Obtaining a Ukrainian Passport for Children Under 16 Born Abroad

Obtaining a Ukrainian Passport for Children Under 16 Born Abroad

At Legal Light Consulting, our dedicated LLC lawyers are here to simplify the process of obtaining a Ukrainian passport for children under 16 born abroad.

This article provides a clear and detailed guide to help parents or legal representatives navigate the requirements and procedures based on Ukrainian law. It is written in simple English for educational purposes.

Who Can Apply for a Child’s Passport?

A passport for a child under 16 can be applied for by:

• One of the child’s parents or adoptive parents.

• A guardian, custodian, or other legal representative, including those authorized under foreign laws to represent the child’s interests.

The application is submitted to a Ukrainian diplomatic mission or consular office abroad, such as an embassy.

Required Documents

To apply for a Ukrainian passport for a child under 16, the following documents must be submitted along with the application form:

1. Child’s Previous International Passport (if applicable):

   • If the child already has a Ukrainian passport for travel abroad, include it for exchange.

   • Provide the original and a copy.

2. Birth Certificate:

   • The child’s birth certificate, issued by the competent authority in the country of birth, must be provided.

   • The certificate must be legalized (e.g., with an Apostille stamp) in the country where it was issued, unless otherwise specified by international agreements.

   • A translation into Ukrainian is required, certified by a notary.

3. Document Confirming Residence Abroad (if available):

   • A document showing the child’s permanent residence or temporary stay abroad, if applicable (e.g., a residence permit or visa).

4. Legal Representative’s Documents:

   • If the application is submitted by someone other than a parent, provide:

     • A document verifying the identity of the legal representative (e.g., passport).

     • A document proving their authority to represent the child, including any document issued by a foreign authority confirming their role in applying for the passport.

Note: If a parent is applying, proof of authority is not needed, as their parental status is sufficient.

When Can a Passport Be Issued Without the Child’s Presence?

A child does not need to be present for the passport application in these cases:

• The child is under 12 years old.

• The child has a long-term health condition preventing independent movement, confirmed by a medical certificate from a recognized healthcare institution, issued according to local regulations.

In these cases, you must provide a color photograph of the child for scanning:

• Size: 10×15 cm.

• Format: Digital image in .jpg format, up to 5.00 MB.

• Quality Requirements: Check the specific requirements for the photo (e.g., background, lighting) on the website of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission you are contacting.

Consular Fees

• No fee is charged for issuing a passport for a child under 16.

• A small fee is charged only for reviewing the application form. The exact amount depends on the diplomatic mission and can be found on their website.

Requirements for Photographing a Child

The photo for the passport must meet specific standards to ensure it can be used for scanning:

• Use a plain, light-colored background (usually white or off-white).

• Ensure good lighting with no shadows on the face or background.

• The child’s face must be centered, looking straight at the camera, with a neutral expression.

• No hats, headgear, or accessories that cover the face are allowed, unless required for religious or medical reasons.

• For exact specifications (e.g., resolution, head size), refer to the website of the Ukrainian embassy or consulate you are applying to.

Certifying Foreign Documents (Apostille/Legalization)

Documents issued by foreign authorities, such as the child’s birth certificate, must be properly certified before submission:

• Apostille: If the country is part of the Hague Convention, the birth certificate needs an Apostille stamp from the issuing country’s competent authority (e.g., a Ministry of Foreign Affairs or designated office).

• Legalization: If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, the document must be legalized through the country’s foreign affairs ministry and the Ukrainian embassy.

• After certification, the document must be translated into Ukrainian and the translation must be notarized.

Tip: Contact the Ukrainian embassy or consulate for a list of competent foreign authorities and local names of required documents (e.g., birth certificate equivalents in the host country).

Where to Find More Information

For detailed information, visit the website of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission or consular office you plan to contact. Key resources include:

• Consular Services: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

• List of Diplomatic Missions: Foreign Diplomatic Missions in Ukraine

You can also reach out to the Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv:

• Address: Velyka Zhytomyrska 2, Kyiv, Ukraine

• Phone: +38 044 238 15 15

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for a passport for my child under 16?

A parent, adoptive parent, guardian, or authorized legal representative can apply. Only one person needs to submit the application.

2. Does my child need to be present when applying?

No, if the child is under 12 or has a medical condition preventing movement (with a doctor’s certificate). Otherwise, check with the embassy.

3. What happens if my child already has a Ukrainian passport?

Include the existing passport with the application for exchange.

4. How do I get an Apostille for the birth certificate?

Contact the competent authority in the country where the certificate was issued (e.g., a Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Check with the Ukrainian embassy for specifics.

5. Is there a fee for the passport itself?

No, the passport is free for children under 16, but there’s a small fee for reviewing the application.

6. Where do I find photo requirements?

Visit the website of the Ukrainian embassy or consulate you’re applying to for exact photo guidelines.

Comprehensive FAQ: Ukrainian Citizenship and Passport for Children Born Abroad

At Legal Light Consulting, our expert LLC lawyers are committed to helping families navigate the process of obtaining Ukrainian citizenship and passports for children born abroad.

Below is a detailed FAQ section addressing common questions about acquiring Ukrainian citizenship by birth, obtaining a passport for children under 16, and related processes. This guide is written in simple English for educational purposes and draws on Ukrainian legal requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does a child born abroad automatically receive Ukrainian citizenship if one parent is a Ukrainian citizen?

Yes, a child born after March 1, 2001, automatically acquires Ukrainian citizenship at birth if at least one parent was a Ukrainian citizen at the time of the child’s birth, regardless of whether the other parent is a foreign citizen or also holds Ukrainian citizenship. This is outlined in Article 7 of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship of Ukraine” (2001 edition).

2. Is registration required for a child to have Ukrainian citizenship?

No, citizenship is automatic from birth for children born after March 1, 2001. However, registration is recommended to obtain a Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of Ukraine, which serves as proof of citizenship and is needed for documents like a Ukrainian passport.

3. What documents are needed to register a child’s Ukrainian citizenship by birth?

To register a child’s acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship at a Ukrainian embassy (e.g., in India), the following are required:

• Application form from one parent who is a Ukrainian citizen.

• Proof of Ukrainian citizenship of the parent (e.g., Ukrainian passport or other document per Article 5 of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship of Ukraine”).

• Child’s birth certificate (original and copy), legalized (e.g., with an Apostille) in the country of issuance and translated into Ukrainian with notarization.

• The birth certificate must include the parents’ names, and the child’s name and surname must be transliterated correctly (e.g., “Michele” becomes “Микеле”, not “Михайло”).

• The child’s surname must match the surname in at least one parent’s Ukrainian passport for travel abroad.

4. Does the child or the other parent need to be present for citizenship registration?

No, only one parent (a Ukrainian citizen) needs to submit the application. The child and the other parent (whether a Ukrainian citizen or foreigner) do not need to be present.

5. How long does it take to register a child’s Ukrainian citizenship?

The Ukrainian embassy or consulate processes the application within one month from the date of submission. If approved, the child receives a Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of Ukraine. If denied, the applicant is notified in writing within one week.

6. Is there a fee for the Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of Ukraine?

No, the first issuance of the certificate for a child born abroad is free. However, if the certificate is lost or damaged, a replacement certificate costs:

• 30 USD (issued within 5 business days).

• 60 USD (issued within 1 business day).

7. Can a duplicate of the Certificate of Registration be issued?

No, a duplicate is not issued. Instead, if the original certificate is lost, damaged, or taken, the Ukrainian embassy or consulate abroad can issue a replacement document confirming the child’s prior registration. In Ukraine, contact the Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Velyka Zhytomyrska 2, Kyiv, +38 044 238 15 15).

8. Does acquiring another country’s citizenship cause a child to lose Ukrainian citizenship?

No, Ukrainian citizenship is not automatically lost upon acquiring another citizenship. Ukrainian law does not provide for automatic termination of citizenship in such cases.

9. Can a child renounce Ukrainian citizenship?

No, Ukrainian law does not allow individuals, including children, to voluntarily renounce Ukrainian citizenship.

10. Does listing a child in a parent’s passport prove Ukrainian citizenship?

No, an entry in a parent’s Ukrainian passport (e.g., for travel abroad) is not official proof of the child’s citizenship. You need a Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of Ukraine or the child’s own passport for confirmation.

11. What if a Ukrainian parent also holds another citizenship?

If a Ukrainian parent has dual citizenship, their child born abroad still automatically receives Ukrainian citizenship. In legal relations with Ukraine, the parent is recognized only as a Ukrainian citizen (per Article 2 of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship of Ukraine”). However, voluntarily acquiring another citizenship may be grounds for termination of Ukrainian citizenship via a Presidential Decree, though this is not automatic.

12. Who can apply for a Ukrainian passport for a child under 16?

The application can be submitted by:

• One parent or adoptive parent.

• A guardian, custodian, or other legal representative authorized under Ukrainian or foreign law to represent the child’s interests.

13. What documents are needed for a child’s Ukrainian passport (under 16)?

To apply for a passport for travel abroad at a Ukrainian embassy or consulate, submit:

• Application form from a parent or legal representative.

• Child’s previous Ukrainian passport (if any, for exchange).

• Birth certificate, legalized (e.g., with an Apostille) and translated into Ukrainian with notarization.

• Proof of residence abroad (if available, e.g., residence permit).

• Legal representative’s documents (if not a parent): ID and proof of authority to represent the child. For details, visit mfa.gov.ua/consul/forua/pass/id.

14. Does the child need to be present for the passport application?

No, the child does not need to be present if:

• They are under 12 years old.

• They have a long-term health condition preventing movement, confirmed by a medical certificate from a recognized healthcare institution. In these cases, provide a color photo (10×15 cm, .jpg format, up to 5 MB) meeting the embassy’s quality requirements.

15. What are the photo requirements for a child’s passport?

The photo must:

• Have a plain, light-colored background (e.g., white or off-white).

• Be well-lit with no shadows.

• Show the child’s face centered, looking straight at the camera, with a neutral expression.

• Avoid hats or accessories covering the face (unless required for religious/medical reasons). Check the specific embassy’s website for detailed guidelines.

16. Is there a fee for a child’s passport (under 16)?

No, there is no consular fee for issuing a passport for a child under 16. A small fee is charged only for reviewing the application form. Check the embassy’s website for exact rates.

17. How do I legalize a foreign birth certificate?

• Apostille: If the country is part of the Hague Convention, get an Apostille stamp from the competent authority (e.g., Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

• Legalization: If not in the Hague Convention, legalize the document through the country’s foreign affairs ministry and the Ukrainian embassy.

• The document and Apostille/legalization stamp must be translated into Ukrainian and notarized.

18. Where can I find the names of foreign authorities issuing documents like birth certificates?

Check the website of the Ukrainian embassy or consulate you’re applying to for details on local authorities and document names (e.g., birth certificate equivalents). See mfa.gov.ua/diplomatichni-ustanovi/inozemni-diplomatichni-ustanovi-v-ukrayini.

19. What happens if the birth certificate has incorrect names?

Ensure the child’s name and surname are transliterated correctly into Ukrainian (e.g., “Michele” = “Микеле”). The surname must match at least one parent’s surname in their Ukrainian passport. Parents’ names in the certificate must also match their passport details. Incorrect details can lead to delays or rejection.

20. Can I get help in Ukraine for these processes?

Yes, contact the Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv:

• Address: Velyka Zhytomyrska 2, Kyiv, Ukraine

• Phone: +38 044 238 15 15

Why Choose Legal Light Consulting?

Applying for a child’s Ukrainian passport involves navigating international and Ukrainian legal requirements, which can be complex. At Legal Light Consulting, our experienced LLC lawyers provide expert guidance to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

From document preparation to understanding foreign certification processes, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for professional support.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures may change, and individual cases vary. For personalized assistance, consult a qualified legal professional.