How to obtain Israeli citizenship for Ukrainians of Jewish descent: conditions, necessary documents and procedure

It is possible to obtain Israeli citizenship through Jewish descent up to the third generation. Find out what documents are required, how the procedure works, and how to get legal support

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The basis for obtaining Israeli citizenship by descent is the Law of Return (החוק השבות) of 1950. It grants the right of repatriation to Israel to every person who is Jewish or of Jewish descent, up to and including the third generation. But how does this work in practice, who falls into this category, and what documents are required? We explain step by step in this article.

See also: New rules for entering Israel for Ukrainians - everything you need to know in 2025 in the article.

Who is eligible for Israeli citizenship?

According to the Law of Return, the following persons are eligible for Israeli citizenship:

● Jews on the maternal or paternal line;

● Children and grandchildren of Jews

● Jewish spouses and spouses of Jewish children and grandchildren;

● Jewish widowers or widows, if the marriage was valid at the time of death.

Who is considered a Jew in the context of Israeli law?

The law defines a Jew as a person born of a Jewish mother or who has undergone conversion (the procedure for converting to Judaism) and does not belong to another religion. However, in practice, it is not necessary to be a “Jew according to halakhah” to be eligible for repatriation - it is enough to have, for example, one Jewish grandparent.

What documents are required to confirm the right to repatriate to Israel?

Israeli citizenship requires documentary evidence of Jewish ancestry. In particular, you may need:

● Birth certificates of the applicant and his or her parents and grandparents;

● Archival certificates, metrics, marriage or death records

● Documents from Soviet or Ukrainian archives that indicate “Jew” in the “nationality” column;

● Synagogue records, testimonies of relatives, and sometimes a conversion.

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What is the procedure for obtaining Israeli citizenship?

The process of obtaining citizenship consists of several stages:

1. Submission of an application to the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine. It is necessary to prepare a full package of documents and make an appointment.

2. An interview with representatives of the Sohnut or a consul. The authenticity of documents, family ties, and answers to questions are checked.

3. Waiting for the decision. After analyzing the materials, a decision is made to grant or deny the right to repatriation.

4. Obtaining a repatriation visa (aliyah). In case of a positive decision, the applicant receives a visa to enter Israel.

5. Arrival in Israel and automatic acquisition of citizenship.

What can be difficult in obtaining Israeli citizenship?

Despite a clearly written law, the procedure is often complicated by the lack of proper documentation, difficulty in confirming family ties, or improper paperwork. That is why legal support is the key to a successful outcome.

How can Visit Ukraine lawyers help?

Our legal team has extensive experience in repatriation to Israel. Specialists accompany clients at every stage: from analyzing the family tree and searching for evidence of Jewish descent to arrival and registration of citizenship in Israel. Our services include:

● Pedigree analysis. We study family documents in detail and determine whether the client is eligible for the Law of Return.

● Search and request of archival documents. We work with the archives of Ukraine, Poland and other countries to obtain documents that can confirm the nationality of relatives.

● Legalization of the package of documents. We prepare a complete package for submission to the Israeli Embassy. We check translations, apostilles, and compliance with the forms.

● Preparation for the interview. We prepare you for a conversation with the consul or a representative of the State of Israel: what questions are asked, how to answer, what documents to bring with you.

● Support upon arrival. Our Israeli partners help you with obtaining a TEUDAT OLE (repatriate certificate), TEUDAT ZEUT (ID), health insurance, and a bank account.

Citizenship of Israel for Ukrainians with Jewish roots is a real possibility based on clear legal norms. But, like any international legal process, it requires care, thorough preparation, and knowledge of the nuances. We help make this process fast, legal and safe.

Do you want to know if you are eligible for Israeli citizenship or what documents are required in your case? Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers for a preliminary consultation.

We re,ind you! The Law on Multiple Citizenship opens up new prospects for Ukrainians abroad, strengthening their ties with their homeland. The Ministry of National Unity is confident that this initiative will help not only to restore ties but also to improve the economic and social situation in Ukraine. Read how the law will work and what you should know about it in our previous article.

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