Ukraine sets age requirements for foreigners seeking citizenship

Ukraine has unveiled age-based criteria for foreigners and stateless individuals seeking citizenship, outlining who can apply and when minors must give consent in person. The State Migration Service of Ukraine published these guidelines, aligning with the nation's Citizenship Law and Presidential Decree No. 215 from March 27, 2001.

According to the requirements, released by PUNCH Online on Wednesday from Ukraine’s migration service, individuals aged 18 and above must apply for Ukrainian citizenship personally. Children under 18 must submit applications through their parents or legal representatives, but minors aged 14 to 17 must personally consent to acquiring Ukrainian citizenship.

This implies that parents or guardians cannot secure citizenship for teenagers without their approval. The guidelines categorize applicants into three age groups. Children under 14 require their applications to be submitted on their behalf by a parent or legal representative. Those aged 14 to 17 must provide personal consent, even if an adult handles the application.

Applicants aged 18 and above must apply independently. Furthermore, Ukrainian authorities have specified requirements for applicants who already possess citizenship of another country. Foreign nationals seeking Ukrainian citizenship under this procedure must commit to renouncing their existing citizenship within two years of being registered as Ukrainian citizens.

Those who make this pledge receive temporary Ukrainian identity cards valid for two years during the transitional period, rather than full passports. Stateless individuals are exempt from this requirement and are not subject to the two-year transitional arrangement.