Context:
On February 21, 2024, the President of Ukraine signed a Decree allowing foreigners to serve in the National Guard of Ukraine. The Decree approves the “Regulations on the Military Service of Foreigners and Stateless Persons in the National Guard of Ukraine.” Foreigners can join the military voluntarily (on a contract basis). In turn, service in the National Guard is a basis for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship.
To do so, they need to contact the territorial recruitment and social support center in their place of residence or directly approach a military unit of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Selection criteria include:
- No criminal record
- No illnesses that may hinder military service
- Adequate professional and psychological level
- Sufficient level of physical fitness
- Age between 18 and 60 years old
The initial contract is for a period of 3 years, or in the case of appointment to sergeant or senior positions, for a period of 3 to 5 years (depending on mutual agreement). It is worth noting that, according to the Ukrainian Law on Citizenship, foreigners who:
- Serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, or the National Guard of Ukraine on a contract basis continuously for at least 3 years, and
- Foreigners who serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, or the National Guard of Ukraine and have been awarded a state award, have the right to apply for Ukrainian citizenship according to Article 9.
Therefore, if you are a foreigner serving on a contract basis in Ukraine for at least 3 years or serving for less than 3 years but have received a state award, you can initiate the process of obtaining Ukrainian citizenship. This may be particularly relevant for citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus who are fighting on the side of Ukraine, as their countries of citizenship may bring treason charges against them.
For more information on obtaining Ukrainian citizenship, you can read here, or if you have Ukrainian roots, our article “Ukrainian Citizenship by Descent” may be of interest to you, describing the fastest way to obtain Ukrainian citizenship.
In summary:
The President of Ukraine has officially established the opportunity for foreigners and stateless persons to serve in the National Guard of Ukraine. In return, Ukraine ensures the right to obtain citizenship for such foreigners and simplifies the application process in certain cases.
If you wish to learn more about obtaining Ukrainian citizenship or start the process of obtaining Ukrainian citizenship, please leave your contact information on our website or conveniently contact us.
