C-10 — Short-term Religious Activities Visa (Type C-10)

The Short-term Religious Activities Visa (Type C-10) was established as a specialized component of Ukraine’s broader immigration framework to facilitate the movement of foreign nationals engaged in spiritual, pastoral, or ecclesiastical missions. Governed by the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons" and the specific regulatory decrees issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, this visa exists to formalize the entry of individuals who do not intend to seek permanent residency or engage in secular employment. It was created to bridge a critical gap in the immigration system: while standard business or tourist visas are ill-suited for the specific logistical and legal requirements of religious organizations, the C-10 provides a dedicated pathway for representatives of recognized religious denominations to enter the country for short-term stays. By providing this specific classification, the Ukrainian government ensures that religious institutions can host international guests, speakers, and volunteers while maintaining oversight of the country’s religious landscape and ensuring that such activities remain within the bounds of national security and public order.

The ideal applicant for the C-10 visa is a foreign national—typically a member of the clergy, a missionary, a theological scholar, or a layperson—who has been formally invited by a registered religious organization operating within Ukraine to participate in ceremonies, conferences, pilgrimages, or humanitarian religious initiatives. Unlike general business visas, which focus on commercial gain, or student visas, which are tied to academic institutions, the C-10 is uniquely tailored to accommodate the non-profit, mission-driven nature of religious work. It is particularly distinctive for its lack of visa fees, reflecting the state’s recognition of the social and spiritual value these activities provide to the community. However, the visa is strictly limited to short-term stays, usually capped at 90 days within a 180-day period, and it does not grant the holder the right to engage in gainful employment outside of their religious duties. A mandatory requirement for this visa is the provision of comprehensive health insurance, which serves as a safeguard to ensure that visitors remain self-sufficient during their stay. This visa is an essential tool for international religious cooperation, offering a streamlined, albeit highly regulated, entry process for those whose presence is requested by Ukraine’s diverse faith-based communities.