At the last meeting of the National Commission for Foreign Ukrainians, it became known how many citizens were granted the relevant status. Find out all about the status of a foreign Ukrainian, the rights and opportunities it provides, the procedure for obtaining it and the activities of the relevant commissio

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According to the Law ‘On Ukrainians Abroad’, a citizen of another state or a stateless person who originates from Ukraine or has ethnic Ukrainian descent (their ancestors were Ukrainian) can obtain this status. According to official figures, the number of people of Ukrainian descent living outside the country ranges from 12 to 20 million. The status of a ‘foreign Ukrainian’ is granted on the basis of a decision of the National Commission for Foreign Ukrainians. The last (58th) meeting of the Commission took place on 9 December 2024, when 169 foreigners were granted the status. Read more about the status, the rights it provides and the activities of the Commission in the material on the Visit Ukraine portal.

How does the state cooperate with Ukrainians abroad?

Cooperation with Ukrainians abroad is based on the basic tenets approved by the current legislation:

- ensuring equal rights for every person, regardless of their place of birth;

- Unification of the Ukrainian nation;

- meeting the cultural and national needs of Ukrainians abroad;

- exchange of achievements of spiritual and material culture;

- cooperation with the countries of citizenship of Ukrainians abroad.

What rights does a Ukrainian abroad have?

Ukrainians abroad have equal rights and obligations with other citizens of Ukraine. Exceptions may be established by the Constitution of Ukraine and international treaties ratified by Ukraine.

A person with the relevant status has the right to work in institutions and organisations and to carry out other labour activities on the basis of Ukrainian labour legislation.

Please note! Every year, foreign Ukrainians have quotas for admission to Ukrainian higher education institutions.

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What is the procedure for obtaining the status of a foreign Ukrainian?

In order to obtain the status of a foreign Ukrainian, a person must submit an application

- to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (if the person is on the territory of Ukraine);

- to the diplomatic missions of Ukraine (if the person is abroad).

The application is filled out in a special form and must be accompanied by

- an identity document (passport or other document);

- documents confirming Ukrainian origin/ethnicity;

- a description of the NGO's application (if any).

Activities of the National Commission for Ukrainians Abroad

1. The Commission makes decisions on granting, denying or terminating the status of a foreign Ukrainian.

2. The Commission considers an application for granting or refusing to grant the status of a foreign Ukrainian within 90 days from the date of its registration.

3. In case of a positive decision, the Commission issues a certificate of the established form to the person.

4. If a person is denied the status, the commission issues a copy of the relevant decision. The person has the right to re-apply.

If you are planning to obtain the status of a foreign Ukrainian or immigrate to Ukraine, please contact Visit Ukraine specialists. We will help you prepare a package of documents, fill out an application, and communicate with the National Commission or diplomatic missions.

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

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