How to become a citizen of Ukraine
For Russians and representatives of other CIS countries, if there are sufficient grounds, it will not be difficult to obtain new citizenship. Moreover, Russians do not need a visa to Ukraine in 2021. Even if there is no reason, the problem is quite easily solved. The main thing is to know from which side to approach its solution.
The main reasons for migration worldwide are:
- Economic, when people are looking for a more materially worthy life.
- Political, when citizens of one country seek stability and security in another.
Nowadays, another common reason when people want to change citizenship is family reunification, the desire to move closer to family, or marriage between foreigners.
Depending on your motives and whether you have one or another status, obtaining Ukrainian citizenship requires collecting certain papers.
How can you quickly obtain Ukrainian citizenship? Time frame for obtaining citizenship
If we talk about the procedure for registering the acquisition of citizenship, then in this case the migration service is obliged to review the submitted documents and make its decision no later than three months from the date of submission of the documents. Consulates and diplomatic missions have a one-month period during which they are required to review your documents and make a decision on your acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship. An exception is the procedure for restoration of citizenship. In this case, diplomatic missions and consular offices can consider your documents within six months from the date of contacting them.
And the third procedure is the adoption of Ukrainian citizenship, the longest and most complex procedure. It lasts about 12 months based on the provisions provided for in the above Procedure.
Is it possible to quickly obtain Ukrainian citizenship?
The legislation formulates the deadlines for reviewing documents on citizenship issues and making relevant decisions in such a way that the migration service, consular offices and diplomatic missions are obliged to consider them and make a decision on them no later than the mentioned period, and this does not mean at all that these departments cannot consider the documents for registration You obtain citizenship earlier than thirty days, three months, half a year, and so on.
Now that we have found out what the deadlines for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship are , we can move on to answering the question of how to quickly obtain Ukrainian citizenship and whether it is possible. From our practical experience we can say that it is possible to obtain Ukrainian citizenship much faster than in the time frame mentioned above. To do this, it is very important to properly prepare for this process.
First of all, it is necessary to correctly determine the grounds on which you can obtain Ukrainian citizenship. Based on this basis, the procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship should be correctly determined. Depending on the grounds and procedure, you should correctly determine the list of documents for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship that you need to prepare.
And most importantly, it is necessary, in accordance with existing requirements, to prepare those documents that are to be submitted to the migration service, consular office or diplomatic mission. At this stage, there are a sufficient number of nuances that should be taken into account, since if you miss them, they will still be revealed when submitting documents, or even worse, at the time of their consideration. This will definitely lead to a delay in time and the worst that can happen is that your documents will be returned to correct the deficiencies.
In order to avoid this and properly prepare for filing documents, I recommend that you use the services of a specialist. You can contact us and we will be happy to offer you our assistance in obtaining Ukrainian citizenship. Our specialists will advise you and help you determine the grounds, choose a procedure, determine the list of documents, and also tell you what nuances exist when preparing your documents.
What is required to request Ukrainian citizenship
Ukraine, like most countries in the world, has long worked out a scheme for accepting foreigners as its citizens. This process is considered in the Citizenship Law, where the following circumstances are cited as grounds:
- adoption;
- by right of birth;
- registration of guardianship;
- naturalization;
- origin.
In order to obtain Ukrainian citizenship in 2021, you need to recognize the Constitution of this country and undertake the obligation to fulfill its provisions. You also need to obtain an immigration permit and learn the state language.
Sample permit for immigration to Ukraine
Another requirement is monetary stability. Simply put, you must have some means so as not to live in poverty on the territory of your new homeland.
If you decide to apply for Ukrainian citizenship, you will have to renounce the citizenship of the country in which you were previously registered. Also, in order to become a full member of Ukrainian society, you will need to live on the territory of its state for five years. If you are already married to his citizen, then the period of residence is reduced to two years.
The procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for Ukrainian citizens in 2021:
The procedure is accompanied by compliance with various bureaucratic requirements. They are mandatory; their absence or violation of the procedure for obtaining citizenship may become grounds for refusal to issue a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
There is a need to collect documents, legalize and consolidate on the territory of Russia. For example, for those Ukrainians who work in the country illegally, obtaining citizenship becomes difficult.
- Firstly, there is no confirmation of their official employment, and this does not provide grounds for a preferential procedure or on a general basis.
- Secondly, they violate labor, migration and tax laws.
And this is a good reason to refuse a foreign applicant.
Obtaining Russian citizenship in the usual manner:
So, the absence of grounds for a simplified procedure and reluctance to participate in the state program leaves a citizen of Ukraine to go through three conditional stages of obtaining a Russian passport:
The whole procedure begins with receiving a migration card, filling it out and registering with the migration department. The document is filled out by hand when crossing the border to enter the Russian Federation. It contains passport details and the purpose of the visit.
It is recommended to immediately indicate the true intention; this will save you from unnecessary questions in the future about why the purpose of the visit has been changed, and suspicions of dishonesty.
After arrival, you must register with the migration service no later than a week. An application for a temporary residence permit is submitted here. Features of its issuance:
- Within six months from the date of application;
- If there are quotas, the absence of which is grounds for refusal of the applicant.
If your application is refused due to the lack of quotas, you can wait for them to appear or submit a written appeal in another region. It is necessary to submit documents with an application for a residence permit before the expiration of the temporary residence permit.
So, after 5 years of official residence in Russia, you can contact the territorial office of the Department of Migration at the place of registration in order to obtain a residence permit. To do this, you need to fill out a formal application. It is issued by the migration service or can be downloaded and filled out in advance.
In addition to passport data, the form contains information such as religion, nationality, education and academic degrees, labor activity, its type and other data.
The applicant enters into the document an obligation to renounce previous citizenship upon receipt of Russian citizenship.
- The application must be accompanied by:
This is a basic, but in some cases insufficient, package of documents. If the family has children aged 14 to 18 years, they are required to provide written consent to change citizenship. The application is considered within a year, the response comes in writing to the specified registration address.
Russian citizenship for Ukrainians in a simplified form:
The procedure is similar to the previous one, the difference is in the timing and volume of submitted documents. So, after registering upon arrival and submitting an application for a temporary residence permit, it is considered within 2 months. A decision on issuing a residence permit can be obtained within 3 months.
The list of documents is similar to that above. In addition, confirmation of the grounds for obtaining citizenship in a simplified form is provided. These may include:
- Information about children or parents who are citizens of the Russian Federation;
- Medical and social examination to recognize the applicant as incapacitated;
- Confirmation of the fact of birth in the USSR or in the Russian Federation;
- Diploma, certificate of education in Russia;
- Extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, which confirms entrepreneurial activity;
- Certificate from the tax office about income level;
- Certificate from the company management about the applicant’s share participation;
- Diploma, work book with a record and an extract from a special list of in-demand professions;
- Confirmation that the applicant is a native Russian speaker.
The response to the appeal comes to the place of registration indicated in it within 6 months.
Obtaining citizenship by refugee status or when receiving temporary asylum
The procedure is simple and quick. The main emphasis is on documenting that the person comes from a region in which hostilities are taking place. Another option is if it can be proven that the applicant was persecuted. For citizens of Ukraine, in the first case, it is necessary to provide a passport with registration in the zone of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) or the joint forces operation (JFO).
In the second case, for example, you can present an extract from the Myrotvorets website, which lists Ukrainian citizens who do not agree with the current regime. The web resource itself was created and operates in gross violation of the current criminal legislation of Ukraine, as well as international law.
Additionally, you need to undergo a medical examination and interview, and submit biometric data. An application for refugee status is considered within 3 days. Its satisfaction allows the applicant to reside legally in the Russian Federation for a year, after which the status is confirmed. 3 years after obtaining this status, you can apply for citizenship.
Citizenship for a participant in the program for the resettlement of compatriots:
The main condition is the presence of a program in the region where a Ukrainian citizen applies to UVM. The procedure for obtaining is similar to previous cases, the terms are reduced, as indicated at the very beginning.
Among the additional documents are those that confirm the right to obtain Russian citizenship for Ukrainians in 2021 under the special and light regime provided for by the country’s leadership.
Registration of citizenship for native Russian speakers
To do this you need to obtain the appropriate certificate. It is issued to persons whose ancestors lived on the territory of the Russian Empire or the RSFSR. Along with the application, extracts from the house register, metrics and other evidence that the person has every reason to be recognized as a native speaker are submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs.
After this, a new application is written to the UVI about the intention to obtain citizenship, and after three months (the maximum period for consideration of the application), you can apply for a residence permit. The answer will come within 2 months.
If all applications are approved, after two years you can submit an application for a passport as a citizen of the Russian Federation. The list of documents is similar to those given above.
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What do you need to stay on the territory of Ukraine?
When crossing the border of Ukraine, you present a foreign passport, in which customs officers put a special stamp, giving you the right to stay in the country for 90 days. In order to extend the period, you need to put a new mark in your passport, and to do this, collect the required documents, pay all the necessary duties and fees. After meeting all these conditions, you will be allowed to stay in the country for another 180 days.
When planning to obtain Ukrainian citizenship, do not violate the rules of stay under any circumstances, so as not to be subject to deportation from Ukraine. Becoming a citizen of the state that deported you will be very problematic.
To immigrate to a country, you must obtain a document called an immigration permit.
The document from which the list begins
Before applying for Ukrainian citizenship, make sure that you are not on the list of persons who will be denied. These include:
- people who committed genocide and other crimes that are regarded as actions directed against the entire society;
- those who in another country committed an act that in Ukraine is regarded as particularly serious;
- people convicted on the territory of the country, whose crimes are classified as grave and especially grave. An application for citizenship can be considered after a criminal record has been cleared or expunged.
The first item in the package of documents should be an immigration permit. You need to submit an application to the migration service at your place of residence. In this case, this should be considered the place where you will presumably or definitely be registered after receiving the requested citizenship.
In Ukraine there is a quota, which stipulates the number of places for people who will be issued a permit. Priority will be given to cultural or scientific figures; refugees living in the country for at least three years continuously; investors; those who want to move closer to their relatives and those who are married to a citizen of Ukraine.
The application for Ukrainian citizenship is written to the president. In order to submit it, it is not necessary to leave your state. You can contact the employees of the Ukrainian Embassy or its diplomatic service.
Instructions
So, we received the certificate. Either that we were registered or were born in Ukraine, or that one of our relatives. Wonderful!
Now we go with the papers either to the Ukrainian Embassy, or (if you are in the country itself) to the Passport Office. In the first option, you will be given something like this:
© Alexander Lapshin
In the second case, you will need to register. Or rather, a certificate that such and such a person promises to register you at such and such an address when you receive citizenship
At the territorial Passport Office you submit an application for Ukrainian citizenship. You will be asked to fill out a simple questionnaire.
All! Now we wait. According to the law, you will have to wait up to 90 days.
As a result, we are given the following certificate (similar to the one above, about the Embassies) -
Based on this certificate, you immediately submit an application for a passport. It must be accompanied by two photographs and a check from the bank for payment of a small fee.
When issuing a passport, you will probably be asked to sign that you “undertake to renounce your previous citizenship within two years.” Feel free to sign and leave.
What you need to provide to the migration service
The following package of documents is provided to the migration service:
Sample application for renunciation of citizenship
- Statement mentioned above.
- Photos, 3 pcs., size 3.5x4.5 cm.
- A declaration indicating that you are a stateless person, or your written commitment to cease citizenship of the country in which you were registered. If your country is one of those territories in which, upon acquiring citizenship status in another state, your current citizenship is automatically revoked, you can submit a regular application for a change of citizenship.
- A document proving that you have continuously resided in Ukraine for the required period of time (2, 3 or 5 years, depending on which category of citizen you belong to).
- A copy of a document proving that you have received permission to immigrate to Ukraine. It could also be a copy of a residence permit issued before the Immigration Act came into force, or an old Soviet passport (1974 model) with a Ukrainian registration stamp.
- A document confirming that you speak Ukrainian. This role can be played by an extract from a diploma or a copy of a certificate received at an educational institution teaching the Ukrainian language. You can also provide evidence that you speak the state language well enough. This paper can be obtained from local authorities or self-government, as well as from one of the educational institutions.
- Disabled people can provide a document that confirms their disability.
Sample refugee certificate
- The final thing in the general list of papers required for obtaining citizenship is a document stating that for the last six months you have legally received a certain income. It can be replaced by proof of funds on a bank deposit, the amount of which must be at least 12 subsistence minimums on the day of application.
- If you are married to a Ukrainian man or woman, you need to submit two more official papers: one must confirm that you are in fact married, the second that your partner is a citizen of Ukraine. The marriage must be at least two years old.
- Documentary confirmation of refugee status or the fact of being granted political asylum.
- Citizenship documents for children must be supplemented with a copy of the certificate issued at birth. Minors 14-18 years old are required to provide written consent to accept Ukrainian citizenship.
Who can obtain Ukrainian citizenship through a simplified procedure?
On August 13, President Zelensky simplified the granting of Ukrainian citizenship to Russians who were subjected to political persecution at home and to foreigners who took part in the war in Donbass.
Among the Ukrainian defenders there are many foreigners and Russians / Photo Getty
To obtain a Ukrainian passport, Russians must go through a certain procedure. In particular, provide:
- declaration of renunciation of Russian citizenship;
- a document confirming persecution for political reasons (certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, a diplomatic mission or consular office of Ukraine, issued in accordance with the procedure established by the Cabinet of Ministers).
Process for reviewing submitted applications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
The local migration service carefully examines documents for correctness and authenticity. If no violations are noticed, the package is sent to the main migration department of the regional center within two weeks. After the next review, the papers are sent to the State Migration Service and only then to the Presidential Commission, which deals with the consideration of citizenship cases.
If you applied for citizenship in your country, they will get to the Commission in a slightly different way: through the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Presidential Commission regularly holds meetings at which applications of foreigners wishing to obtain Ukrainian citizenship are considered. Only after the application is approved, the papers go to the presidential table for signature. The decision issued by the commission is attached to the draft Decree and signed by the head of state.
From the moment the decree is issued, you automatically become a citizen of Ukraine.
Documents for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship through marriage
You need to submit the following approximate list of documents:
- completed application in two copies;
- 3 photographs 35x45mm.;
also, depending on the grounds and certain legal facts, one of the following documents should be submitted:
- for stateless persons - a declaration that he has citizenship of another state or an obligation to terminate foreign citizenship for foreigners;
- a document that can confirm the fact of continuous marriage for two years;
- a copy of the passport of the spouse of a citizen of Ukraine;
- death certificate (copy);
- a document that can confirm knowledge of the state language (annex to the certificate or diploma where it is indicated about the study of the Ukrainian language);
- confirmation of sufficient financial support for the last 6 months from the date of application;
- other documents.
Only after you have been able to collect the necessary list of documents, which are declared in the law, should it be submitted to the migration service at your place of residence. It is important that some documents issued in a foreign country need to be apostilled and translated into the state language, after which you need to contact a notary for certification.
Simplified system for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship
Ukraine provides a simplified system for obtaining citizenship for some categories of citizens. To become a citizen of the country according to this system, you need to have confirmation that you were once a citizen of Ukraine in the past or provide official information about the presence of close relatives who permanently reside on its territory.
According to the simplified system for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship, you do not need to wait 5 years, and you also do not need to collect a large package of documents. You just need to know the state language tolerably and renounce other citizenship.
You also do not need to obtain an immigration permit.
The main legal document providing for the determination of the fact of belonging to Ukrainian citizenship is the Regulation on the procedure for considering applications and petitions on citizenship issues, approved by Presidential Decree in 2001.
This Regulation provides for 3 options for the procedure for confirming Ukrainian citizenship:
— determination of affiliation;
— establishing affiliation;
— verification of citizenship.
And so, let's look at each of these methods in more detail.
Citizens of the former USSR who, after November 13, 1991, arrived in our country for permanent residence and their passports as a citizen of the USSR were marked o, as well as the children of these citizens who moved with their parents and at the time of 13.11 can register their citizenship of Ukraine. .1991 They were minors.
The next option is to establish Ukrainian citizenship. This method is used in situations where it is necessary to determine whether a person is a Ukrainian citizen. The categories of people to whom this option applies include:
- citizens of the former USSR who, at the time of August 24, 1991 or November 13, 1991, being citizens of the USSR, having a passport of a citizen of the USSR, lived on the territory of Ukraine, but were not registered, that is, they do not have a registration stamp in their passports a certain address, as well as the children of such people;
- people who at the time of November 13, 1991. They served in the armed forces and after the end of their service they remained to live on the territory of Ukraine;
- persons who at the time of August 24, 1991. Or November 13, 1991 Served a sentence in places of deprivation of liberty on the territory of Ukraine, before the sentence came into force, they permanently lived on the territory of Ukraine and were citizens of the USSR;
- people who, during the period of August 24, 1991 or November 13, 1991. They did not reach adulthood and were raised in state orphanages in Ukraine.
The remaining option is to verify Ukrainian citizenship. This method is applied to people who are outside the territory of Ukraine and do not have documents confirming the presence of Ukrainian citizenship, and there is also a need to verify the fact that a person is a citizen of Ukraine.
Registration and establishment of citizenship are authorized to be carried out by both units of the state migration service and consulates outside of Ukraine.
The procedure for verifying citizenship is carried out exclusively by consular offices and diplomatic missions outside of Ukraine.
The period for registration of Ukrainian citizenship lasts 1 month from the moment of submitting documents to one or another department.
A more detailed procedure for carrying out this procedure, the procedure for considering documents, as well as a list of necessary documents can be found in the above-mentioned Regulations on the procedure for considering applications and petitions on citizenship issues.
If you have questions regarding your specific situation about whether this procedure can be carried out in your case, as well as what documents you will need to prepare and submit to the migration service, you can find out during a personal consultation.
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