After a Decade in Ukraine, a Swiss Woman Finally Secures Permanent Residency

Christina Lieberher's Journey in Ukraine

According to Державна міграційна служба: A Swiss national, Christina Lieberher, has been granted permanent residency in Ukraine through the Migration Service of the Ternopil region. For over ten years, she lived in the country on an annual temporary residence permit. Now residing in the village of Potutory, she runs an organic farming operation and produces teas and spices.

Lieberher first arrived in Ukraine 14 years ago. She is a co-founder of the Ukrainian-Swiss farm 'Zhiva Zemlya Potutory' LLC and established her own brand of organic teas and spices called 'Spices from Potutory.' Her facility employs six women and cultivates and processes around 50 types of plants. The product lineup includes:

• 12 varieties of herbal teas
• five spice blends
• individual herbs

The venture started on 400 hectares of land that once belonged to a former collective farm.

Christina explains: 'You could say the land called to me. I came to visit friends who were developing a modern organic farm on the site of a former collective farm. There were 400 hectares of 'living soil' and the chance to build something with my own hands. For years, I was a model citizen, teacher, and mother, but here I got an opportunity to fulfill a dream. That's how our friendship and long-term collaboration began.'

She further notes, 'Now we have a small but well-known operation where six women work. We grow and process about 50 types of plants. Our range includes 12 herbal teas, five spice blends, and individual herbs used as standalone ingredients.' Christina also says that with each tea, she aims to capture the taste of nature, highlighting the value and benefits of the herbs, which led to poetic names such as 'Morning Shimmers Silver,' 'Golden Evening,' 'Blossom,' and 'Winter Patterns.'

Christina Lieberher also expressed her admiration for the people of Ukraine: 'I grew up among the Alps, surrounded by mountains with just a sliver of sky. In Ukraine, the sky is endless. And the people here are special. At first, they may seem reserved, serious, and somewhat distant, but once you get to know them, their smiles become as warm as the sun.'

She noted that the migration service staff always sincerely helped her throughout the years she renewed her permit. 'And even though I now have a permanent residence permit that no longer requires annual renewal, I still want to come here to visit-and enjoy our tea together,' Lieberher added.

Success and Integration

Christina continues to expand her business, which has gained popularity among Ukrainians by catering to their tastes. Her story exemplifies how foreigners can successfully integrate into Ukrainian society and advance organic farming in the region.

Christina Lieberher's attainment of permanent residency highlights a positive integration experience for foreigners in Ukraine, potentially serving as a model for others considering relocation. The production of organic teas and spices is not only economically viable but also promotes sustainable agriculture, aligning with current trends in the farming sector. This case also demonstrates how foreigners can contribute to local economic and cultural development.