Moving To Lviv
Thinking of moving to Lviv or just arrived?
Whether you’re here for work, volunteering, studies, or a slower pace of life, this guide will help you feel at home faster. As someone that spent quite some time here, I will share my experiences here.
Before You Move
Why Lviv?
Lviv is a city that really touches your soul. Its charming cobblestone streets, deep cultural roots, and busy café life create a perfect mix of European class and Ukrainian spirit. Whether you’re into history, art, or just prefer taking things slow, Lviv welcomes everyone with warmth and friendliness. The cost of living here is much lower than in most Western European cities, making it a great spot for freelancers, remote workers, and volunteers.
Besides saving money, Lviv has a buzzing creative vibe, tight-knit community spirit, and tons of chances to get involved; whether it’s volunteering with local NGOs or joining cultural events. Plus, its location is perfect for exploring nearby mountains, heading to Kyiv, or even traveling to neighboring countries. If you’re searching for a place full of meaning, connection, and a true sense of belonging, Lviv really offers something special!
Lviv is also called the “Silicon Valley of Ukraine”. There are many IT companies and since the start of the war, many from other parts of the country relocated their offices here because it was relatively safe. If you work in IT or related jobs and want to increase your related network, Lviv is definitely the place for you! Almost everybody below 35 I know works one way or another in an IT company. Let me know if I have to bring you in contact with some!
Visa Requirements To Enter Ukraine
In general the visa requirements vary per country but most countries are allowed to stay 90 out of 180 days visa free in Ukraine. Roughly, if you are from Europe, North America, South America or a former Soviet Union country this counts for you. If not, you might have to apply for a visa.
You can find out about your country when you click this link: website of the ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Telegram & Facebook groups
When you move here you probably want to meet people or you might have specific questions. A good place to ask them is in Facebook or Telegram groups. Most questions are usually already asked at some point by others that moved here.
The most popular group is the Lviv Expat & Friends FB Group
There are also some larger internationally aimed Telegram groups like:
– International Friends Lviv
– Among Nations Lviv
Cost of living comparison
This depends a bit on your usual lifestyle too. Rent is a big part of it and probably takes up 30-50% of your monthly budget. I lived here during several times before and during the war and while in UAH everything increased a lot, compared to EUR it only increased a little. In 2021 I lived here for roughly €600-700/ month and in 2025 €800-900. Note: my rent the first time was €250 and in 2025 €350 excl. utilities. The many refugees that fled here increased the rental price quite a lot. I know that many other foreigners pay closer to $500+ a month on rent.
For a more accurate comparison check here at Numbeo.
How to Find An Apartment
There are a few ways to find your new home. The easiest is through Airbnb but it is also a more expensive one. Then the most common way for local people is to search in Facebook rental groups, which often have a Telegram group linked to them. Local people recommended me to rent directly from the owner because real estate agents (realtors/maklers as they sometimes call them here) often ask one month of rent for searching in the same groups and translating the contract into english. In posts by locals, they often specifically mention that agents shouldn’t contact them or that they only want to pay 50% of the monthly rent as fee. Asking a local friend for help with translating is always useful too!
The groups I follow:
– ОРЕНДА КВАРТИР ЛЬВІВ БЕЗ ПОСЕРЕДНИКІВ
– Оренда без маклера Львів Квартири кімнати Нерухомість у Львові
– Оренда і продаж житла від власників та посередників Львів
– Квартира посуточно Львов Квартира подобово Львів Rent daily apartments Lviv
– Оренда без маклера Квартири кімнати Львів Оренда у Львові БЕЗ ПОСЕРЕДНИКІВ
– Оренда квартир Львів
Extending Your Stay in Lviv
This info is based on my experiences and what I found online. I am not an immigration lawyer so info could be outdated or different for other individuals.
If you fall in love with Lviv (like many do), you might want to stay longer than the standard tourist visa allows. These are the main options you can explore:
Visa Runs
Many foreigners take advantage of the 90 days within 180 days rule. You can stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days, then leave the country and return after spending some time elsewhere. Besides just returning to their home country, popular destinations for visa runs include Poland, Hungary, or Georgia. This option is useful for short-term stays or digital nomads who enjoy traveling.
Long-Term Visas (D-Type)
If you plan to stay several months or more, applying for a D-type visa can be a good option. These visas are often issued for purposes such as volunteering, studying, working, or joining a family member. You usually need to apply from a Ukrainian embassy or consulate outside Ukraine, and you’ll need an official invitation or contract from an organization.
As for me personally, I applied for a D10 volunteer visa after my 90 days almost expired. Because Krakow is the closest option, I decided to apply there. After handing in the documents mentioned below and paying $130 for the express option, 3 hours later I was already done and could go back to Lviv.
Required documents according to VisitUkraine:
1. Visa application form.
2. Foreign passport of a foreigner, it must be valid for no more than 10 years, have two free pages for inserting a D-10 visa.
3. One color photo, 35/45 mm in size.
4. An invitation from a charitable organization or a non-governmental organization and a duly certified copy of the registration certificate and a copy of the extract from the register of non-profit organizations.
5. Proof of financial support for the entire period of validity of the D-10 visa. (Roughly $3000 when I applied in 2024, proof in printed bank statements)
6. Health insurance contract for the entire period of validity of the D-10 visa. I was insured myself by Ingo. But you can find some alternatives here at VisitUkraine’s Health Insurance options.
7. Receipt of payment of the consular fee. (you will receive this after payment at the location of the embassy).
Temporary Residence Permits
If you’re looking to settle more permanently, a temporary residence permit (TRP) allows you to stay in Ukraine for one year or longer. Common reasons for obtaining a TRP include being employed by a local company, volunteering with a registered NGO, enrolling at a university, or being married to a Ukrainian citizen.
Applying for a TRP involves additional paperwork such as proof of health insurance, a confirmed address, and registration with the local migration office. While it requires more effort, it offers more stability for long-term living.
The health insurance for TRP is a different one than for D visa. Also the start date has to be the day that you apply for TRP at Immigration and will overlap the D one. The one that was recommended to me was roughly 1000uah/year and covers 20.000uah in case of emergency.
The proof of address is difficult when you rent through Airbnb. The best is to have a signed contract in Ukrainian. Otherwise you will get a house visit from immigration to check if you live at the provided address. Note: after you picked up your TRP, you have to register at the municipality (цнап, there are different locations but at the town hall at Ploscha Rynok 1 is the most central one) with your official passport translation and rental contract within 30 days. Your landlord has to physically join you to sign some documents. If you are later than 30 days (like I was) or your landlord can’t join (like many foreign friends who rent through Airbnb) you have to pay a fine of 3400uah when you want to renew your TRP. The fine you have to pay at the immigration office which I learned the hard way.
Useful Locations on Google Maps
Common Misconceptions
1.“It’s not safe because of the war”
Truth: While safety is a valid concern, Lviv is located in western Ukraine, far from active frontlines. Life in the city continues relatively normally, with cafes, cultural events, and everyday life in full swing. Although air raid alerts still occur. During the war there have been only 2 attacks that hit the city directly. The other attacks were mainly aimed at energy infrastructure in towns outside the city.
2. “Ukrainians are cold or unfriendly”
Truth: People may seem reserved at first, but once you get to know them, they’re incredibly warm and generous. A smile or simple greeting in Ukrainian (“Dobryi den!”) goes a long way. Many of my friends call them one of the nicest people they know! And if you are invited to some event which involves food, you better have an empty stomach. The older ladies love to feed you!
3. “It’s super cheap to live in Ukraine”
Truth: While some things are more affordable than in Western Europe, imported goods, rent, and utilities have increased especially since 2022. Lviv is more expensive than many expect, particularly for expats. Also it is one of the more expensive cities in the country. For rent event the most expensive, I was told.
4. “Finding housing will be easy”
Truth: The demand for housing has risen due to internal displacement. It may take time to find a good apartment, and not all landlords speak English or want to rent to foreigners long-term. Also if you have a pet it might be a challenge.
5. “Everyone speaks Russian”
Truth: Lviv is a Ukrainian-speaking city. Most locals appreciate when foreigners make an effort to learn or use Ukrainian. Russian is understood but using Ukrainian terms or greetings is seen as respectful. People from the East in general are a bit easier on this since they grew up speaking Russian.
6. “You need to carry cash everywhere”
Truth: While small markets may prefer cash, Ukraine is one of the most digitally advanced countries in Europe. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless cards are widely used even by babusyas (Ukrainian for grandmother, babushka is Russian) at the supermarkets.
7. “Winters are unbearable”
Truth: Winters are cold and snowy, but manageable with proper clothing and heating. Locals embrace the season, think cozy cafés, mulled wine, and beautiful snow-covered architecture. With changing climates they have become more wet too and snow usually arrives later during winter.
8. “English isn’t spoken anywhere”
Truth: While English is not as widespread as in places like the Netherlands or Sweden, younger people and those in hospitality often speak some English. They often claim however that they don’t speak it but this is often out of shyness. Translation apps and kindness help bridge the rest.
Everyday Life & Essentials
Internet
Groceries
Transportation
It’s pretty easy to get a SIM card once you arrive in Ukraine. Most train stations have kiosks where you can buy one, but if not, just head to a mobile provider store, electronics shop, convenience store, or a big supermarket. You’ll definitely find one.
The good news? It’s super affordable. You can get around 20GB of data for just 220uah/ €5.
If your phone only takes one physical SIM card, check if it supports eSIM. That’s a virtual SIM that works the same way, and all the major providers offer it.
Whichever option you choose, it’s smart to ask someone at the store to help you activate it. The setup might involve an automated call in Ukrainian, which can be tricky if you don’t speak the language.
Popular mobile providers:
Kyivstar
Vodafone
Lifecell
You can also buy a prepaid eSIM with a big data package that lasts 30 days. Kyivstar has one you can order online and start using right away. Buy it here (300uah)
Supermarkets
Lviv has plenty of grocery store chains where you can get everything from fresh produce to household goods. Some of the most common ones include:
Silpo: Trendy and often themed, great selection of products (including international).
ATB: Budget-friendly larger chain across the country, though a bit more basic.
Arsen: Big supermarket with a wide range of goods, great for full weekly shops.
Rukavychka: Local chain, smaller but convenient for quick stops.
- Blyzenko: Chain that you could compare with a 7-Eleven or Zabka in Poland.
Most stores are open daily until late evening and many accept contactless payment.
Markets
For fresh, local, and seasonal produce, visit one of Lviv’s open-air markets (called bazaars). It’s a fun experience: you can find fruits, veggies, cheese, meat, nuts, and more. Bring cash and brush up on a few numbers in Ukrainian for prices!
Krakivsky Market: Central, busy, and packed with everything. Known for their big selection in textile too. From vyshyvankas to military clothing.
Pivdenny Market: Huge, a bit further out, great for variety.
Vynnykivsky Rynok: Neighborhood market with a local feel. It also has beautiful mosaics.
Food Delivery Apps
Too tired to cook or want to explore local cuisine from home? Lviv has great food delivery options:
Glovo: Most popular app, with groceries, restaurants, and even pharmacy deliveries.
Bolt Food: Good selection of restaurants, easy-to-use app.
Raketa: Ukrainian-owned delivery app with competitive prices.
Just download the app, set your address, and start browsing. Most offer English versions or are easy to navigate with icons and photos.
Public Transport
Lviv’s public transport is affordable, frequent, and pretty easy to figure out. Even if you don’t speak the language.
Trams & Trolleybuses: These are the most scenic and budget-friendly ways to get around the city. A single ride costs around €0.30/20uah. You can pay in cash to the conductor or via the EasyPay terminals (or mobile apps like EasyWallet or Lviv Transport).
Marshrutkas (Mini-buses): Small yellow vans that follow fixed routes. They can get crowded and aren’t always super obvious, but they go everywhere. Pay the driver in cash (around €0.40/30uah per ride).
Buses: Larger than marshrutkas, and more comfortable. Same payment method applies.
Most stops are labeled in Cyrillic, but you can track routes and stops using apps like:
Moovit
Google Maps (for major routes)
Lviv Transport app
Ride Apps & Alternatives to Uber
Uber does work in Lviv, but there are also local apps that many people use, sometimes faster and cheaper.
Bolt: Very popular and often slightly cheaper than Uber. Clean cars and fast service.
Uklon: A Ukrainian alternative to Uber with a solid reputation. You can choose your car class and set preferences.
On foot: Lviv’s city center is super walkable. You’ll find lots of charming cobbled streets, so if the weather’s good, just go for a walk!
Pro tip: These apps often work better with a Ukrainian SIM, so get that set up first if possible.