The State Migration Service is a standalone state agency subordinate to the Cabinet of Ministers through the Minister of Interior Affairs of Ukraine. In addition to its central headquarters, it also has local immigration offices in major cities, regions and administrative districts. It is the key authority in relation to immigration, including combating illegal immigration and issues connected with citizenship and residency permits.

The employment centers in cities and administrative districts, which are responsible for issuing work permits to Ukrainian legal entities, are subordinated to the Ministry of Economy. This Ministry is also the authority responsible for the registration of representative offices of foreign companies in Ukraine and issuing service cards (i.e., a substitute for work permits) to foreign nationals employed in representative offices in Ukraine.

The consulates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are responsible for the issuance of visas outside of Ukraine.

The State Border Guard Service is the authority that admits foreign nationals into Ukraine at the point of entry.

The registration authority within the territory of the administrative-territorial unit is responsible for the registration of the place of residence of Ukrainian citizens, foreign nationals and stateless persons.