Is it possible to obtain a foreign passport without Rezerv+: what Ukrainians abroad need to know

For many Ukrainians, obtaining a foreign passport outside Ukraine has become not just a convenience, but a necessity. However, in 2025, the rules for conscripts changed, and the usual procedures no longer work as before. The new requirements relate to military registration and digital data verification, which raises many questions for applicants abroad. Find out if it is possible to obtain a foreign passport without ‘Reserve+’ and what nuances are important to consider

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Ukrainians living abroad are increasingly asking themselves: is it possible to obtain a new foreign passport without returning to Ukraine and without using the ‘Reserve+’ application? This is particularly relevant for men subject to military service whose documents are expiring or need to be replaced. Let's take a look at News. Live to find out what rules are currently in force and whether there are any alternatives.

Is it possible to obtain a foreign passport abroad

Yes, it is possible to apply for a foreign passport outside Ukraine. To do so, Ukrainians should contact the foreign branches of the state-owned enterprise ‘Document’, which operate in a number of European countries and other regions.

The procedure is generally standard: submitting an application, biometrics, paying the consular fee and waiting for the document to be produced. It is not necessary to return to Ukraine for this.

However, for men liable for military service, there is an additional condition related to military registration.

Is it mandatory to use ‘Reserve+’?

In 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine amended the procedure for automatic verification of data on conscripts, men liable for military service and reservists. Now, when issuing a passport, employees of foreign branches check military registration information through state registers.

It is no longer necessary to physically present a military registration document. The verification is carried out automatically.

If the data is not available in the register, it is entered into the system, and the citizen is registered for military service with the creation of a military registration document in electronic form.

This is where the key point arises: the digital tool ‘Reserve+’ is used to correctly check and reflect the status of military registration. Without up-to-date data in the system, it is virtually impossible to issue a foreign passport.

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Is it possible to do without Reserve+?

Formally, employees work with the registry, not with the applicant's phone. However, in practice, the lack of up-to-date information on military registration leads to a refusal to issue a passport until the status is resolved.

If a citizen is not registered in the system or their data is not updated, the issuance of the document is suspended until the information is entered.

Therefore, for men subject to military service, the use of ‘Reserve+’ or another mechanism for updating military registration data is actually a mandatory step.

What is important for Ukrainians abroad to consider

Men subject to military service should check in advance:

- the validity of the data in the military registration register;

- the availability of a completed electronic military registration document;

- the accuracy of personal information.

This will avoid delays when applying for a foreign passport.

Reminder! Personal appeals are again mandatory for some conscripts. Ukraine has changed the procedure for submitting applications for deferral from mobilisation, and for some categories, applications can only be submitted through the Administrative Services Centre (ASC) — without online alternatives or representatives. Find out who is subject to the new rule, why the ASC only accepts documents, and who actually makes the decision on deferrals.

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