Verification Process for Ukrainian Pensioners Living Abroad
Ukrainian pension recipients residing temporarily outside the country are required by law to undergo a physical identification procedure once a year, with the deadline set for December 31. Pensioners who spend at least 183 days abroad within a calendar year are classified as temporarily residing outside Ukraine. This also applies to those who have been granted temporary protection or refugee status due to the Russian invasion but have not applied for permanent residency.
The definition of temporary residence is established by Resolution No. 299 dated February 11, 2025. Identification can be completed through one of three methods:
- Online via the “Diia.Sign” ("Diia ID") platform
- Through a video call
- At a Ukrainian diplomatic mission abroad
For online identification, pensioners must log into their personal account on the Pension Fund of Ukraine’s e-services portal or use the Pension Fund’s mobile app.
To arrange a video interview, pensioners can register via the “Application for Identification by Videoconference” service on the Pension Fund’s website or call the contact center at 0 800 503 753, (044) 281-08-70, or (044) 281-08-71. During the video interview, a Pension Fund employee will verify the pensioner’s identity by asking questions and requesting to see their passport. The list of questions was approved by the Pension Fund’s board in November 2023. Upon completion, the local Pension Fund office determines if the pensioner’s identity has been confirmed.
Confirming Pensioner Status Through Diplomatic Missions
At any Ukrainian diplomatic mission abroad, pensioners can confirm their status as alive and have the documentation sent to the local Pension Fund office along with an application to renew payments. This document can then be submitted online via the Pension Fund’s portal, signed with a qualified electronic signature (QES). Pensioners can check the status and date of their identification using the "My Identification" service, accessible through their personal account on the Pension Fund’s website and mobile app.
This reminder was issued by the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
This update is crucial for Ukrainian pensioners living outside the country, emphasizing the legal requirements needed to continue receiving their pension benefits. Given the ongoing conflict and instability, ensuring uninterrupted pension payments through straightforward identification procedures is vital. The availability of remote identification options via online services enhances accessibility and convenience for pensioners worldwide.