Serving in Ukraine's Armed Forces as a Foreign National

Yes, in principle. Foreign nationals and stateless persons aged 18–60 may sign a military contract if they have a clean criminal record, legal grounds for presence in Ukraine, and pass the Military Medical Commission along with a security background check. A valid passport (or a document certifying stateless status) is required.

There is no blanket Ukrainian-language requirement for enlistment. In practice, language ability affects which units and roles are realistically open to you — some positions on this site's vacancy list are explicitly marked "English-speaking" (see the filter below) for exactly this reason.

You need your own legal basis to enter and remain in Ukraine before applying (visa, residence permit, or other lawful status) — we do not arrange travel, visas, or immigration status. Once you are legally in the country, contact us directly for the next steps.

Standard contracts run 3–5 years with a 2-month probationary period; during martial law, voluntary termination is possible only after 6 months of continuous service. Foreign service members serving under contract receive legal and social protection on par with Ukrainian citizens, and — after meeting the requirements of Ukraine's citizenship law — may apply for citizenship through a simplified procedure.