How to Get Ukrainian Citizenship Based on Outstanding Service | Bimaris Article

How to Obtain Ukrainian Citizenship for Foreign Volunteers and Soldiers

Since the Russian full-scale invasion began, thousands of foreigners have stood alongside Ukraine. Some took up arms in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Others worked in medical units, supported logistics, or led humanitarian missions. Many risked their lives. Some were wounded. A few were honored for extraordinary bravery. Now, many of them are looking for a legal way to stay.

Ukrainian law provides such a path. Those who have made an exceptional contribution may be eligible for citizenship based on outstanding service for Ukraine. This article outlines the legal framework, who is eligible, and how to apply for citizenship through presidential approval.

Legal Basis: Article 9 of the Ukrainian Citizenship Law

Under Article 9 of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship”, the President may grant citizenship on an exceptional basis. This applies to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Ukraine or are regarded as being of strategic importance to the state.

The special naturalization process bypasses many general requirements, such as:

• Five years of continuous residence in Ukraine;
• Knowledge of the Ukrainian language;
• Evidence of a stable and legal source of income;
• Formal renunciation of their current citizenship.

Instead, Ukrainian citizenship for foreign volunteers and soldiers is granted by presidential decree, based on a recommendation from the Presidential Commission on Citizenship Issues.

Who Qualifies for Ukrainian Citizenship Based on Outstanding Service?

Only individuals whose activities meet the criteria set by Ukrainian legislation may apply under this category. The contribution must be exceptional in nature, supported by evidence, and officially confirmed by a competent Ukrainian authority.

Serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces or International Legion

Foreign nationals have served in various branches of the AFU. This includes service in the International Legion, which operates under the Ministry of Defense. They are among the most common applicants for citizenship for soldiers in Ukraine. To qualify, candidates must provide documented proof of:

• Official enlistment in a recognized military unit;
• Direct involvement in combat or operational support;
• Injuries sustained in service or battlefield commendations;
• A written recommendation from commanding officers or the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Volunteering and Official Recognition by State Institutions

Foreign nationals have also supported Ukraine as civilian volunteers. They may be eligible for citizenship — provided their contribution is clearly documented and officially recognized. Endorsements from institutions such as the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Security Service (SBU), or regional military administrations can significantly strengthen your case.

Contributions to Defense, Intelligence, Diplomacy, and Humanitarian Aid

Only specific categories of foreign nationals may apply for citizenship based on outstanding service for Ukraine in non-military contributions. These may include:

• Intelligence officers or military advisors embedded with Ukrainian forces;
• Diplomats or liaisons involved in arms transfers or humanitarian corridors;
• Journalists reporting from active conflict zones or occupied territories;
• Coordinators or leaders of humanitarian missions operating in high-risk areas.

Such applicants may fall under the broader category of Ukrainian citizenship for foreign heroes, provided their role was officially recognized by competent state authorities.

Do You Need to Renounce Your Current Citizenship?

Renunciation of original citizenship is a standard requirement in most naturalization procedures. However, exceptions may apply depending on the nature of the applicant’s service.

Standard Rules vs. Exceptions under Article 9

According to Article 9¹ of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship”, applicants are required to renounce their current nationality for naturalization. However, Article 9 authorizes the President to waive this requirement in exceptional circumstances. Such a decision may be made when the applicant’s contribution is deemed to be of state interest or represents outstanding merit.

Practical Cases of Dual Nationality in Ukraine

Formal legislation does not recognize dual nationality in Ukraine. However, it does not expressly prohibit it when a second citizenship is retained following naturalization by a presidential decree in special cases such as citizenship for soldiers in Ukraine. This legal ambiguity has allowed certain individuals to maintain their original nationality.

Required Documents for Citizenship Application

Eligibility for Ukrainian citizenship under the exceptional procedure must be supported by comprehensive documentation. Applicants are required to submit formal endorsements along with verified evidence of their identity, background, and contributions to Ukraine.

Official Petition and Certificates

The application process requires an official petition or recommendation letter issued by a competent Ukrainian authority. This document must confirm that the applicant’s contribution was substantial in scope and directly related to matters of national defense, state security, or humanitarian response.

Depending on the nature of service, the following supporting materials may be submitted:

For military service recognition:

• A written recommendation from a military unit commander;
• A certificate or letter from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, or another authorized institution;
• Copies of state awards, commendations, or citations;
• Verified documentation of injury or battlefield engagement;
• Internal orders or communications verifying assignment and duties;
• Publicly available media coverage confirming active participation.

For humanitarian or non-military service:

• Letters of appreciation from government agencies or recognized NGOs;
• Official certificates of participation;
• Written attestations from supervisors or project coordinators;
• Evidence connecting the activity to war-related immigration or national-level humanitarian efforts.

All submitted materials must be properly certified and, where applicable, translated into Ukrainian.

Personal and Background Documentation

In addition to documents confirming the applicant’s contribution, a full set of personal records must be submitted in accordance with standard naturalization procedures. These include:

• A handwritten or typed application addressed to the President of Ukraine;
• The official application form issued by the State Migration Service of Ukraine;
• A copy of the applicant’s valid foreign passport, accompanied by a certified Ukrainian translation;
• Proof of legal stay in Ukraine (e.g. visa, residence permit, or visa-free stay in Ukraine);
• A personal autobiography or life summary;
• Three recent photographs (passport format, 35×45 mm);
• Criminal record certificate issued by the country of origin or residence (if available);
• Marriage and family documentation (optional but may support claims for long-term residency rights).

Applicants seeking Ukrainian citizenship for foreign volunteers are also advised to submit any publicly available materials — such as interviews, articles, or media coverage — documenting their activities in Ukraine. These may be used as supplementary evidence of personal involvement in initiatives of national importance.

How the Process Works

The procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship under Article 9 is a multi-stage legal process. Each stage requires strict compliance with procedural requirements to ensure proper consideration of the application, and avoid potential delays or rejection.

Obtain Official Support from a Ukrainian Institution

The application must be supported by an official endorsement issued by a competent Ukrainian institution. This document should confirm the applicant’s role, scope of involvement, and the relevance of their contribution to matters of national importance.

This endorsement constitutes a key component of the application and serves as the primary basis for verifying the applicant’s eligibility under Article 9.

Prepare and Submit Your Application

After all required documents have been collected and certified, the full application package must be submitted to the relevant regional office of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS). In cases where the applicant is located abroad, the submission may be completed through a legal representative or a Ukrainian consular office. The SMS conducts an initial review of the application for formal completeness and basic eligibility.

Applications submitted without complete documentation or lacking clear legal justification are frequently rejected at this stage. For this reason, professional legal review prior to submission is strongly recommended.

Review by the Presidential Commission and Final Approval

The Presidential Commission on Citizenship Issues evaluates whether the application meets the criteria for citizenship based on outstanding service for Ukraine. The assessment includes analysis of legal grounds, validity of official endorsements, and completeness of supporting documentation. If the Commission reaches a positive conclusion, it issues a formal recommendation to the President of Ukraine.

The duration of the review process typically ranges from three to six months. However, additional time may be required in cases involving incomplete submissions, requests for supplementary information, or delays related to wartime administrative conditions.

Why Acting Now Could Be Crucial

Ukraine is currently undergoing a process of legislative alignment with the standards of the European Union. This includes the reform of national policies on migration, citizenship, and integration. As part of these reforms, access to Ukrainian citizenship for foreign volunteers and soldiers is expected to become more restrictive. Planned changes may include:

• Mandatory language proficiency testing;
• Integration assessments or residency history requirements;
• Full and verified renunciation of existing citizenship(s);
• Extended application timelines;
• More rigorous examination of service documentation.

Legislative drafts such as Bill No. 6368 propose stricter controls over dual citizenship and a unified approach to naturalization that would limit discretionary grants of citizenship. Although not yet adopted, these changes reflect the policy direction of Ukraine’s European integration strategy.

For individuals who served, volunteered, or provided essential support since 2022, the current legal framework may offer a limited-time opportunity for formal recognition. Initiating the application process before the legal standards change may significantly increase the chances of approval.

Conclusion

Ukrainian citizenship based on outstanding service offers a unique and fast-track opportunity for foreign volunteers and soldiers who have made a real impact during the war. While the process still requires strong evidence and official support, it removes many of the usual barriers to naturalization. Given the potential for stricter laws in the near future, those who may qualify should consider starting the process as soon as possible to secure their status in Ukraine.