Citizenship of Ukraine is a legal bond between an individual and Ukraine, which entails mutual rights and obligations. Obtaining Ukrainian citizenship is an important step for foreigners aspiring to become full-fledged members of Ukrainian society.
Ukrainian citizenship provides access to all rights and obligations enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine, such as the right to vote, participate in state governance, social protection, and more.
Advantages of Obtaining Citizenship of Ukraine
- Unlimited residence: The ability to reside in the country without any time restrictions.
- Full civil rights: The right to vote in elections, participate in political life, and access state social protection programs.
- Visa-free travel: Ukrainian citizens can travel visa-free to more than 140 countries, including EU member states.
- Access to healthcare and education: Free or discounted healthcare and education provided by the state.
- Legal employment: Ukrainian citizenship opens opportunities for employment without the need for a work permit.
- Legal protection: The state guarantees legal and diplomatic protection of citizens both within Ukraine and abroad.
Grounds for Acquiring Ukrainian Citizenship
According to Article 6 of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship of Ukraine”, citizenship of Ukraine can be acquired through:
- Birth.
- Territorial origin.
- Admission to citizenship.
- Restoration of citizenship.
- Adoption.
- Establishment of guardianship or custody over a child, placement of a child in a healthcare or educational institution, or a foster family.
- Establishment of guardianship over an individual recognized as legally incapacitated by a court.
- Citizenship of one or both parents of a child.
- Recognition of parentage or maternity or establishment of the fact of parentage or maternity.
- Other grounds provided by international agreements of Ukraine.
Most often, Ukrainian citizenship is granted based on the first three points.
The Process of Obtaining Citizenship of Ukraine
The process of obtaining Ukrainian citizenship is quite complex and involves several steps that can take at least a year, or in some cases, even several years. Therefore, we recommend not delaying the start.
1. Preparation of Documents
Depending on the basis for obtaining citizenship, you will need to gather a set of documents confirming your right to acquire Ukrainian citizenship. This process may involve searching archives, applying to courts to establish legal facts, legalizing and translating foreign documents, and passing examinations.
2. Application Submission
You can submit your application for Ukrainian citizenship either within Ukraine to the State Migration Service or abroad to the embassy or consulate of Ukraine. To apply abroad, the foreign applicant must hold citizenship or residence documents of the respective country.
3. Issuance of Citizenship Registration Certificate and Temporary Citizenship Certificate
After a positive decision on the application, the foreigner is issued a certificate of citizenship registration and a temporary citizenship certificate. These documents can be obtained from the same authority where the application was submitted. The temporary certificate is valid for two years, during which time the applicant must renounce their previous citizenship and provide confirmation to the Ukrainian authorities.
4. Renunciation of Foreign Citizenship
According to Article 4 of the Constitution (link), Ukraine recognizes only single citizenship. As of now, all foreigners must renounce their other citizenships to receive a Ukrainian passport.
In certain cases, instead of renouncing foreign citizenship, applicants can submit a declaration of renunciation. This applies to:
- Refugees or those granted asylum in Ukraine.
- Foreigners serving in Ukraine’s military forces or providing instructional assistance (details here).
- Individuals with significant merit to Ukraine or whose admission to citizenship serves Ukraine’s national interests.
- Nationals of aggressor or occupying states who faced persecution in their country of origin.
- Spouses of individuals who died while serving in Ukraine’s military forces.
- Individuals unable to renounce their foreign citizenship due to reasons beyond their control.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is currently considering a draft law (link) allowing multiple citizenships for specific categories of foreigners. For example, citizens of EU countries, G7 nations, Norway, and Switzerland may submit a declaration recognizing themselves as Ukrainian citizens instead of renouncing their original citizenship.
5. Receiving the Ukrainian Passport
After submitting documents confirming the renunciation of foreign citizenship, you can apply for a Ukrainian passport. If the process is conducted through a Ukrainian consulate, you will first receive an international passport, which you will use to enter Ukraine. A domestic Ukrainian passport (in the form of an ID card) is not issued by consulates. It can only be obtained in Ukraine.
Foreigners applying through the State Migration Service in Ukraine can immediately obtain both a Ukrainian ID card and an international passport.
6. Registration of Residence in Ukraine
Under Ukrainian law, all citizens must have a registered place of residence. This must be done within 30 days of receiving an ID card. If you currently do not have an address for registration, we can assist you with this (details here).
Every basis for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship has its specifics, as does each client’s situation. If you are interested in acquiring Ukrainian citizenship, we will gladly provide a consultation, thoroughly analyze your case, and develop an action plan. Contact us!
