On 23 March 2016, the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 212-p "On the immigration quota for 2016" dated 23 March 2016 (hereinafter - the "Decree") came into force. The Decree sets the immigration quota for 2016 by categories of immigrants and administrative units of Ukraine. Under the Law of Ukraine No. 2491-III "On immigration", dated 7 June 2001, the immigration quota is the limit on the number of foreigners or stateless persons entitled to obtain an immigration permit in a certain  calendar year. 

The total number of immigrants allowed into Ukraine in 2016 has been set at 4,586 persons (excluding immigrants who enter Ukraine on specified investments grounds). Under the Decree the break down of categories is as follows: (i) for scientists and artists whose immigration is in the interests of Ukraine the quota is 530 persons; (ii) for persons who are a full brother or sister, grandfather or grandmother, grandson or granddaughter of a citizen of Ukraine the quota is 1,357 persons; (iii) for persons who have previously held Ukrainian citizenship the quota is 403 persons; (iv) for the parents, husband (wife) or minor children of an immigrant the quota is 2,293 persons.

For persons who have made investments in Ukraine in foreign convertible currency in the amount of not less than USD 100,000, immigration is not restricted by either the number of persons or by the locality where they can settle, or by the number of persons who can settle in a particular administrative unit of Ukraine.  

However only an investment registered pursuant to the established procedure will be accepted for immigration purposes.
 

Additional notes

This LEGAL ALERT is issued to inform Baker & McKenzie clients and other interested parties of legal developments that may affect or otherwise be of interest to them. The comments above do not constitute legal or other advice and should not be regarded as a substitute for specific advice in individual cases.