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

Client’s Situation

Having spent years in Ukraine, the client had contributed to:

• Medical training for Ukraine’s armed forces
• Tactical medicine reform aligned with NATO standards
• Humanitarian logistics and field support
• Leading an unregistered but highly active volunteer group

Yet, he had no legal residency. This left him vulnerable to:

• Immigration penalties
• Inability to travel or return
• Legal uncertainty for all volunteer work
• No access to services like banking or contracts

He required a lasting solution, including:

• A legal basis for travel and residency
• Formal NGO registration
• Eligibility for a D-10 volunteer visa and later getting for the client residence permit for one year on basis of this visa

Problem

The case presented several intersecting issues:

Long-Term Overstay

The client had overstayed the visa-free period by years. Ukrainian law allows border control to impose bans in such cases, particularly without prior legal resolution.

Absence of Legal Structure

Without a registered NGO, he lacked the foundation to sponsor his visa or host foreign volunteers. His work, while impactful, lacked formal legal status.

Urgent Mobility Needs

As a key logistics coordinator, the client needed to leave Ukraine often. Without lawful immigration standing, he faced the risk of permanent re-entry denial.

Lack of Long-Term Legal Path

Beyond immediate relief, the client needed a route to permanent legal residence, ensuring continuity in his work and life in Ukraine.

Our Approach

Immigration Risk Review and Strategic Resolution

Intermarium began by:

• Assessing the immigration history and penalties
• Paying administrative fines for the overstay
• Submitting evidence to the immigration authorities related to the client’s public service and humanitarian impact that helped reformation and advancement of Ukrainian medicine
• Coordinating with the State Migration Service to prevent any possible sanctions or entry bans

NGO Registration and Operational Setup

To legitimize the client’s ongoing work, the firm:

• Drafted and submitted founding documents for a non-governmental organization
• Structured the NGO Sidus Vitae to support all relevant humanitarian and training activities aiming to enhance medical qualifications of Ukrainian medics, civilian population and military personnel
• Received permission to invite foreign volunteers with the National Social Service of Ukraine
• Enabled the NGO to lawfully host foreign volunteers and issue invitations

Visa Filing and Re-Entry Management

Intermarium then:

• Prepared a full D-10 visa application for submission abroad
• Included sponsorship documentation from the registered NGO
• Ensured smooth communication with border officials for re-entry
• The client successfully returned to Ukraine using the new visa

Residence Permit Application

Following legal re-entry, Intermarium:

• Filed an application for a temporary residence permit (valid for 1 year)
• Provided all required documentation, including NGO affiliation
• Represented the client before migration authorities
• Obtained the permit, granting him rights to reside, work, and travel legally

Result

The firm’s work led to a successful outcome:

• The overstay issue was resolved without sanctions
• A fully compliant NGO was created to support long-term operations
• A D-10 visa was issued and the client returned legally
• A temporary residence permit was obtained without complications
• A pathway to permanent residency was secured through documented volunteer work

This comprehensive solution allowed the client to continue his mission with full legal backing.

Expert Commentary

“This was a case where mission-critical work met legal vulnerability. By building a lawful framework around the client’s humanitarian efforts, we ensured he could continue to serve without fear of legal interruptions.” — Lead Counsel, Intermarium Law Firm

Conclusion

This case underscores the need for international volunteers and NGO leaders to maintain legal residency while working in Ukraine. No matter the value of their contributions, without documentation, they remain at risk.

Key Lessons:

• An overstay can be addressed if supported by evidence of good faith and public value
• A registered NGO is essential for conducting volunteer operations legally
• The D-10 visa provides the best immigration route for volunteers
• Long-term status must be legally built, not assumed—even for contributors to national resilience

Through strategic legal planning, the client transformed his situation—gaining not only compliance but also full freedom to act both for him and his NGO Sidus Vitae

Submit a Request

Do you need legal support for NGO registration or immigration compliance in Ukraine? Intermarium Law Firm offers tailored legal guidance to support foreign volunteers, humanitarian experts, and organizational founders. Get in touch today to ensure your mission in Ukraine is legally protected.