Legal Support for the Legalization of the Founder of an International NGO in Ukraine

Comprehensive resolution of the complex immigration status of the founder of Sidus Vitae and strategic support on immigration law issues.

Background and Project Objectives

A U.S. citizen, a highly qualified paramedic and civil activist, arrived in Ukraine during the Revolution of Dignity and actively participated in providing medical aid to protesters. Later, he traveled to the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone, where he played a crucial role in reforming tactical medicine, adapting it to NATO standards. He conducted training sessions for military personnel and medical professionals, contributed to Ukraine’s national security, and collaborated with various NGOs, forming his own team of volunteers.

However, his immigration status remained unresolved, as he had entered Ukraine under tourist status and overstayed his permitted duration by several years. With the onset of full-scale war, the foreign national needed to travel abroad regularly to collect humanitarian aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Due to his immigration violations, he risked being denied re-entry, which could have jeopardized his continued humanitarian efforts.

The Intermarium Law Firm team was tasked with:

• Legalizing the foreign national’s stay in Ukraine and preventing an entry ban due to overstaying his permitted period.
• Registering a non-governmental organization (NGO) that aligned with his field of activity and allowed for the recruitment of foreign volunteers.
• Facilitating the issuance of a long-term D-10 visa to obtain temporary residence status in Ukraine.

Legal Challenges and Key Issues

• Overstayed visa-free period by several years – Legally, it was necessary not only to pay the fine but also to prove the absence of grounds for an entry ban, citing exceptional circumstances and the public significance of his contributions.
• Legalization of volunteer activities – It was necessary to officially register an NGO covering all aspects of the applicant’s work and obtain approval for foreign volunteer recruitment.
• Long-term immigration strategy for Ukraine – A legal mechanism needed to be developed to ensure the foreign national could stay in Ukraine legally, conduct activities as a resident, and avoid further immigration risks.

Legal Strategy and Implementation

Legalizing Immigration Status:

✔ Conducted a legal analysis of the situation and developed a comprehensive resolution strategy.

✔ Facilitated the payment of an overstay fine while proving the absence of grounds for an entry ban, taking into account the applicant’s contributions to Ukrainian society.

✔ Established effective communication with the State Migration Service of Ukraine, ensuring a favorable resolution without negative consequences for the foreign national.

Registration of the NGO:

✔ Drafted and registered the NGO’s statutory documents, ensuring compliance with Ukrainian laws and covering all aspects of the applicant’s humanitarian work.

✔ Successfully registered the NGO, securing the legal right to recruit foreign volunteers.

✔ Included the NGO in the official registry of the National Social Service of Ukraine, creating a legal basis for the issuance of a long-term D-10 volunteer visa.

Visa Processing and Residency Registration:

✔ Prepared and submitted documents for a D-10 visa, designated for foreign volunteers.

✔ The applicant successfully obtained the visa at a Ukrainian diplomatic mission abroad and legally re-entered Ukraine.

✔ Facilitated the issuance of a temporary residence permit, granting the applicant the right to legally work, open bank accounts, and travel freely in and out of Ukraine.

Results and Legal Impact

1. Successfully resolved the overstay issue, allowing the applicant to avoid an entry ban and secure official resident status.

2. Officially registered an NGO, providing a legal framework for volunteer work in Ukraine.

3. Secured a long-term D-10 visa and processed a temporary residence permit, enabling the applicant to legally stay and operate in Ukraine.

4. Implemented a long-term immigration strategy, allowing the applicant to apply for permanent residency after five years of continuous volunteer work in Ukraine.

Conclusions and Legal Significance of the Case

Humanitarian and volunteer activities play a crucial role in strengthening Ukraine’s national security and reforming key sectors such as healthcare, education, ecology, and aid for internally displaced persons. However, foreign volunteers who intend to continue their efforts must obtain a proper legal status. Proper legal structuring of activities through an NGO not only legitimizes volunteer work but also enables obtaining residency status in Ukraine.

After five years of continuous stay as a temporary resident, based on volunteer work, the applicant may apply for immigration status and permanent residency in Ukraine.

Thanks to the expert legal support of Intermarium Law Firm, the U.S. citizen, who dedicated years to reforming tactical medicine and providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine, successfully regularized his immigration status, avoided potential deportation, and obtained all necessary permits for continued volunteer and civil engagement.