The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has voted in the second reading in favor of draft law No. 9585, which allows foreigners serving in Ukraine to obtain Ukrainian citizenship. Find out why this step is significant for many foreign military personnel and what rules will apply to Russians and Belarusians

Legal assistance for foreigners on entry and legalization of stay in Ukraine

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The explanatory note to the law states that since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war, a large number of foreigners have expressed a desire to voluntarily defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine with arms in hand. We will tell you how Ukraine decided to thank these citizens and why it is important.

What rights will foreigners serving in the Armed Forces receive?

From now on, the law provides for the possibility for foreigners and stateless persons who defend Ukraine in the Armed Forces to obtain temporary residence permits, immigration permits and Ukrainian citizenship. This will be an important step in recognizing their merits and providing legal support to them and their families,” experts say.

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What exactly does the new law allow foreigners in the Armed Forces: in simple terms

1.It is possible to obtain an immigration permit or Ukrainian citizenship on the basis of expired passports. It is also possible to obtain a temporary residence permit for foreigners and stateless persons who participate in the defense of Ukraine as part of territorial defense or volunteer formations.

2.Family members of foreigners who have signed a contract for service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine/State Special Transport Service/ National Guard of Ukraine can also obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine.

3.Citizens of russia and belarus who have acquired Ukrainian citizenship since February 24, 2022 and have pledged to terminate their foreign (Russian, Belarusian) citizenship must provide a document confirming its termination within one year after the end of martial law, if the deadline for fulfilling this obligation has already passed. At the same time, within a year after the termination of martial law, applications for Ukrainian citizenship from Russian citizens are no longer accepted. This is a temporary measure designed to ensure national security and control over migration processes.

4. Persons who became citizens of Ukraine during martial law are now required to pass exams on the fundamentals of the Constitution, the history of Ukraine and the Ukrainian language. If they are serving under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine/State Special Transport Service/National Guard, they will have two years after the end of martial law to fulfill these obligations.

Find out how many foreigners received Ukrainian citizenship in 2023 here.

Important! Such special requirements do not apply to certain categories of Russians and Belarusians. Namely:

• - Those who have outstanding services to Ukraine, or the granting of Ukrainian citizenship to those who are of state interest to Ukraine, their family members;
  
• - Those who have served or are currently serving under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service or the National Guard of Ukraine, including those who have been awarded a state award of Ukraine, and their family members;
  
• - Those who terminated their service contract in Ukraine for health reasons;
  
• - Those who were involved in the defense of Ukraine as part of the Territorial Defense Forces or volunteer formations of the territorial community, and their family members;
  
• - Minor children who have legal grounds for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship.
  
  

Thus, the adoption of Law No. 9585 is an important step to support foreigners serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It not only gives them the opportunity to obtain Ukrainian citizenship, but also provides legal protection to their families. This decision demonstrates Ukraine's gratitude for their service and support.

Read all about residence and acquisition of citizenship by a foreigner in Ukraine after or during service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine in this article.

If you have any questions about obtaining Ukrainian citizenship, or need professional advice on how to prepare documents and submit applications to the relevant institutions, please contact on the website Visit Ukraine migration lawyers. Our specialists provide full support in resolving migration issues, as well as provide one-time consultations.

Remember. Obtaining Ukrainian citizenship can be complicated and time-consuming, as it is a multi-stage process that requires consistency. Read what is required to obtain the status of a citizen of Ukraine and how VU lawyers can help in this regard in our previous article.

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Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

Before you travel to Ukraine or while you are already in the country, seek legal advice. Our team will help you feel safe and confident during your trip, business trip or relocation.