Ukrainian Citizenship for Children Born Abroad in Mixed Marriages – Legal Guidance

For families with mixed nationality, questions often arise about whether a child born abroad automatically receives Ukrainian citizenship if one parent is a citizen of Ukraine. Ukrainian law provides clear answers to this situation.

Does a Child Born Abroad Receive Ukrainian Citizenship?

Yes.
According to Article 7 of the Law of Ukraine “On Ukrainian Citizenship” (2001 edition), children born after 1 March 2001 automatically acquire Ukrainian citizenship from the moment of birth, provided that at least one parent is a citizen of Ukraine at the time of birth.

This is valid regardless of whether the child already holds another nationality or whether the registration procedure has taken place. The right to Ukrainian citizenship exists by law from birth.

Is Ukrainian Citizenship Lost Automatically if Another Citizenship Is Acquired?

No.
Ukrainian legislation does not recognize automatic loss of Ukrainian citizenship upon acquiring the citizenship of another country.

A Ukrainian citizen is always considered a citizen of Ukraine in the eyes of Ukrainian law, even if they also hold foreign citizenship(s).

Can a Person Renounce Ukrainian Citizenship?

No.
The current legislation does not provide for voluntary renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship. The only way citizenship may end is through termination procedures set by law, which require a formal Decree of the President of Ukraine.

Is Mention of a Child in a Parent’s Passport Proof of Citizenship?

No.
The fact that a child is listed in a Ukrainian parent’s foreign passport does not automatically confirm the child’s Ukrainian citizenship. For legal confirmation, a child must have their own Ukrainian citizenship certificate or passport.

What Happens if a Ukrainian Citizen Acquires Another Citizenship?

• Under Article 2 of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship”, Ukraine follows the principle of single citizenship.

• If a Ukrainian acquires another nationality, Ukraine still considers that person only as a Ukrainian citizen in legal relations with Ukraine.

Voluntary Acquisition of Foreign Citizenship

• As per Article 19, Part 1, voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship (for example, applying for it directly as an adult) is a legal ground for termination of Ukrainian citizenship.

• However, loss of citizenship is not automatic. It only occurs when the President of Ukraine issues a Decree officially terminating citizenship.

Key Takeaways

• A child born abroad automatically acquires Ukrainian citizenship if one parent is Ukrainian.

• Ukrainian citizenship is not automatically lost by obtaining another nationality.

• Citizenship cannot be renounced; it can only be terminated through official procedures.

• A child’s Ukrainian citizenship must be confirmed with proper documents, not just an entry in a parent’s passport.

• Even if holding multiple citizenships, Ukraine treats individuals as only Ukrainian under its law until official termination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. My child was born abroad. Do we need to apply for Ukrainian citizenship?

No. If one parent is Ukrainian, the child automatically receives citizenship. However, you must complete the registration process to obtain official proof.

2. Can my child lose Ukrainian citizenship if they later obtain another nationality?

No, not automatically. Citizenship ends only by a Presidential Decree after formal procedures.

3. If I hold both Ukrainian and foreign passports, how does Ukraine treat me?

Ukraine recognizes you only as a Ukrainian citizen in its legal system, regardless of your foreign passport(s).

4. Can I renounce Ukrainian citizenship if I no longer want it?

No. Renunciation is not allowed by law. Termination is possible only through state procedures and a Presidential Decree.

5. Is my child’s name in my Ukrainian passport proof of their citizenship?

No. That is not legal confirmation. You must obtain the child’s own citizenship certificate or Ukrainian passport.

6. What if my child was born before 1 March 2001?

Different rules may apply. Legal advice is necessary, as automatic citizenship laws changed after this date.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. It summarizes key provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship” and general practices regarding Ukrainian citizenship for children born abroad.

Legal requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. For specific legal advice or assistance with documentation, please consult a qualified lawyer or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (Kyiv, Velyka Zhytomyrska 2, +38 044 238 15 15)