A foreign or stateless child adopted by Ukrainian citizens acquires Ukrainian citizenship from the day the adoption decision takes effect (Article 11 of the Law of Ukraine "On Citizenship of Ukraine").
When it applies
- both adoptive parents are Ukrainian citizens;
- one adoptive parent is a Ukrainian citizen and the other is stateless;
- one adoptive parent is a Ukrainian citizen and the other is a foreigner (the child must not acquire the foreign parent's citizenship);
- a stateless person permanently residing in Ukraine is adopted.
Main documents
- application (a child aged 14+ gives consent), two 35 × 45 mm photos of the child, birth certificate;
- an adoption decision of a court or the competent authority of the child’s country of residence;
- documents on the adoptive parents' citizenship;
- documents on the child's citizenship or its absence.
A child who acquired Ukrainian and another country's citizenship at birth or by operation of law may hold both — since 2026 this is expressly provided by law.
Law: "On Citizenship of Ukraine". Official information: State Migration Service.
