How to submit a declaration of renunciation of foreign citizenship upon acquiring Ukrainian citizenship?

The adopted amendments simplify the procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship for those who defended its territorial integrity or were persecuted. Find out what rules you need to follow to avoid legal complications

Legal counselling on migration issues

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On 20 August 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Law No. 3897-IX ‘On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons Participating in the Protection of the Territorial Integrity and Inviolability of Ukraine.’ This Law came into force on 22 August 2024 and significantly changed the procedure for obtaining citizenship for certain categories of persons, providing for the possibility of submitting a declaration of renunciation of foreign citizenship.

Who is eligible to submit a declaration?

In accordance with paragraph 3 of Section II ‘Final and Transitional Provisions’ of Law No. 3897-IX, the right to submit a declaration of renunciation of foreign citizenship may be exercised by persons who:

▪️ acquired Ukrainian citizenship between 1 January 2018 and the date of entry into force of the Law;

▪️ are serving or have served under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service or the National Guard of Ukraine;

▪️ were dismissed from service for valid reasons (e.g. health, expiry of contract, etc.);

▪️ have outstanding merits before Ukraine or whose admission to citizenship is in the national interest;

▪️ are military personnel awarded a state award of Ukraine;

▪️ belong to the persons specified in part 20 of Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons’;

▪️ are citizens of an aggressor or occupying state and have suffered political persecution in their homeland.

Thus, the right to submit a declaration extends not only to military personnel, but also to all those who have earned special recognition or support from the state of Ukraine.

How and where to submit a declaration?

To exercise your right, you must:

1. Contact the territorial body of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) that issued your temporary certificate of Ukrainian citizenship.

2. Prepare and submit documents confirming your right to submit a declaration. These documents may include:

🔻 certificates of military service

🔻 documents confirming state awards;

🔻 confirmation of the status of a person who has been subjected to political persecution;

🔻 other official documents depending on the grounds.

3. Fill out a declaration of renunciation of foreign citizenship in the prescribed form.

Important to remember: the deadline for submitting the declaration is limited to 12 months from the date the Law comes into force, i.e. until 22 August 2025.

To successfully obtain Ukrainian citizenship, you must submit an application to the State Migration Service, provide supporting documents, and undergo a background check. Due to the complexity of bureaucratic procedures, it is advisable to consult with immigration lawyers who will help you prepare all the necessary documents. Visit Ukraine lawyers will accompany you at every stage of this procedure.

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Why is it important to submit the declaration on time?

Submitting a declaration of renunciation of foreign citizenship is an important step in the finalisation of Ukrainian citizenship. Failure to comply with this requirement in a timely manner may lead to difficulties in obtaining permanent documents and official recognition of citizenship.

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