Status of a Ukrainian Living Abroad
Ukrainian citizens and persons of Ukrainian origin who reside outside Ukraine may benefit from the support and protection of the state, aimed at strengthening ties with the homeland and meeting national, cultural and linguistic needs.
Through the status of Ukrainian origin, a foreigner obtains recognition of their Ukrainian ethnic origin and may duly count on the support and recognition of their homeland.
An immigration lawyer can provide assistance on matters related to this status and the associated rights.
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Obtaining the status of a Ukrainian living abroad has numerous advantages, including a free multiple-entry visa to visit Ukraine for 5 years without the need for an invitation, the possibility to work on an equal footing with citizens of Ukraine, education with a scholarship at Ukrainian higher education institutions, the possibility to submit documents for immigration to Ukraine together with family and children, as well as the possibility to acquire Ukrainian citizenship.
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To obtain the status of a Ukrainian living abroad, you need to submit an application to Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic missions or directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Applications are examined within 90 days by the National Commission on Ukrainians Living Abroad. In the event of a positive decision, the commission issues a certificate confirming the granting of the status; in the event of a refusal, the person is provided with a copy of the relevant decision, retaining the right to reapply.
To obtain the status of a Ukrainian living abroad, you must meet the following conditions:
- To have a Ukrainian national identity.
- To have Ukrainian ethnic origin or origin from Ukraine.
- To submit a written application expressing the wish to have the status of a Ukrainian living abroad.
- To have reached the age of 16.
- To be a person without Ukrainian citizenship.
Ukrainian ethnic origin or origin from Ukraine may be confirmed by means of relevant documents or testimony from citizens of Ukraine, Ukrainians living abroad, or civic organisations of Ukrainians living abroad.
Additional information on the status of a Ukrainian living abroad
To apply for the status of a Ukrainian living abroad, you must provide the following documents:
- A passport document or another document equivalent to a passport.
- Documents or evidence confirming Ukrainian ethnic origin or origin from Ukraine.
These documents may be accompanied by a description of the petition of the civic organisation of Ukrainians living abroad of which the applicant is a member.
It is important to note that a certificate of Ukrainian origin does not replace a passport. The certificate of the status of a Ukrainian living abroad is issued for 10 years, with the possibility of subsequent extension.
In the event of a change of given name, surname or citizenship, the holder of the certificate must notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine or a diplomatic mission or consular office of Ukraine abroad within six months. In such a case, the person is issued a new certificate.
In the event of loss of the certificate of a Ukrainian living abroad, the National Commission may issue the person a duplicate of the certificate upon their application.
Refusal to grant the status of a Ukrainian living abroad
A refusal to grant the status of a Ukrainian living abroad may occur on the following grounds:
- The person carrying out acts that run counter to the national security of Ukraine.
- The submission of knowingly false information or forged documents for the purpose of obtaining the status.
- Breach of other requirements provided for by the procedure for the preparation and issuance of the certificate of a Ukrainian living abroad.
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