Last Updated on March 23, 2023
This article was originally published on 24 Feb. 2022 and was updated on 14 May 2022 to reflect new information.
***Please note that on 24 Feb. 2022, the government of Ukraine issued a decree placing the country under martial law. Under the decree, the government has reinstated a draft for Ukrainian males between the age of 18 and 60. These individuals may be prevented from exiting the country by the Ukrainian State Border Guard.***
This article highlights a selection of immigration options for Ukrainian nationals in the locations below. Please be advised that processing times may vary depending on the operation status of each country’s diplomatic mission. A sponsoring entity in the host country is likely required for many of the arrangements noted here.
Envoy continues to track various relaxed immigration considerations and non-work authorization related options worldwide for nationals departing Ukraine. Such options include temporary measures such as visa-free entry or the ability to enter as a tourist initially before changing to a work authorized status later. Additional information will be available as soon as possible.
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Andorra
On 11 May 2022, the government of Andorra approved a decree that establishes the procedures for the reception of people displaced due to the crisis in Ukraine. Under the decree, 285 people will be eligible to receive residence permits or permission to remain in Andorra to work. Eligible individuals will need to register with the Register of Beneficiaries.
On 28 March 2022, the government of Andorra announced that Ukrainian nationals, stateless persons and third-country nationals and their family members who resided in Ukraine prior to 24 Feb. 2022 can apply for temporary protection in the country.
To obtain the status, these individuals should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via email ([email protected]). Under this status, eligible individuals will be granted the right to reside and work legally on a temporary basis in Andorra. Permits will be issued for a period of two years. Minors will also be granted access to education.
Persons from Ukraine over the age of 16 must provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 by presenting a vaccination certificate or a recovery certificate.
Argentina
The government of Argentina will grant Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members permission to apply for an entry and humanitarian visa that will allow them to live and work in the country for a period of up to three years. To qualify, applicants must have been outside of Argentina and Ukraine on or before 8 March 2022.
Australia
Australia has prioritized the processing of outstanding visa applications from Ukrainian nationals across all visa categories. Close family members have been authorized to apply on the behalf of their family members in Ukraine. Automatic extensions for six months will be given to Ukrainian nationals in Australia who have a status expiring before 30 June 2022. Ukrainian nationals do not have to take extra steps to qualify and will be contacted by the Australian immigration authorities.
Austria
On 12 March 2022, the government of Austria announced that qualified individuals fleeing Ukraine can be granted residence under the Temporary Protection Directive until 3 March 2023. The government also published a webpage that can aid Ukrainian nationals in finding work options in Austria.
To obtain the right to residence in Austria, an applicant must submit their application to the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA). The BFA will issue an identity card to the applicant. From there, applicants can register with the registration offices of the police. Ukrainian nationals will also have to register their place of residence with the Austrian government.
Ukrainian nationals will be permitted to enter Austria visa-free for up to 90 days so long as a biometric passport can be presented. Emergency passports are also being issued for Ukrainian nationals residing in Austria for a maximum period of 90 days.
On 11 March 2022, the government of Belgium announced that it will grant temporary protection to Ukrainian nationals, third country nationals, stateless persons, individuals with residence permits in Ukraine, European Union (EU) nationals who legally reside in Ukraine and who resided in Ukraine prior to 24 Feb. 2022, and non-EU nationals who cannot return to their country of origin. These individuals will be granted a work permit, along with any family members of these individuals.
Brazil
On 3 March 2022, the government of Brazil published an Ordinance that Ukrainian nationals and stateless persons will be granted temporary visas and residence permits due to the conflict in Ukraine. The residence permit will be granted for a period of two years and will provide authorization for an employment permit.
In order to qualify, the individual must initiate the process with the government of Brazil after 90 days of remaining in the territory. To apply, individuals will need a valid travel document, a completed visa application form, proof of how they entered Brazil, and a certificate of criminal record issued by Ukraine. Eligible individuals will have until 31 Aug. 2022 to apply for the provisions of the Ordinance.
Bulgaria
The government of Bulgaria announced that Ukrainian nationals who left Ukraine after 24 Feb. 2022 will have the right to temporary protection in Bulgaria. These individuals must register by 31 March 2022 in order to be issued a registration document with a photo and QR code. Ukrainian nationals will be able to register at a border checkpoint.
Ninety days of stay is allowed for Ukrainian nationals working remotely in Bulgaria. After the initial 90 days, work authorization is required. Some common work authorizations for Bulgaria include the EU Blue Card, the Single Work and Residency Permit and the ICT (Intra Corporate Transfer) Permit.
The EU Blue Card is valid for up to four years. To be eligible, foreign nationals must earn a minimum of BGN 2,100 per month and hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
The Single Work and Residency Permit is initially valid for three years. To qualify, a Labor Market Test must be completed prior to the application being submitted. In addition, the hiring company cannot have over 20% to 30% foreign nationals on the permit compared to the number of Bulgarian nationals working in the company.
The ICT Permit is a pathway open to managers, specialists and trainees that will remain employed by the home country company.
Generally, it takes around four to five months for the entire work permit application process to be completed.
Canada
The government of Canada will extend the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). As a result, the following measures will be maintained:
- Ukrainians and their family members will have until 15 July 2023 to apply overseas for a CUAET visa free of charge;
- Anyone holding a CUAET visa will have until 31 March 2024 to travel to Canada under the special measures; and
- CUAET holders who are already here in Canada will have until 31 March 2024 to extend or adjust their temporary status through these measures, free of charge.
On 17 March 2022, the government of Canada announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). Under CUAET, Ukrainian nationals will have access to an accelerated temporary residence pathway. The pathway will grant residency for up to three years in Canada. These individuals will also be permitted to apply for a three-year open work permit at the same time as the visa application. Eligible individuals include Ukrainian nationals and their family members of any nationality.
Applicants who do not hold a valid passport will still be permitted to apply and will be issued a single journey travel document on a case-by-case basis. Ukrainian nationals and their family members who are already in Canada will be permitted to apply for an extension to the current immigration permissions that they hold already or for an open work permit. The government will also waive any administrative fees associated with the program and application process. Applications can be submitted online and biometrics can be collected at any visa application center (VAC) outside of Ukraine.
Ukrainian nationals and their family members are exempt from COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements but must meet all other public health requirements for travel, including undergoing a quarantine period and testing requirements. For additional information on the CUAET pathway, click here.
On 3 March 2022, the government of Canada created the Canada-Ukraine Authorization Emergency Travel option for individuals fleeing Ukraine. Under this option, Ukrainian nationals will be granted an expedited pathway to relocate to Canada. Ukrainian nationals will be permitted to apply for this program and remain in Canada for at least two years. Background checks and security screenings must be completed prior to arrival in Canada.
The government announced that there will be no limit to the number of Ukrainian nationals permitted to enter Canada under this option.
The government is expected to publish additional details for Ukrainian nationals soon.
Ukrainian nationals currently residing in Canada on a temporary basis will be eligible to apply for an extension to their worker status. A dedicated service channel for Ukrainian inquiries has also been established for clients both in Canada and abroad. Clients who add the keyword “Ukraine2022” will have their emails and inquiries prioritized.
Ukrainian nationals with temporary residence status, who have received a job offer in Canada, will be permitted to begin working while their work permit application is processed. Open work permits can be issued to Ukrainian nationals so that they can legally remain in Canada.
Cyprus
On 17 March 2022, the government of Cyprus published updates for Ukrainian nationals and other third-country nationals who are granted concessions under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. Applicants can submit their application online through the government’s Asylum Service. The government also affirmed that the right to work will be granted to everyone without exception upon presentation of a temporary protection card.
Czech Republic
On 5 March 2022, the government of the Czech Republic lifted COVID-19 entry requirements for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. These measures specifically apply to citizens of Ukraine, citizens of the Czech Republic, or another European Union (EU) member state and those holding residence permits of any EU member state who resided in Ukraine on or before 24 Feb. 2022. The government also made concessions for citizens of Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican City. Additional information can be found here.
Ukrainian nationals currently residing in the Czech Republic on a valid long-term residence permit will need to apply for an extension under the regular rules of extension. Ukrainian nationals holding a visa waiver, Schengen visa, seasonal visa or special work visa that expires in less than 14 days can apply for a special long-stay visa. Ukrainian nationals will be permitted to continue to work on a work permit after the expiration date.
Ukrainian nationals can travel to the Czech Republic without a visa so long as they can present a valid biometric passport. These travelers will be permitted to remain in the Czech Republic, visa-free, for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Ukrainian nationals with residence permit currently processing at an embassy abroad will be permitted to complete the application process in the Czech Republic.
An extension of stay has been introduced for any Ukrainian nationals who entered the country on a visa-free stay. Ukrainian nationals who are unable to leave Denmark within 90 days will be eligible to apply for a stay extension of 90 additional days. Appointments can be made here.
Ukrainian nationals who applied for a residence permit on the grounds of work or study can apply to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) for an extension of stay if they are unable to leave Denmark and return to Ukraine.
To qualify for a visa-free stay, Ukrainian nationals must have been issued a biometric passport after 12 Jan. 2015. Ukrainian nationals with a passport issued prior to 12 Jan. 2015 will need to apply for a short-term visa to enter Denmark.
Estonia
On 8 March 2022, the government of Estonia officially approved the temporary protection directive. The government will grant temporary protection to Ukrainian citizens and stateless people by providing residence permits to Ukrainian and third-country nationals who are unable to return to their own country due to life-threatening circumstances.
The protection will allow these individuals to obtain a residence permit for a period of one year, which can then be extended. These residence permits will be granted within a day of entrance into Estonia so long as the individual can prove t
