Ukrainian Citizenship for Children Born Abroad NRI Family

Ukrainian Citizenship for Children Born Abroad: Key Facts for NRI Mixed Families

Navigating citizenship rules can be confusing for mixed families. If you are a Ukrainian citizen and your child is born abroad, you likely have many questions. This article provides clear answers based on Ukrainian law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does a child born abroad get Ukrainian citizenship if one parent is Ukrainian?

Yes.

If your child was born after March 1, 2001, and at least one parent (you) was a Ukrainian citizen at the time of the birth, the child automatically acquires Ukrainian citizenship from the moment of birth.

• Important: This happens automatically by law, even if you have not yet started the official registration process. The procedure of getting a certificate at the embassy is simply to document this existing citizenship, not to grant it.

2. Does the child lose Ukrainian citizenship if they already have a foreign passport?

No.

A child (or any Ukrainian citizen) does not automatically lose Ukrainian citizenship upon acquiring the citizenship of another country. Ukrainian law is based on the principle of a “single citizenship,” but it does not impose automatic penalties for having another passport.

3. Can my child renounce or give up Ukrainian citizenship later?

No, not through a simple “renunciation” process.

Ukrainian law does not have a procedure called “renunciation of citizenship.” The only way for an adult to lose Ukrainian citizenship is through a formal termination process, which requires a direct decree from the President of Ukraine. It is not an automatic or simple administrative task.

4. Is the child’s citizenship confirmed by the stamp in my (the parent’s) passport?

No.

The notation about a child in a parent’s Ukrainian international passport is for travel purposes only. It is not legal proof that the child is a Ukrainian citizen. The only official document that confirms the child’s citizenship status is the “Certificate of Registration of a Person as a Citizen of Ukraine.”

5. I am a Ukrainian adult who acquired another citizenship. What should I know?

This is a complex area with important distinctions:

• The Principle: According to Ukrainian law, if you are a Ukrainian citizen, you are recognized only as a citizen of Ukraine in all your legal dealings with Ukraine, even if you hold other passports.

• The Consequence: Voluntarily acquiring another country’s citizenship (for example, by applying for it as an adult) is considered a ground for termination of your Ukrainian citizenship.

• The Key Point: This termination is NOT automatic. Your Ukrainian citizenship remains valid until the very moment a specific decree is issued by the President of Ukraine canceling it. Many Ukrainians live with multiple citizenships without such a decree being issued.

Summary of Key Points

• For Children: Your child is likely a Ukrainian citizen by birth if you are Ukrainian. You need to go to the embassy to get the official certificate that proves it.

• For Adults: Acquiring a second citizenship does not instantly cancel your Ukrainian citizenship. You are still considered a Ukrainian citizen by the authorities until a presidential decree states otherwise.

Where to Get Official Help:

For the most accurate and personal legal advice, always contact official sources:

• Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

  • Address: 2, Velyka Zhytomyrska Street, Kyiv.

  • Telephone: +38 044 238 15 15

• Your local Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Disclaimer: For Educational Purposes Only

This article is intended to provide general information and explain legal concepts in simple terms. It does not constitute legal advice. Laws and their interpretation can change. For guidance on your specific situation, you must consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or directly with the official Ukrainian authorities.