Ukraine and have not violated migration rules.
3. The extension does not contradict the visa-free or visa regime requirements applicable to the foreigner's country of citizenship.

It is important to note that not all categories of foreigners can extend their stay in Ukraine. For example, for persons who have arrived under the visa-free regime, the maximum period of stay is 90 days within 180 days, and extension is possible only in exceptional cases.

Procedure for extending the period of stay

The procedure for extending the period of stay involves several mandatory steps:

1. Submission of an application to the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS)
2. The foreigner or their representative must apply to the territorial unit of the SMS no later than 3-10 days before the permitted period of stay expires.
3. Preparing a package of documents
4. The application must be accompanied by
   1. a copy of the passport and its translation into Ukrainian;
   2. Confirmation of the grounds for extending the stay (medical certificate, employment contract, an invitation from an educational institution, etc. ;)
   3. a document confirming the place of residence in Ukraine;
   4. Receipt of payment of the state fee.
5. Application consideration and decision-making
6. The SMS considers the application and decides within 3-7 business days. If the application is approved, the foreigner is issued a document confirming the extension of the permitted period of stay.
7. Control over compliance with the conditions of stay
8. Even after the period of stay is extended, foreigners are obliged to comply with migration legislation, leave the country in a timely manner, or apply for a residence permit, if applicable.

Challenges and risks of extending the period of stay

Even though the law provides for the possibility of extending the period of stay, foreigners often face several difficulties:

1. Refusal to extend due to insufficient grounds: The migration authorities may not accept the foreigner's arguments if they consider them insufficiently strong.
2. Bureaucratic obstacles - improper execution of documents or their absence may delay the consideration of the application or cause a refusal.
3. Missed application deadlines—If a foreigner applies to the migration service late, they may be denied an extension of their stay.
4. Non-compliance with the terms of migration legislation - each category of foreigners has its specifics of stay, and without knowledge of the law, it is easy to break the rules.

Preparing the documents correctly and getting professional legal support is important to avoid possible risks and ensure a guaranteed extension of your stay.

Assistance from Status Ko

Preparing documents for extending your stay requires a careful approach and knowledge of migration legislation. The best solution is to contact experts to avoid mistakes and obtain a 100% legal status.

Status Ko provides a full range of legal services for foreigners who want to extend their stay in Ukraine:

1. Consultation on migration legislation and conditions for extending the period of stay.
2. Preparation and submission of all necessary documents to the State Migration Service.
3. Official representation of the client's interests in state authorities.
4. Assistance in case of refusal - appeal against the decision and prepare a second application.
5. Obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit for those who want to stay in Ukraine for extended periods.

Thanks to our experience and knowledge of Ukrainian legislation, we guarantee a quick and efficient solution to issues related to the extension of stay in Ukraine.

Conclusion.

Extending one's stay in Ukraine is essential for foreigners who want to stay in the country legally. Complying with the application deadlines, properly executing documents, and complying with all legal requirements are key to a favorable decision.

It is worth contacting professional lawyers to avoid the risk of refusal and ensure a legal and safe stay in Ukraine. Status Ko will help you prepare all the necessary documents quickly and without complications, providing maximum legal support.