Ukrainian Pensions Abroad: Where Payments Stop and Where They Continue

A Guide for Ukrainian Pensioners Planning to Emigrate

According to ХВИЛЯ: The Main Department of the Pension Fund of Ukraine in the Volyn region has published a guide containing vital information for citizens planning to emigrate abroad for permanent residence. This document clarifies the procedure for receiving a pension, the possibility of obtaining an advance payment, and lists the countries where pension payments will cease versus those where they will continue under international agreements. Notably, it confirms that pensioners moving abroad must undergo mandatory annual identification. This guidance is crucial for the many Ukrainians considering relocation following the full-scale invasion.

Rules for Receiving Pensions During Emigration

Under the new rules, a pensioner who officially emigrates for permanent residence is required to contact their local territorial body of the Ukrainian Pension Fund. They have the option to receive their pension as an advance payment covering six months. This advance is calculated starting from the month following their deregistration from their Ukrainian place of residence.

It is important to note that if moving to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, or Mongolia, pension payments from Ukraine will stop completely after the six-month advance is paid. In these cases, the pension will be reassigned according to the legislation of the new country of residence.

However, Ukraine has special bilateral agreements with the following countries:

• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Slovakia
• Bulgaria
• Spain
• Portugal
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Estonia

This means pension payments will continue for those residing in these nations. To receive the advance payment, pensioners must submit the following documents:

• an application to terminate payments,
• a foreign passport with a stamp indicating departure for permanent residence,
• a certificate of deregistration from Ukraine.

Therefore, when planning emigration, Ukrainian pensioners should carefully consider these details to avoid misunderstandings regarding pension payments abroad.

This information is critical for Ukrainian pensioners contemplating emigration, as a correct understanding of the payment procedures can prevent financial hardship after moving. The Pension Fund's guide underscores the necessity of adhering to formalities and contacting the relevant authorities to ensure the continuity of pension payments in the new country of residence.