From the start of your application to the delivery of your passport – we can assist you in obtaining your Ukrainian citizenship. Get acquainted with the new regime here.

In the aftermath of Russian-sponsored actions in Eastern Ukraine, many foreigners joined Ukrainians in the effort as part of volunteer battalions or partisan groups. Many of them identify as Ukrainian and have expressed wishes to obtain Ukrainian citizenship de jure.

Recently, the Ukrainian Parliament has passed in its first reading amendments to the citizenship law. The changes aim to simplify the procedure to apply for Ukrainian citizenship, namely, for individuals who have proved their loyalty to the country.

There are two categories of individuals who will be able to apply for citizenship through the simplified procedure, namely:

• Foreigners who have been protecting the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and the independence of Ukraine and participated in the Anti-Terrorism Operation (ATO) or hostilities as a part of volunteer battalions, partisan groups or other formation cooperating with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs agencies or the Security Service of Ukraine
• Foreigners who were subject to human rights and freedoms violations due to their civic position or activities in support of the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and the independence of Ukraine.
  The amendments were submitted to the Parliament as Draft Law no. 1901 of February 2, 2015. They also include a precise timetable and framework for application proceedings.

With regards to the first category, which involves an individual that has participated in the ATO or other hostilities, the interested party will need to present relevant facts and evidence on his or her activities to the court.

In second category, interested individuals will require properly notarized copies of official documents that clearly demonstrate the violation of their rights and freedoms in the country of their permanent residency.
Under the new law, applications will have to be processed within a two-month window, regardless of the state authorities’ workload or any other difficulties that could otherwise delay application’s processing.

Moreover, applicants will be able to waive the usual requirements to qualify for Ukrainian citizenship, namely:

• An uninterrupted stay on legal grounds in Ukraine for the last five years
• The possession of a permit for immigration
• The knowledge of state language
• A proven, legal source of income

Shall this legal initiative be passed into law by the Parliament, it will allow a large number of foreigners to become fully-fledged citizens of the Ukrainian state.