Legalisation of Residence for People in Informal Relationships: Procedures and Possibilities.

The issue of legalising the residency of people in informal relationships is becoming important these days, especially in the context of the situation in Ukraine. Many couples are considering formalising their relationship, but the current conditions related to the armed conflict significantly complicate these plans.

The question that arises concerns the possibility of legalising residency in order to reunite with family without the need to produce a marriage certificate. The answer to this question is complex and depends on a number of factors.

First of all, it has to be established whether the foreigner is under temporary protection, the so-called UKR status. In such a case, according to the current state of the law, it is possible to obtain a residence permit only for the purposes of employment (including on the basis of the so-called Blue Card) or business activity.

A draft amendment to the Law on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine in Connection with the Armed Conflict on the Territory of Ukraine was published on the website of the Government Legislation Centre on 5 April 2024. The amendment is supposed to provide for the possibility to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of family reunion. Unfortunately, however, according to the draft, this possibility is to apply only to persons with formal family ties.

In the case of persons not enjoying temporary protection, it is possible to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification, even without formal marital ties, which also includes cohabiting persons.

For more detailed information on the procedures involved in obtaining a family reunification residence permit, please feel free to contact our office.