Renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship is a complex and formalized procedure that is strictly regulated by the current legislation. This step is usually taken by persons who wish to obtain a passport in another country. Learn more about the conditions and stages of renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship

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Renunciation of citizenship is a voluntary expression of a person's will aimed at losing political and legal ties with the country. The reasons for such a decision may vary. The following categories of persons may renounce their citizenship:

- Those who have lived abroad for a long time and have an official residence permit in the host country;

- Have acquired or have guarantees of obtaining citizenship in the country of residence.

Today's article will tell you whether it is possible to renounce Ukrainian citizenship during martial law.

In the previous article, we told you how many Ukrainians would leave Ukraine if they were offered US or EU citizenship.

Is it possible to renounce citizenship during martial law?

According to the current legislation, every Ukrainian can apply to the consulate with a statement of renunciation of citizenship. However, before any consular service is provided, the validity of military registration documents is checked. This rule applies to all men between the ages of 18 and 60, as well as women with a pharmaceutical or medical specialty who are registered in the military.

The decision to terminate citizenship is made by the President of Ukraine. However, the latest decree on this issue was signed on October 2, 2021, No. 548, concerning 1,087 people. Since then, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received 1951 applications for renunciation of citizenship from foreign diplomatic missions, which are still awaiting the President's approval.

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How to renounce Ukrainian citizenship?

To summarize, renunciation of citizenship is possible if a person has citizenship in another state or a document stating that he or she is guaranteed to receive citizenship after renouncing Ukrainian citizenship.

Renunciation is not possible if the person permanently resides in Ukraine, has no guarantees of obtaining a foreign passport, is prosecuted or is suspected of committing a crime.

Therefore, voluntary renunciation of citizenship is not available to persons permanently residing in Ukraine. And men of military age who are liable for military service and have no reason to travel abroad will not be able to renounce their citizenship at all. 

Minor children can also renounce their citizenship at the request of their parents, provided they are permanently residing abroad.

To learn more about the conditions for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship for foreigners serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, please follow the link.

Let's take a step-by-step look at the procedure for renouncing citizenship:

Step 1: Registration of departure for permanent residence

At this stage, it is necessary to obtain a decision on the execution of documents for traveling abroad for permanent residence from the SMS or a consular office, deregister from military and tax registration, obtain a stamp in the passport on registration of travel abroad for permanent residence, deregister from the place of residence and register with the consular office.

Please note! Starting from June 1, 2024, the “residence abroad” exemption for men of military age who have the appropriate marks in their documents on leaving for permanent residence will be canceled. Such persons will no longer be able to cross the border even if they have citizenship of another country.

During martial law, persons liable for military service of conscription age cannot perform the above legal actions.

Step 2: Registration of renunciation of citizenship

To renounce citizenship, the following package of documents must be submitted to the consulate where the person is registered:

- Application for voluntary renunciation of citizenship in duplicate;

- Two photographs 35 x 45 mm in size;

- A copy of the passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad with a stamp of departure for permanent residence.

It is also necessary to provide a document confirming the acquisition of citizenship of another state or guaranteed acquisition of citizenship upon the refusal of the Ukrainian passport.

The decision is made by the President of Ukraine in the form of a decree. There are no time limits for making/not making a decision. There are also no legal levers of influence.

The procedure for losing Ukrainian citizenship

If renunciation of citizenship is a voluntary decision, the loss of citizenship is always initiated by state authorities. The reasons for this may include failure to comply with the obligation to renounce foreign citizenship, obtaining citizenship by submitting forged documents or false information, or voluntarily signing a contract with the armed forces of another state.

In other cases, it is impossible to deprive a person residing in Ukraine of citizenship. 

The issue of loss of citizenship is considered by a special Commission under the President of Ukraine. The procedure is initiated by state or law enforcement agencies that have found legal grounds.

After that, the Commission submits a proposal to the President to grant the request for termination of citizenship. The Head of the Commission submits the proposal, supported by a draft document, to the President of Ukraine.

The President independently signs a decree for each individual on an individual basis. The decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court of Ukraine.

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

We remind you! The procedure for confirming the child's citizenship in Ukraine is mandatory for obtaining a Ukrainian passport and other important documents. Read more about the required documents, deadlines and specifics of the procedure for different categories of applicants.

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