Nationality of Ukraine: all obtaining pathways
Ukraine requires five years of legal residence for ordinary naturalization; marriage to a Ukrainian citizen reduces the period to two years of union. Birth citizenship combines ius sanguinis and ius soli, and descent is transmitted by filiation with no additional requirements.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Recognition of Ukraine as the only country of citizenship (for foreigners)
- Commitment to comply with the Constitution and laws of Ukraine
- Continuous LAWFUL residence in Ukraine for the last 5 years (art. 9(2)(3))
- Passing exams on the Constitution and history of Ukraine and state-language proficiency (required since Law 2996-IX/2023)
- Lawful means of subsistence
Documentation
- Application to the migration authority (DMS)
- Permanent residence permit
- Ukrainian language command certificate
- Constitution knowledge certificate
- Declaration renouncing the previous citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
2Naturalization through marriage
Naturalization through marriage
Requirements
- Marriage to a Ukrainian citizen of more than 2 years (in force or ended by the spouse's death)
- Marriage >2 years WAIVES the 5-year continuous residence requirement (art. 9(2)(3))
- The 2-year term does NOT apply if the marriage ended by annulment or the foreigner's fault-based divorce
- Remaining naturalization requirements (exams, constitutional commitment)
- Discretionary decision of the Citizenship Commission and the authority (admission may be denied on security grounds)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Passport of the Ukrainian spouse
- Permanent residence permit
- Ukrainian language proficiency certificate
- Declaration renouncing the previous citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
3Citizenship by birth (ius sanguinis and ius soli)
Citizenship by birth (ius sanguinis and ius soli)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Ukrainian citizen (ius sanguinis)
- Born in Ukraine to stateless parents legally residing in Ukraine (ius soli)
- Born in Ukraine without acquiring another citizenship at birth
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' Ukrainian passport
- Proof of the parents' legal residence where applicable
4Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Ukrainian citizen
- Citizenship is transmitted with no generational limit
- Children of Ukrainian citizens born abroad may acquire the citizenship
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Proof of the parent's Ukrainian citizenship
- Ukrainian passport of the father/mother
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Ukraine
How many years of residence does Ukraine require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Ukraine (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Ukraine before applying. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Ukraine be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage pathway (Marriage >2 years to a Ukrainian citizen (WAIVES the 5-year residence requirement)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Ukraine require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Application to the migration authority (DMS); Permanent residence permit; Ukrainian language command certificate; Constitution knowledge certificate; Declaration renouncing the previous citizenship; among 4 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Ukraine?
Ukraine provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by descent.
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