Before this, the foreign nationals seeking employment in Ukraine could only apply for a D visa at Ukrainian consulates or embassies abroad. In most cases, they had to leave the country to get a D visa after their Ukrainian employer obtained a work permit to employ them.

From 26 June 2019, nationals of countries with a visa-free regime of entry to Ukraine (EU countries, US, Japan, etc.) can apply for a D visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, without leaving the country.