Can I get a passport by power of attorney? What does Ukrainian legislation say?

Ukrainians living abroad have the opportunity to obtain passport documents without returning to their homeland. However, in the context of wartime in Ukraine, the rules have changed somewhat, especially for people of mobilisation age. In this regard, some citizens can obtain a document only on the territory of Ukraine. Find out if you can issue a power of attorney for another person to obtain a passport in Ukraine

Legal counselling on migration issues

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Ukrainian citizens, especially men living abroad, may have encountered difficulties in obtaining passport documents in their countries of residence. In this regard, some citizens wonder whether it is possible to issue a power of attorney for another person to receive a document in Ukraine. With reference to the ‘Legal Guide for IDPs’, we will tell you what Ukrainian legislation says on this issue.

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Can I get a passport by power of attorney?

According to Ukrainian law, only the holder of a passport can obtain a passport, as the law provides for the issuance of a passport after the verification procedure has been carried out by automated comparison of data (parameters), including biometric data, of a person with identity documents or information contained in the demographic register.

In practice, this means that passports are issued automatically (through the appropriate technical equipment) by comparing the fingerprint with the sample contained on the chip in the passport.

Read also: How to apply for a passport outside Ukraine in 2025? Current rules

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There are exceptions

When it comes to a passport for travelling abroad, if it is a child under 12 years of age, then one of the parents or a person authorised by them under a power of attorney may obtain such a passport. However, this applies only to passports for travelling abroad.

General rules for issuing a Ukrainian passport

During the period of martial law, both when obtaining a passport of a citizen of Ukraine and a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for travelling abroad, the law provides for the possibility to apply to:

🔹 territorial subdivision of the Migration Service;

🔹 A foreign diplomatic mission;

🔹Β the State Enterprise ‘Document’ abroad.

Did we tell you in which countries you can get a Ukrainian passport?

You will need a written application submitted in person in any form (in particular, when submitting documents for issuing a passport), as determined by another territorial subdivision of the migration service, a foreign diplomatic mission or the State Enterprise ‘Document’ abroad, through which the passport will be issued.

If you need help with legalization, employment or returning to Ukraine, please contact Visit Ukraine lawyers. Our migration specialists will help you sort through the documents, find the best options for your stay and avoid legal problems.

We remind you! In order to travel abroad, in most cases, Ukrainians must have a passport with them. There are cases when Ukrainians decide to extend the validity of their passport instead of applying for a new document. We told you whether you are allowed to enter the EU with such a passport.

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