Marriage Paves Way for Italian's Immigration to Ukraine
Cesare Ferraro, an Italian national, has been granted permission to immigrate to Ukraine on the basis of his marriage to Ukrainian citizen Valentyna Shumyk. Ferraro applied for a permanent residency permit with the Ukrainian migration service in August 2025. This case highlights Ukraine's immigration procedures for foreign spouses, which have continued to function despite the ongoing war.
The couple lived in a common-law partnership from 2013 until 2023, when they formalized their union with an official marriage in Italy in July of that year. Valentyna first traveled to Italy in 2007, while Cesare's first visit to Ukraine was in 2014. They have chosen the village of Dobre in the Kamian-Kashyrskyi district as their home, where they have built their own house.
Expressing a Commitment to a New Life in Ukraine
Cesare Ferraro has clearly stated his intention to build a future in the country, remarking:
“I want to build my life here.”This underscores his goal of integrating into Ukrainian society and establishing roots.
Ferraro's successful immigration application is significant not only for him personally but also as a potential model for other foreigners considering a move to Ukraine. A marriage between a Ukrainian and a foreign national, followed by a clear intent to settle, can serve as an example for others. It may also indicate a growing interest in Ukraine as a destination for long-term residence and personal investment, even during a challenging period in the nation's history.