Citizenship of Ukraine by Descent (Territorial Origin) is often called repatriation, meaning ‘return to the homeland.’ Many countries worldwide allow this method of obtaining citizenship for individuals with ancestral ties to their country or a specific territory, and Ukraine is no exception.
The process of obtaining citizenship based on territorial origin follows a simplified procedure, making it quick and easy to acquire Ukrainian citizenship.
Who Can Obtain Citizenship of Ukraine by Descent?
The regulation of obtaining citizenship of Ukraine by descent is governed by Article 8 of the Ukrainian Law on Citizenship, specifically the “Acquisition of citizenship of Ukraine by territorial origin.” According to this article, the right to obtain citizenship is granted to:
- Foreigners or stateless persons if they themselves or at least one of their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or siblings (both full and half-siblings) were born or permanently resided before August 24, 1991, on the territory that became part of Ukraine.
. - The same categories of individuals born or permanently residing in the territories that were part of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, West Ukrainian People’s Republic, Ukrainian State, Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic, Zakarpattia Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) at the time of their birth/residence.
. - Additionally, minor children of the mentioned categories of persons are also eligible.
Advantages of Obtaining Citizenship of Ukraine by Descent
- Quick Application Processing: The application is processed within three months, which, in some cases, may extend by a few additional months, but this is incomparable to the processing time for citizenship applications under Article 9 of the Law on Ukrainian Citizenship, where some individuals wait for 5-6 years.
. - Following the legislative changes introduced in 2026, applicants are now required to pass examinations confirming their proficiency in the Ukrainian language, as well as their knowledge of the fundamentals of the Constitution of Ukraine and the history of Ukraine. At the same time, exceptions are provided for persons with certain medical conditions.
. - No Financial Support Requirement in Ukraine.
. - No Need for Immigration Permit to Ukraine (except for certain exceptions).
Required Documents for Applying for Ukrainian Citizenship by Descent
To apply, it is necessary to prove that either you or one of your relatives was born or permanently resided in the territory that became Ukraine. The most common scenario is when a grandparent was born in the territory now part of Ukraine. In this case, the following documents are required:
- Original birth certificate of your grandmother/grandfather.
. - Original birth certificate of your mother or father.
. - Your birth certificate.
These documents form the basis of the application. Additionally, you will need to prove your place of residence in Ukraine, confirm your foreign address, and provide other documents depending on the specific case.
Frequently, documents are lost, requiring searches through regional and local archives, investigating records in the Register of Acts of Civil Status (RACS), or even establishing the fact of birth or residence through court proceedings.
The variety of documents for confirmation can be extensive, so professional assistance from a migration lawyer is crucial in these cases.
Next Steps
Upon a positive decision on your case, you will be issued a certificate of registration as a Ukrainian citizen, which serves as the basis for obtaining a temporary Ukrainian citizen ID valid for two years. Within these two years, you will be required to renounce your previous citizenship unless you are a citizen of one of the countries with which dual citizenship is officially permitted (the United States, Canada, Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic).
Citizens of the above-mentioned countries are not required to renounce their current citizenship when acquiring Ukrainian citizenship. The relevant resolution was adopted in November 2025. You can find more details in our article.
Conclusion
Obtaining citizenship by descent is the fastest way to become a citizen of Ukraine. If you have Ukrainian roots and wish to obtain a Ukrainian passport, this service is particularly relevant for citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus who seek to break ties with their home countries and align themselves with Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship of Ukraine by Descent
Can citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus apply for Citizenship of Ukraine by Descent in 2026?
during the period of martial law, as well as for 12 months after its termination.
These restrictions are established by the current legislation of Ukraine.
Citizens of the Republic of Belarus are entitled to apply for Ukrainian citizenship
by territorial origin under the general procedure. However, in practice, the process
may involve additional checks and specific nuances related to the internal political
situation in the Republic of Belarus.
Is Ukraine planning to expand the list of countries with which dual citizenship will be recognized?
the list of such countries, primarily to include European Union member states
and G7 countries.
Is it necessary to pass exams on the Ukrainian language, the history of Ukraine, and the Constitution of Ukraine?
of applicants for Ukrainian citizenship are required to pass examinations in advance
confirming their knowledge of:
- the Ukrainian language,
- the history of Ukraine,
- the fundamentals of the Constitution of Ukraine.
For certain categories of individuals, exemptions may apply based on medical grounds,
subject to proper documentary confirmation.
Is it possible to submit documents for Ukrainian citizenship without being physically present in Ukraine?
Applications and supporting documents may be submitted:
- through a Ukrainian consular office in the applicant’s country of citizenship, or
- directly in Ukraine, depending on the chosen application method and the applicant’s
specific circumstances.
If you wish to obtain Ukrainian citizenship, search for lost documents proving your Ukrainian roots, or establish the legal fact of birth or residence of your relatives in Ukraine – contact us, and we will be happy to assist you!
