Due to the increased demand among foreigners to join the International Legion of Ukraine, the procedure for applying and being selected to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been simplified. How to apply and join a foreign legion, what is required, and how long to wait for a response is described in our article.

What is the International Legion of Ukraine?

The International Legion of Ukraine was formed by a decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the beginning of the full-scale russian invasion. It consists of infantry and special task battalions that are part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Legion is directly involved in combat missions on the territory of Ukraine and, together with the Ukrainian army, fights for Ukraine's independence and the security of the world.

What are the requirements for candidates to join?

1. Age from 18 to 60 years (according to the current legislation of Ukraine).

2. No criminal record.

3. Absence of chronic diseases confirmed by a medical commission.

4. Appropriate physical training (ability to perform combat missions).

5. Possibility of legal entry into the territory of Ukraine (the candidate must solve visa issues and organize his/her trip on his/her own. Read more about who needs a visa and how to obtain it here).

The candidate's military or combat experience will be an advantage in the selection process, but it is not required for joining the International Legion of Ukraine.

How to join the International Legion of Ukraine under the new simplified procedure: instructions

To apply for membership, a candidate must take 4 steps:

1. Download to your device (computer/laptop/phone) and fill out a special form on the website of the International Legion - https://ildu.com.ua/.

2. Scan the passport.

3. Scan documents confirming military or combat experience (if any).

4. Send the completed application form and scans of documents to [email protected].

Please note! To submit an application and documents for membership in the International Legion:

- no need to apply to the Ukrainian Embassy in your country of residence;

- no need to come to Ukraine before your candidacy is considered or to apply to recruitment centers in Ukraine. This will only complicate the admission process and take longer. The easiest and most correct option is to apply online from the comfort of your home;

- no need to apply for a permanent or temporary residence permit. You can do this after your candidacy is considered and you sign a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as it is the legal basis for applying for residence or stay.

Consultations on joining the Legion by phone: 

● +380 800 507 028

● +380 044 339 59 87

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How long will it take to process an application for membership in the International Legion?

After submitting the application form and documents for membership, representatives of the International Legion review the correctness of the application and, if there are no questions, notify the candidate and submit the documents to the relevant departments that will make a decision. If the candidate receives a positive response, he or she is contacted and given the contacts of his or her future unit for a final interview.

The application review period is 14 days. If the candidate does not receive a response within this time, he or she can contact Legion representatives on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Twitter.

After receiving a notification that your application has been properly completed and submitted to the units for consideration, the waiting period for the final decision is 21 days. 

Representatives of the International Legion emphasize that you should not ask about the status of your application unless 14 days have passed since you submitted your application and 21 days have passed since you received confirmation that your application has been submitted to the units. 

If your application is approved, you should prepare and organize your travel. Answers to other frequently asked questions can be found on the International Legion website, and the rules of entry and stay in Ukraine can be found here.

We remind you!  As of July 1, all COVID restrictions and quarantine measures have been lifted in Ukraine. Read our previous article to find out what border crossing rules are currently in effect in the country and what is required for migration, as well as for traveling for work or tourism purposes.

Photo: cover image from the official video of the International Legion on YouTube

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