Unless a visa waiver is available, foreign business travelers require a visa to enter Ukraine. Ukrainian legislation provides for three types of visa, as follows:

• A transit B visa for a stay of up to five days
• A short-term stay C visa for a stay of up to 90 days (within a 180-day period)
• A long-term entry D visa, valid for up to 90 days

The D visa is a pre-requisite for applying for a Ukrainian temporary residence permit. It is issued to foreign nationals who are eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit (e.g., students, holders of Ukrainian work permits, their spouses, etc.) and is valid for up to 90 days, within which period the temporary residence permit must be applied for and received. Such visas are available from any consulate of Ukraine abroad. However, the original work permit issued to the Ukrainian corporate host is necessary as part of the visa application package.

For foreign nationals who will be employed in a Ukrainian representative office (branch) of a foreign entity, instead of the certified copy of the work permit, the employment agreement between the relevant foreign national and the Ukrainian employing entity should be submitted as part of the visa application package. Although it is not expressly required by law, the consulate may also request a certified copy of the service card. The service card is issued by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and serves as a substitute for a work permit.

Generally, foreign nationals who need a visa to enter Ukraine may stay in Ukraine for the term of their visa validity. Citizens of states that are signatories to agreements on visa-free travel with Ukraine may enter and stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This period is calculated retrospectively from the date of the latest entry into Ukraine. These limitations do not apply to holders of temporary residence permits (or permanent residence permits). A temporary residence permit enables the holder to enter and leave Ukraine as desired, and stay in Ukraine for the entire term of the validity of the temporary residence permit (subject to the completion of certain registration formalities required by law).

Citizens of states that are members of the European Union, the Swiss Confederation, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, Israel and some other states may enter Ukraine without a visa or any invitation letter for business and may remain for up 90 days within a 180-day period.

Visa-free entry for private purposes or tourism is also allowed for citizens of the above-mentioned states, which makes it possible for business travelers to take their spouses, children and other family members with them. However, this waiver of visa requirement is not intended for foreign nationals coming to Ukraine for employment purposes.

In addition, foreign nationals need to present evidence that they have sufficient means to sustain themselves for the entire period of their visit to Ukraine (e.g., have money in cash, bank cards, bank account statements, a valid hotel reservation, return tickets with fixed dates, a letter of commitment of the inviting party). If such evidence is not provided, the person may be denied entry into Ukraine and their visa may be canceled.