What to Do If You Lose Your Residence Permit in Ukraine

Losing a Ukrainian temporary residence permit does not automatically cancel your residence status, but the card must be reported and replaced promptly. The first step depends on whether the permit was lost, stolen or physically damaged.

The first step depends on what happened

• Stolen permit: report the theft to the National Police and obtain evidence of the report, then notify the State Migration Service.
• Lost permit: notify the State Migration Service or its territorial office in writing.
• Damaged permit: arrange an exchange as soon as possible and keep the damaged original for submission.

For a lost or stolen permit, Ukrainian procedure requires written notice to the State Migration Service within three working days. A theft must also be reported to the National Police. The three-day reporting rule specifically covers loss and theft; a damaged card follows the exchange procedure and should be dealt with without delay.

Where to apply for a replacement

The replacement application is normally filed with a territorial office of the State Migration Service, a centre of the state enterprise Document, or a suitably equipped administrative services centre. Availability can vary by location, so confirm the receiving office and appointment route before travelling.

Documents to prepare

The exact package depends on the reason for replacement and your residence ground. A current working checklist usually includes:

• Your valid passport or other recognised identity document
• A certified Ukrainian translation of the passport page containing your personal data
• The original residence permit if it is damaged and still in your possession
• The police report or other confirmation if the permit was stolen
• A written statement explaining the loss, theft or damage
• Documents confirming any changed circumstances or legal facts relevant to the exchange
• Proof of payment of the administrative fee, or evidence of an exemption
• Documents for a legal representative, if the filing is made through one in a case where representation is allowed

Bring your extract from the territorial community register if it is available. If your place of residence was never registered or declared, that is a separate compliance issue: a fine and address registration may be required before or alongside the replacement process. The sequence should be checked against your facts rather than assumed in advance.

The migration authority may also ask for documents connected with the original residence ground or other case-specific evidence. This is why it is sensible to confirm the checklist before the appointment, particularly if the original permit was issued some time ago or your circumstances have changed.

How long replacement takes

The State Migration Service states that a temporary residence permit is issued within 15 working days after a complete application has been accepted. The replacement process restores the document; it does not by itself create a new residence ground or extend the underlying period of residence.

What if you find the old card

If you find the permit after reporting it lost or stolen and after applying for a replacement, return the old card to the State Migration Service within one day. Do not continue using it: a reported card may already be recorded as invalid.

If the permit was lost outside Ukraine

Losing the card abroad can affect boarding and re-entry. Contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate and check the entry route with the State Migration Service before booking travel. A photograph or copy of the missing card is useful evidence, but it is not a replacement travel or residence document.

Report the incident first, preserve evidence of the report, and confirm the current document list before your appointment.