Foreign Fighters in Ukraine’s Army Can Apply for Citizenship After One Year of Service

Ukraine’s Migration Policy Under Discussion

According to Укрінформ — Мігранти: A recent episode of Ukrinform’s program 'It’s a Conversation' tackled the return of Ukrainians after the war and the pathway to citizenship for foreigners serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The guest was Nataliia Naumenko, head of the State Migration Service, who provided key insights into the country’s migration policies.

Naumenko stated that the government currently has no plans to launch a large-scale recruitment of labor migrants to rebuild Ukraine’s economy. However, she emphasized that the nation’s migration laws already align with European standards.

“Employment of foreigners is one of the legal grounds for their entry and stay in Ukraine,” said Nataliia Naumenko.

Opportunities for Foreign Service Members

Naumenko also detailed the benefits available to foreigners who sign contracts with Ukraine’s military. She clarified that

“citizens of other countries who have signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine can, after one year of service, obtain a permanent residence permit or apply for Ukrainian citizenship,” according to Nataliia Naumenko.

The program also covered an incident involving the assault of a Ukrainian woman in Odesa by a Turkish national. The episode premieres at 3:00 PM on Ukrinform’s YouTube channel.

Discussions on Ukraine’s migration policy, especially regarding foreigners serving in the military, highlight the importance of integrating these individuals into society, particularly in the context of post-war recovery. The lack of plans to attract labor migrants suggests the state may rely on domestic resources to revive the economy. This approach could have both positive and negative effects on Ukraine’s labor market, potentially leading to workforce shortages that might hinder reconstruction efforts after the conflict.

As discussions around migration policies continue, understanding the long-term attractiveness of Ukraine for foreign labor is crucial. Recent insights from experts highlight concerns about the country's appeal to migrant workers in the coming years. For a deeper look into these challenges and how they might impact Ukraine's recovery, see our article on Ukraine's attractiveness to labor migrants in 2026.