On what grounds do foreigners most often obtain Ukrainian citizenship?

Obtaining Ukrainian citizenship by foreigners is a complex process that depends on many factors. Find out more about the grounds on which foreigners most often obtained Ukrainian citizenship in 2024 and how trends have changed compared to previous years

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In recent years, Ukraine has remained attractive to foreigners seeking citizenship. Official statistics from the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) allow us to assess the grounds on which citizenship is most often granted and how trends have changed compared to previous years.

We will tell you on what grounds foreigners most often obtain Ukrainian citizenship in the article below.

The rules of entry to Ukraine for foreigners in 2025 are available here.

Official statistics of the Migration Service of Ukraine: on what grounds did foreigners most often obtain Ukrainian citizenship in 2024?

According to the official data of the SMS, in 2024, most foreigners obtained Ukrainian citizenship on the basis of territorial affiliation - 1,098 foreigners acquired citizenship through Ukrainian origin.

In addition, 245 people took advantage of the opportunity to obtain citizenship under a simplified procedure based on international agreements. Citizenship was granted by Presidential Decree in 60 cases. Children who were adopted by Ukrainian citizens or were under guardianship also received citizenship (413 cases).

Citizenship or residence permit: what rights and obligations does a foreigner have in Ukraine - read here.

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Trends and changes compared to previous years

Compared to 2023, there has been a decrease in the number of citizenship acquisitions by territorial origin (1,098 in 2024 vs. 1,309 in 2023).

As for the simplified procedure, there was also a decline: in 2023, 355 people were granted citizenship, and in 2024 - 245. At the same time, the number of people granted citizenship by presidential decree increased significantly - 60 cases in 2024 compared to only 1 in 2023.

To find out how long you need to live in Ukraine to obtain citizenship, follow the link.

How to obtain Ukrainian citizenship?

Foreigners can obtain Ukrainian citizenship on several main grounds:

- by territorial origin;

- by being admitted to citizenship;

- by restoration of citizenship;

- by adoption;

- as a result of the establishment of guardianship or custody over a child, placement of a child in a healthcare facility, educational institution or other children's institution, family-type children's home or foster family;

- as a result of the establishment of guardianship over a person declared incapacitated by a court;

- in connection with the Ukrainian citizenship of one or both parents of the child;

- as a result of acknowledgement of paternity or maternity or establishment of the fact of paternity or maternity;

- on other grounds provided for by international treaties of Ukraine.

Residence and Acquisition of Ukrainian Citizenship by Foreigners Serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: everything you need to know -

follow the link.

In order to successfully complete the procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship, you need to submit an application to the SMS, provide supporting documents and undergo an inspection. Due to the complexity of the bureaucratic procedures, it is worth contacting migration lawyers who will help you to properly prepare all the documents.

Why should you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers to successfully obtain Ukrainian citizenship?

Visit Ukraine lawyers provide professional support in the process of obtaining citizenship. They help to prepare documents, check compliance with legal requirements and accompany clients at all stages of the process.

In order to avoid delays and mistakes in the process of acquiring citizenship, we advise you to contact the migration lawyers of Visit Ukraine.

Book a consultation now and get expert support!

Just to remind you! Every year, thousands of foreigners obtain residence permits in Ukraine, but the process itself requires knowledge of legal nuances and careful preparation of documents. Read here to find out how many foreigners received residence permits in Ukraine in 2024, as well as the requirements and procedure for obtaining a document.

Photo: SE Document

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