Ukraine to Grant Citizenship Automatically to Children Born Abroad Starting in 2026

Streamlined Process for Children of Ukrainian Parents Born Overseas

According to ХВИЛЯ: Beginning January 16, 2026, children born abroad to Ukrainian citizens will automatically be granted Ukrainian citizenship. This significant change to the Law 'On Citizenship of Ukraine' will simplify the process of obtaining legal status for these children, eliminating the need for a separate registration procedure. The new rule applies to children born on or after that date.

The key requirement for this automatic citizenship is that both parents must be Ukrainian citizens at the time of the child's birth. This reform is particularly relevant given the large number of Ukrainian families displaced by the ongoing war. For a child's first passport application, parents will now only need to provide original documents proving their own identity and Ukrainian citizenship.

Simplified Consular Appointment Booking

In a related move, the procedure for booking appointments at consulates has also been streamlined. Parents now only need to register for a single service: applying for a foreign passport. This removes the previous requirement to book a separate appointment to register the child's citizenship by birth.

'For the initial issuance of a passport for traveling abroad, it is sufficient to submit original documents proving the identity and confirming the citizenship of the parents.' Embassy of Ukraine in Poland

These legislative amendments are designed to assist Ukrainian families living abroad and to protect the rights of children born to them. Automatic citizenship strengthens the connection between the Ukrainian diaspora and their homeland, ensuring children have legal access to Ukrainian documents and state services.

The simplification is also expected to enhance Ukraine's international standing by demonstrating its adaptability in a changing global landscape.