Withdrawal from the citizenship of Ukraine

Renunciation of citizenship is a procedure during which a citizen prefers to terminate political and legal ties with his country. The reasons for leaving the citizenship of Ukraine can be different. In 2024, the procedure for such an exit may be different, as restrictions on rights may apply and some laws may be invalidated during martial law. The purpose of this article is to consider how to obtain a certificate of renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship and how to issue documents for renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship.

Is it possible to renounce Ukrainian citizenship during wartime?

Persons who have acquired or are about to acquire the citizenship of another state can apply for withdrawal from the citizenship of Ukraine. The consular service for submitting such an application should, as a rule, be available to all citizens of Ukraine who are on consular records.

However, the provision of any consular services for men aged 18 to 60 is currently temporarily suspended in accordance with the order of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This restriction also applies to filing an application for renunciation of citizenship.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declares the possibility of resuming services for men of military age after May 18, 2024, provided that their credentials are clarified. This situation is remarkable, and it is legal nonsense, since persons who wish to leave citizenship seek to end any legal connection with Ukraine, including military obligations.

How to renounce Ukrainian citizenship in 2024

The first step is the registration of departure to a permanent place of residence

Registration of departure to a permanent place of residence includes:

• Obtaining a decision on the preparation of documents for going abroad for permanent residence from the Ministry of Internal Affairs or a consular institution.
• Removal from military registration.
• Extract from the registration of the place of residence.
• Extract from tax accounting.
• Obtaining a stamp in a foreign passport on registration of departure abroad for permanent residence.
• Consular registration.
• During the legal regime of martial law, it is practically impossible for eligible conscripts to complete this stage.

The second step is the registration of withdrawal of ukrainian citizenship

To withdraw from Ukrainian citizenship, a person must submit the following documents to the consulate where he is registered:

• Application for withdrawal from Ukrainian citizenship in two copies.
• Two 35 x 45 mm photo cards.
• A copy of the passport of a citizen of Ukraine for going abroad with a note about leaving for permanent residence abroad.

One of the available documents can be:

• A document confirming the acquisition of citizenship of another state (states).
• A document issued by an authorized body of another state confirming that a person will acquire the citizenship of another state upon relinquishing Ukrainian citizenship.

The President of Ukraine takes the decision to approve renunciation of citizenship in the form of a decree. There are no time limits for making or rejecting such a decision. There are also no legal mechanisms to influence this decision.

Why can renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship be important for Ukrainians living abroad?

Renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship can be important for Ukrainians abroad for several reasons. Many countries allow dual citizenship, so it is not always necessary to present documents on leaving Ukrainian citizenship. However, it is important to consider the following aspects:

• Tax obligations: Citizens of Ukraine who have other citizenships and live abroad can become tax residents of both countries. This means that they are obliged to pay taxes in two countries. Due to international reporting standards such as CRS and CbCR, income information can be automatically exchanged between countries, making it more difficult to avoid tax evasion.
• Дві фотокартки розміром 35 x 45 ммObligations to Ukraine: Citizens of Ukraine who are abroad remain under the jurisdiction of Ukraine and have certain obligations, including the obligation to serve in the Armed Forces in case of mobilization.

Thus, when going abroad, Ukrainians should be aware of their obligations to Ukraine and to another country of residence, especially in the context of tax obligations.

Where should I apply for documents to renounce citizenship?

Documents for renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship are submitted to the consular office of Ukraine at the person's place of residence. If you need to submit documents for a child, you must submit a separate application together with the birth certificate.

It is important to note that if the child has reached the age of 14, the child's notarized consent is required.

An application for renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship is submitted in the name of the President of Ukraine to the consular institution at the place of residence. Usually, the application is filled out in two or four copies according to the requirements of the specific consulate. Photo cards and a duly certified passport of a foreign country are attached to it. Consideration of such an application usually does not exceed one year, and the final result is a Decree of the President of Ukraine and a certificate of withdrawal from Ukrainian citizenship.

Legal support for Ukrainians abroad in the process of renunciation of citizenship

The path that we described in this article is long and difficult. However, with a proper understanding of the process of submitting documents, their correct execution and certification, this procedure of leaving the citizenship of Ukraine can be successfully completed without significant complications. Our lawyers in the "Consultant" marketplace have more than 15 years of experience in this field. Our clients always receive clear information about all aspects of the process, including what documents are required to renounce Ukrainian citizenship, the procedure for renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship, how to get a certificate of renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship, how to renounce Ukrainian citizenship.