Ukrainian citizenship by descent

Ukrainian citizenship by descent, also known as citizenship by origin or jus sanguinis, is a process through which individuals can acquire Ukrainian citizenship based on their lineage or ancestry. The Ukrainian citizenship law allows individuals with Ukrainian roots or Ukrainian-born ancestors to claim citizenship under certain conditions.

How to obtain citizenship by descent in Ukraine

To be eligible for Ukrainian citizenship by descent, you generally need to meet the following requirements:

1. Ukrainian ancestry. You must have at least one Ukrainian-born parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent.
2. Documented proof. You need to provide documented evidence of your Ukrainian ancestry, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other relevant documents that establish your lineage.
3. Language proficiency. You may need to demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in the Ukrainian language. The language requirement can vary depending on the circumstances, and exceptions may apply for individuals who can prove they have Ukrainian origins but do not speak the language.
4. No criminal record. You should have a clean criminal record and not be involved in any activities that could harm Ukraine’s national security or interests.

Application and Supporting Documents

When applying for Ukrainian citizenship by descent, you will typically need to submit an application and provide supporting documents to prove your eligibility. The exact requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the Ukrainian authorities’ current regulations. However, here are some commonly requested documents:

1. Application form. You will need to complete an application form for Ukrainian citizenship. This form can usually be obtained from the Ukrainian embassy or consulate in your country of residence or downloaded from their official website.
2. Birth certificates. You will need to provide birth certificates for yourself and the Ukrainian ancestor through whom you are claiming citizenship. These documents should be official copies with proper translations if they are not in Ukrainian or English.
3. Marriage certificates. If applicable, you may need to provide marriage certificates for your parents or grandparents to establish the lineage.
4. Documents proving Ukrainian ancestry. You should gather any additional documentation that supports your claim of Ukrainian ancestry. This may include passports, identity cards, or any other official documents of your Ukrainian ancestor.
5. Language proficiency evidence. Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in the Ukrainian language. This requirement can vary, so it’s important to check the specific language requirements for your situation.
6. Criminal record check. You may need to provide a criminal record check or police clearance certificate from your country of residence to demonstrate that you have no criminal record.
7. Passport-sized photos. Prepare several passport-sized photos according to the specifications provided by the Ukrainian authorities. The exact number of photos required may vary, so it’s best to confirm this with the embassy or consulate.
8. Fees. There may be application fees associated with the citizenship application process. The fees can vary, so it’s essential to check the current fee schedule with the Ukrainian embassy or consulate.

Dual Nationality

Except in certain instances, dual citizenship is normally not permitted in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian legislation, anyone receiving Ukrainian citizenship must relinquish their previous citizenship.