Immigration lawyer

Immigration cases are lost not because of the complexity of the law, but because of documents and deadlines. A missed submission deadline, a certificate in the wrong format, a translation without a notary’s certification, or a lack of proof of lawful grounds for residence — and you’ll receive a refusal, after which you’ll have to start all over again.

You need an immigration lawyer to ensure your application is accepted first time round, and if you’ve already been refused, to appeal the decision before the deadline expires.

We work with both foreign nationals seeking legal status in Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens who have encountered problems with their documents, registration or departure.

+38 095 554-54-24 — legal consultation

Areas of practice

Legalisation of foreign nationals in Ukraine

• • temporary residence permit — study, work, family reunification, volunteering;
  • permanent residence permit;
  • extension of the period of stay in Ukraine;
  • work permit for a foreign national;

• registration of place of residence.

Citizenship

• acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship — by territorial origin, by naturalisation, or by restoration;
• processing of documents for children;
• renunciation of citizenship;
• appeal against a refusal to grant citizenship.

Protection

• appeal against an entry ban into Ukraine;
• protection against forced return and expulsion;
• annulment of a decision to shorten the period of stay;
• appeals against refusal by the State Migration Service to provide any administrative service;
• refugee status and subsidiary protection.

Ukrainians abroad

• documents for departure and return;
• permission for a child to travel abroad without the consent of the other parent;
• resolving issues with documents lost or left behind in the occupied territory.

Appealing against a refusal by the State Migration Service

Decisions and omissions by the State Migration Service may be appealed against in an administrative court.

Procedure:

1. Obtain a written refusal stating the grounds. A verbal “you are not eligible” does not constitute a decision and cannot be appealed. Demand a document.
2. Analyse the reason. If the refusal is due to an incomplete application, submit the missing documents. If the grounds are spurious, appeal.
3. File an administrative claim. The court fee for an individual in a non-pecuniary claim is 1,331.20 UAH (2026).
4. Ensure that the State Migration Service is obliged to make a decision or provide the service.

Failure to act (documents submitted, deadline passed, no decision) is appealed in the same way as a refusal.

Entry ban: the most difficult, but not hopeless

An entry ban into Ukraine may be imposed for various periods. People often find out about it at the border — when they are turned back.

What we do:

• we establish the grounds and duration of the ban — via a solicitor’s request, as people often have no idea why it was imposed;
• we assess the legality of the decision and the procedure by which it was made;
• we challenge the decision in the administrative court;
• we argue that the measure is disproportionate if the person has a family, children, a business or a home in Ukraine — this is one of the most effective arguments.

The right to respect for family life is a compelling argument in such cases, and the courts take it into account.

A child travelling abroad

This is a separate and very common category. If the other parent does not consent to the child travelling abroad (or their whereabouts are unknown), the matter is resolved in court.

The court grants permission to travel without the other parent’s consent if this is in the child’s best interests: medical treatment, education, health improvement, or permanent residence with the parent with whom the child lives.

What needs to be demonstrated: the purpose of the trip, its duration, guarantees of return (or the validity of the move), the other parent’s position, and their involvement in the child’s life.

When a lawyer is not needed

If your documents are in order, the grounds are clear, and the State Migration Service is operating normally — submit your application yourself via the Administrative Services Centre or a local branch.

A migration lawyer is needed when:

• the State Migration Service has refused or has not responded;
• entry into Ukraine is prohibited;
• you are being deported or your period of stay is being curtailed;
• documents have been lost or remain in the occupied territory;
• you need permission for a child to leave the country without the other parent’s consent;
• the matter concerns citizenship — this is always a complex procedure;
• you are a foreign national and are unfamiliar with the procedures.

How we work

1. We analyse the grounds — whether you are even entitled to what you are requesting.
2. We compile a set of documents so that there is no grounds for refusal.
3. We make solicitor’s enquiries — to ascertain the true reason for the ban or refusal.
4. We challenge the decisions and inaction of the State Migration Service in the administrative court.
5. We defend against deportation — including a motion to stay the enforcement of the decision.
6. We see the case through to a successful outcome — obtaining the document, not merely ‘submitting an application’.

Cost of services

Court fee: 1,331.20 UAH per administrative claim (2026). If the case is won, this is recovered from the defendant.

Full price list · Administrative cases

Questions and answers (Immigration lawyer)

What should I do if the State Migration Service has refused my application?

Obtain a written refusal stating the grounds and appeal against it in the administrative court. The court fee is 1,331.20 UAH, and if you win the case, it is recovered from the State Migration Service.

How can I find out why I’ve been banned from entering the country?

Through a solicitor’s request. Often, people only find out about the ban at the border and are unaware of either the grounds or the duration.

Can an entry ban be lifted?

Yes, it can be challenged in court. A strong argument is that the measure is disproportionate: if you have a family, children, a business or a home in Ukraine, the courts will take this into account.

What should I do if the other parent does not consent to the child travelling abroad?

Take the matter to court. Permission is granted if the child’s departure is in their best interests: for medical treatment, education, health reasons, or to live with the parent with whom they currently reside.

How long does it take to process a residence permit?

It depends on the grounds and the completeness of the documents. The main cause of delays is not the DMS processing times, but an incorrectly compiled application package, which has to be submitted in instalments.

Is it possible to obtain Ukrainian citizenship?

Yes, provided there are grounds: territorial origin, naturalisation, or reinstatement. This is a complex procedure with stringent requirements regarding documentation.

What should I do if I am being deported?

Act immediately: appeal against the decision and, at the same time, apply for a stay of execution. Time is working against you here.

My documents are still in the occupied territory. What should I do?

You’ll need to have them restored — via archives, duplicates, or, if necessary, by establishing the facts through the courts.

What documents should I bring to the consultation?

Your passport, any existing permits or certificates, a written refusal from the State Migration Service, a decision on an entry ban or deportation, and any documents confirming the grounds for your stay.

Contacting a migration lawyer at Svarog

Describe your situation — we will advise you on whether you have a valid case, what documents are required and what to do if the State Migration Service has already refused your application. If the matter concerns an entry ban or deportation, please call immediately: every day counts in such cases.

+38 095 554-54-24 · Kyiv, 7 Khoriva Street (Podil) · Mon–Fri 9.00–18.00