The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted a draft law on the provision of administrative services to Ukrainians, including those abroad. Learn more about the details of the new law and the specifics of administrative services

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At a meeting on May 9, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada passed Bill 11017 on the provision of certain administrative services to Ukrainians. “236 MPs voted in favor.

The new draft law provides for the possibility of simultaneous issuance and exchange of a Ukrainian passport and a foreign passport. Ukrainian citizens abroad will be able to receive administrative services at the offices of the state enterprise Document.

In our previous article, we wrote that Ukrainians are applying for international protection in Poland. This conclusion is due to a significant increase in the number of applications submitted by Ukrainian citizens in recent periods.

Main provisions of the draft law on administrative services

The new draft law aims to facilitate the process of obtaining documents and provide convenience for citizens. One of the key initiatives is the possibility of simultaneous issuance and exchange of a passport of a citizen of Ukraine and a foreign passport at the offices of the state enterprise Document. 

Another important change is the reduction of the timeframe for urgent issuance and exchange of passports from ten to seven business days. Persons who have reached the age of 65 will have an unlimited validity period of the passport of a citizen of Ukraine in the form of a card.

In addition, it is planned to reduce the age for obtaining a foreign passport from 16 to 14 years. The rules for obtaining a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad by persons already abroad will also be clarified. In particular, in order to receive administrative services, minors must submit a parental application.

The draft law will come into force after being signed by the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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Learn more about leaving Ukraine without a foreign passport with an internal passport in 2024.

Provision of administrative services for Ukrainians abroad

According to the new draft law, Ukrainians abroad will be able to simultaneously issue or exchange their Ukrainian passport and foreign passport through a state-owned enterprise subordinated to the State Migration Service.

Of particular importance is the new initiative to issue a passport of a citizen of Ukraine in the form of a card for persons aged 65 and older for an unlimited period of time.

The amendments also provide for a reduction in the timeframe for urgent issuance or exchange of a passport. Now these procedures must be completed no later than seven business days from the date of submission of the application form, which is a significant relief compared to the current 10 business days.

Remember that one of the prerequisites for staying abroad is to have health insurance. Thanks to insurance, you will be able to receive high-quality medical care without having to pay for it.

You can buy insurance online in a few clicks here. A ready-made insurance policy will be sent to your email in a few minutes.

We remind you! Ukraine and the European Commission have agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU. The status will be reviewed only after the security situation in the country improves. Read more about the changes in obtaining temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU.

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

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.