Another 198 foreigners have been granted foreign Ukrainian status: who can apply and what documents are required

Following the latest meeting of the National Commission, 198 people from various countries have been granted foreign Ukrainian status. Find out who is eligible to apply, what documents are required, and how applications are processed

Legal assistance on entry, stay and legalization of foreigners in Ukraine

GET

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported that 198 foreign citizens from Australia, Austria, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Moldova, Germany, New Zealand, the United States, and Turkmenistan have been granted the status of foreign Ukrainians. The decision was made after a regular meeting of the National Commission, which reviews such applications.

At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an update to the regulatory framework governing the activities of the National Commission on Foreign Ukrainians. The changes affect the composition of the commission and the application review process, which should make the process more transparent and efficient.

Who are foreign Ukrainians?

A foreign Ukrainian is a person who is a citizen of another country or a stateless person but is of Ukrainian ethnic origin or comes from Ukraine. This status allows them to officially confirm their connection with Ukraine, obtain a number of legal rights, and simplify their move or integration into Ukrainian society.

What rights does the status of a Ukrainian abroad grant?

After obtaining a certificate of Ukrainian abroad, a foreign national can:

● work in Ukraine without additional permits — under the same conditions as Ukrainian citizens;

● apply for a multiple-entry visa to Ukraine free of charge;

● apply for immigration outside the annual quota;

● study at state universities in Ukraine at the expense of the state budget — within a separate quota for foreign Ukrainians.

These opportunities make the status attractive for those who plan to return to their historical homeland, get an education, realize their potential in Ukraine, or simply have closer ties with their country of origin. For more information about the opportunities and advantages of the status of a foreign Ukrainian, follow the link.

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

How to obtain a foreign Ukrainian certificate?

Documents can be submitted:

● abroad — at Ukrainian embassies or consulates;

● in Ukraine — directly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its territorial offices.

The list of documents required for submission includes:

● passport or equivalent document;

● proof of Ukrainian origin (e.g., birth certificate, documents confirming that your ancestors lived in Ukraine, archival records, etc.);

● two color photographs, 30×40 mm in size;

● receipt for payment of services;

● if desired, a character reference from an organization of Ukrainians abroad.

In the absence of official documents of origin, three written testimonials may be submitted — from citizens of Ukraine or other Ukrainians abroad.

We have provided more detailed information about the procedure for obtaining the status of a Ukrainian abroad, as well as the most common problems and ways to solve them, in previous articles.

How are applications for the status of a Ukrainian abroad considered?

The procedure for reviewing submitted documents is as follows:

1. If the documents are submitted abroad, they are forwarded to the National Commission by diplomatic mail within two months of submission.

2. The Commission reviews the documents within 90 days.

3. If the decision is positive, the applicant is issued a certificate valid for 10 years. If the application is rejected, the applicant receives an official decision explaining the reasons.

How to apply for foreign Ukrainian status correctly: legal support for foreigners

Obtaining status can be a complicated process, especially if there are doubts about the documents or if you have no experience in dealing with Ukrainian migration services. In such cases, it is advisable to seek professional advice.

The Visit Ukraine portal offers the services of migration lawyers who assist foreigners at all stages: from initial consultation to submission of a complete set of documents. Specialists will help you draft your application, correctly collect evidence of Ukrainian origin, and provide recommendations on the next steps — for example, obtaining a residence permit or Ukrainian citizenship in the future.

Order professional advice and simplify your path to integration in Ukraine!

We remind you! The status of a foreign Ukrainian opens up additional opportunities for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship by simplifying the application process. However, it does not automatically grant the right to a passport, but only facilitates the process of obtaining one. Read more about the conditions and advantages of obtaining Ukrainian citizenship with the status of a foreign Ukrainian.

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.