Digital Passport Renewal for Citizens Overseas
Starting in 2025, Ukrainian men living abroad will be required to use a fully digital procedure to renew their international passports. This new system mandates the use of the 'Reserve+' mobile application, which verifies a user's data and confirms their registration status. The key change is the shift to an automated check of a citizen's military registration status, which is intended to simplify the application process. This reform is part of a broader effort to modernize citizen services for the large Ukrainian diaspora.
When applying at an overseas office of the state enterprise 'Document,' officials will check the applicant's details in the 'Oberih' registry. If the information is outdated or missing, it will be updated automatically using the applicant's passport data. As a result, an electronic military registration document will be generated for the citizen, streamlining the passport issuance process.
Changes to Military Registration Checks
As noted by Andrii Karpenko, staff at foreign branches of 'Document' will now verify military registration status directly via the registry. This means men will no longer need to physically present a military registration document when applying for a passport. However, it will be impossible to obtain a passport without the 'Reserve+' app. Those who do not yet have the application must:
- download it;
- complete the registration;
- update their contact information;
- obtain an electronic military registration document (a QR code), which will serve as a 'green light' for passport service officials.
The introduction of this digital passport renewal procedure reflects Ukraine's drive to modernize public services and simplify administrative processes for its citizens abroad. Integrating the 'Reserve+' app aims to reduce bureaucracy and increase the efficiency of citizen services. Given the critical importance of maintaining accurate military records under current circumstances, automating this process also supports enhanced security and oversight.