How to obtain Ukrainian citizenship by territorial origin: answers to key questions from Visit Ukraine lawyers

If your relatives were born in Ukraine before independence, you may be legally entitled to Ukrainian citizenship, even if you were born abroad. In this article, we will discuss the key grounds, the application procedure, and the nuances you should pay attention to. Find out whether you can submit the documents yourself and what steps to take first

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Many people whose relatives were born or permanently resided in the territory of modern Ukraine before 1991 want to understand whether they are eligible for Ukrainian citizenship today. This is especially relevant for those whose families left the former USSR before Ukraine declared independence and obtained citizenship of other countries.

Question: My parents and grandparents were born in what is now Ukraine, left in 1989, officially renounced their USSR citizenship, and my child was born abroad. Does this give me grounds to apply for Ukrainian citizenship today? Yes — the lawyers at Visit Ukraine explain why below.

Can you claim Ukrainian citizenship?

Yes, you can.

Despite the fact that your parents left Ukraine while it was still part of the USSR and renounced their citizenship at that time, you have the right to apply for Ukrainian citizenship based on territorial origin.

This is provided for in Article 8 of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship of Ukraine,” which allows persons to obtain citizenship if at least one of their parents or grandparents was born or permanently resided before August 24, 1991, in the territory that became Ukraine.

This right is personal and does not depend on the current citizenship of your parents.

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Do your parents need to restore their citizenship first?

No.

The procedure based on territorial origin does not require your parents to submit documents first or to have valid Ukrainian citizenship.

Your right is based solely on the fact that your ancestors were born in Ukraine before 1991, and you can submit the documents yourself as an adult.

What documents are required?

Documents are accepted by Ukrainian consular offices abroad. All foreign documents must be apostilled, translated into Ukrainian, and notarized.

You must submit:

an application for citizenship by territorial origin;

two 35×45 mm photographs;

your father's or mother's birth certificate issued in Ukraine (this is the main reason);

a copy of your birth certificate;

a document:

either a declaration of no other citizenship (for stateless persons),

or a commitment to renounce foreign citizenship (for foreign citizens).

Please note: if you have multiple citizenships, you must submit a commitment to renounce each of them.

Do I need to enter Ukraine in person to apply for a passport?

The basis for acquiring citizenship can be completed entirely abroad.

After a positive decision is made, the consulate will issue you a Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of Ukraine — this is official confirmation of citizenship.

However, to obtain an internal document or foreign passport of a citizen of Ukraine, you may need to enter Ukraine if the consular office does not provide the relevant services.

An important nuance regarding martial law

If a person obtains Ukrainian documents and then enters Ukraine during martial law, they may not have the right to leave until it ends. This applies to all citizens regardless of their country of residence or origin.

Obligation to renounce other citizenship

Under the procedure set out in Article 8, you sign a document entitled “Obligation to renounce foreign citizenship.”

Once you are registered as a citizen of Ukraine, you will have two years to provide the Ukrainian state with confirmation of the renunciation of your other citizenship. If you fail to do so, the decision to grant you citizenship will be revoked.

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2. Fill out the form with your details (full name, email, contact phone number).

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Reminder! The introduction of martial law in Ukraine has simplified the rules for children traveling abroad. In particular, in 2025, minors will be able to cross the border with one parent without the notarized consent of the other. However, other permits may be required for travel. Find out what documents you need to have in order to cross the border with children and in which cases in our article.

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