The status of a foreign Ukrainian provides unique opportunities for people of Ukrainian descent living outside of Ukraine. Find out how this status helps to maintain ties with the homeland and what benefits it provides

Legal assistance on migration issues for foreigners in Ukraine

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Ukraine grants a special status to people of Ukrainian origin living outside the country - the status of a foreign Ukrainian. This document helps to preserve national consciousness, maintains ties with the homeland, and grants a number of privileges. According to Article 12 of the Constitution of Ukraine, the state ensures that the national, cultural and linguistic needs of Ukrainians abroad are met.

Who can obtain the status of a foreign Ukrainian?

A foreign Ukrainian is a person who is a citizen of another state or a stateless person but has Ukrainian ethnic origin or is of Ukrainian descent. It is important to note that this status can only be acquired by persons who have reached the age of 16 and are not citizens of Ukraine.

Ukrainian ethnic origin means that a person or his/her ancestors belong to the Ukrainian nation and recognize Ukraine as the homeland of their ethnic origin.

Basic principles of cooperation with Ukrainians abroad

Ukraine maintains cooperation with Ukrainians abroad based on several basic principles:

1. Recognition and freedoms of every person from birth.

2. Supporting and solving the problems of formation and consolidation of the Ukrainian nation.

3. Meeting the national, cultural and linguistic needs of Ukrainians abroad.

4. Mutual enrichment with the achievements of spiritual and material culture.

5. Cooperation with other states to ensure the rights and freedoms of Ukrainians abroad on the basis of the obligation to comply with the generally recognized principles and norms of international law, including non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.

6. Parity in ensuring the rights and needs of foreign Ukrainians and national minorities of Ukraine by foreign states and Ukraine.

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What is the status of a foreign Ukrainian?

A certificate of a foreign Ukrainian is issued for 10 years and confirms the relevant status, although it does not replace a passport. Recipients of the status have several significant advantages:

1. Education: The possibility of obtaining higher education in Ukraine at the expense of the state budget within the established quotas.

2. Free visas: The right to obtain a free multiple-entry visa to visit Ukraine without an invitation for a period of 5 years (for citizens of states with which Ukraine has a visa regime);

3. Immigration: The possibility to immigrate to Ukraine for permanent residence without taking into account immigration quotas, but subject to obtaining an immigration permit in accordance with the procedure established by law. At the same time, the family of a foreign Ukrainian also has the right to immigrate to the country.

It is worth noting that a foreign Ukrainian, while staying in Ukraine on legal grounds, enjoys the same rights and freedoms and has the same obligations as Ukrainian citizens, except for those established by the Constitution and laws of Ukraine.

What are the benefits of being a foreign Ukrainian?

The process of obtaining the status of a foreign Ukrainian is not simple and involves proof of Ukrainian ethnic origin and submission of relevant documents.

If you want to obtain the appropriate status or have any questions about the paperwork, please contact Visit Ukraine lawyers. We provide qualified advice and full legal support for foreigners in Ukraine. With our help, you will be able to go through all the necessary procedures quickly and without any problems.

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

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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.