Court proceedings in Ukraine for foreigners in 2025: a complete guide with features and risks

Court proceedings in Ukraine for foreigners have their own nuances related to language barriers, documents, and procedures. Learn how to protect your rights in a Ukrainian court and avoid common mistakes

Legal assistance on issues of entry, stay, legalization, and protection of the rights of foreigners in Ukraine

GET

Litigation in Ukraine can be challenging even for citizens who are well versed in local laws and bureaucratic procedures. For foreigners, this process is often much more complicated due to language barriers, differences in legal systems, and the need to comply with local formalities. In this article, we will look at the key features of the court process in Ukraine for foreign citizens that everyone should know.

The right of foreigners to go to court in Ukraine

Ukrainian law guarantees foreign citizens and companies the right to judicial protection on the same terms as Ukrainian citizens. This is provided for in Article 26 of the Constitution of Ukraine and Article 410 of the Civil Procedure Code.

A foreigner has the right to:

● file lawsuits in Ukrainian courts;

● act as a defendant;

● participate in hearings;

● file appeals and cassation complaints.

Thus, even while abroad, you can initiate or continue legal proceedings in Ukraine with proper representation.

Typical situations when foreigners most often have to go to court

Among the most common categories of cases are:

1. Property disputes — conflicts over real estate, vehicles, inheritance.

2. Family matters — divorce, determination of the place of residence of children, recovery of alimony.

3. Commercial disputes — breach of contract, violation of contract terms, debt collection.

4. Labor disputes — unlawful dismissal, non-payment of wages.

5. Immigration issues — appealing deportation decisions, entry bans, refusal to issue or extend a residence permit, etc.

Documents required for participation in court

For full participation in the proceedings, a foreigner will need:

● a valid passport or other identity document;

● a notarized power of attorney (if the case is handled by a representative), if necessary — with legalization or apostille;

● documents relating to the substance of the dispute: contracts, payment orders, acts, certificates, photo or video evidence;

● official translation of all foreign documents into Ukrainian.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Risks and peculiarities of the court process for foreigners

Among the most common risks faced by foreigners are:

1. Length of proceedings — court workload can significantly increase the time required to resolve a case.

2. Procedural errors — unfamiliarity with local rules can easily lead to missing important deadlines for submitting documents or complaints.

3. Financial costs — court fees and other expenses are paid in advance and in hryvnia, which requires additional procedures for foreigners.

Language barrier and translation in court proceedings

The language barrier is the most common risk, which is why you have highlighted it separately. The official language of court proceedings in Ukraine is Ukrainian. If a foreigner does not speak Ukrainian, the court is obliged to provide an interpreter. However, in practice, it is better to arrange for an interpreter yourself to avoid delays and mistakes. Visit Ukraine lawyers work with professional sworn interpreters, which guarantees the accuracy and legal correctness of documents. Therefore, if necessary, you can seek qualified assistance.

Legal support for foreigners in Ukrainian courts

Professional support significantly increases the chances of success. The team of lawyers at Visit Ukraine offers comprehensive support for foreigners during court proceedings:

● consultations in a foreign language and detailed explanations of all stages of the process;

● preparation of lawsuits, statements, responses, appeals, and other procedural documents;

● representation of interests in courts of all instances without the need for personal presence in Ukraine;

● organization of translation and notarization of documents;

● legal audit of contracts and evidence before the start of the court process.

How to avoid mistakes in court proceedings in Ukraine

1. Do not delay in finding a lawyer who has experience working with foreigners.

2. Make sure that all documents are translated and properly certified.

3. Adhere to procedural deadlines — missing them may close the door to defending your rights.

4. Discuss the strategy and possible risks with your lawyer in advance.

The court process in Ukraine for foreigners is a very real tool for protecting rights and legitimate interests, but it has a number of nuances. The language barrier, specific document requirements, and the complexity of local legislation make professional legal support practically essential.

Visit Ukraine lawyers will provide full support for your case, from the initial consultation to the final court decision. This guarantees speed, efficiency, and minimization of the risk of errors. Contact us today to protect your rights in Ukraine.

We remind you! A certificate confirming the absence of a criminal record is a document issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine confirming that a non-resident of the country has not been brought to criminal responsibility in Ukraine. Read where to go and what you need to obtain a certificate in our previous article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.