Citizenship / Naturalization in Ukraine
One documented route of this kind in Ukraine, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Citizenship by Naturalization (Admission)
Naturalization under Law No. 2235-III requires 5 years' continuous legal residence (reduced for spouses, refugees, and military), an Immigration Permit, three exams (Constitution, History, State Language), lawful income, and a renunciation declaration/pledge. Final admission is by Presidential decree.
- Processing time
- Often 12-18 months and frequently longer; culminates in a Presidential decree.
- Validity
- Permanent (Ukrainian citizenship).
- Language requirement
- Ukrainian state language exam mandatory (level set by the National Commission on State Language Standards); exemptions for certain disabilities.
- Citizenship
- 5 years standard; 2 years (spouse/refugee status); 3 years (refugees); 1 year (Armed Forces under martial law).
Requirements
- Continuous legal residence: 5 years (2 years if married to a citizen or refugee/asylum; 3 years for refugees; 1 year for Armed Forces service under martial law)
- Hold an Immigration Permit
- Pass three exams: Constitution, History of Ukraine, State language
- Lawful sources of income without recourse to state funds
- Statelessness declaration or pledge to terminate foreign citizenship
- Recognize and respect the Constitution and laws
Required Documents
- Completed citizenship application required
- Passport + PRP / Immigration Permit required
- Proof of 5 (or reduced) years' residence required
- Proof of lawful income required
- Renunciation declaration / pledge required
- Exam certificates (Constitution, History, State language) required
- Marriage certificate (if marriage-based)
- Biometric data; legalized + translated foreign documents required
Official fees
- Language exam (corroborated, reconfirm) 9,984 UAH
- Constitution + History exam bundle (corroborated, reconfirm) 9,984 UAH
- State duty (not published on DMSU page; commonly reported ~USD 30-50) 50 USD
Process Steps
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1
Hold Immigration Permit + accrue residence
Hold the Immigration Permit and accrue the required years of continuous legal residence.
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2
Pass three exams
Pass the Constitution, History of Ukraine, and State language exams and obtain certificates.
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3
Assemble documents + renunciation pledge
Gather documents and prepare the renunciation pledge/declaration.
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4
Pay state duty
Pay the applicable state duty.
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5
Submit to DMSU
Submit the full application to DMSU.
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6
DMSU review -> Presidential decree
DMSU reviews and submits for the Presidential decree on admission.
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7
Oath and passport
On the decree, take the oath and receive a Ukrainian passport.