Rada simplifies rules of stay of foreign volunteers and humanitarian workers in Ukraine

The Verkhovna Rada has passed a law simplifying the process of obtaining temporary residence permits for foreign volunteers and humanitarian workers. Parliament approved the bill on March 12; 254 members of parliament voted in favor, none voted against, and one abstained.

What the new law changes

The document stipulates that during the period of martial law and for one year after its conclusion, foreigners and stateless persons will not be required to obtain a long-term visa to apply for a temporary residence permit.

This rule applies to foreigners (except Russian citizens) who:

• work for companies registered abroad that are recipients of humanitarian aid;
• participate in international or regional volunteer programs;
• are involved in the activities of organizations and institutions that work with volunteers in accordance with the Law “On Volunteer Activities.”

Legalization of those already in Ukraine

The law also regulates the status of foreigners and stateless persons who arrived in Ukraine after February 24, 2022.

If such individuals apply for a temporary residence permit within 60 days of the new regulations taking effect, they will be considered to be legally present in Ukraine.

Why the changes were adopted

One of the bill’s initiators, Valerii Zub, a member of parliament from the Servant of the People faction, noted in the explanatory memorandum that the current procedure for obtaining a residence permit significantly complicates the legalization of foreign volunteers and humanitarian workers.

At the same time, specialists with experience working in other conflict zones are currently urgently needed to provide professional humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

The bill was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada in March 2025