Citizenship by Birth in Ukraine

Citizenship by Birth (Jus Sanguinis) – Ukrainian Law

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Ukrainian citizenship law has comprehensive legislation regulating the ways in which individuals can acquire citizenship , their rights and obligations , as well as the application of dual citizenship . Within this system , citizenship by birth (jus sanguinis) , that is, citizenship based on blood relations, is one of the most basic and common methods of acquiring citizenship .

Citizenship by birth the citizenship status a child acquires from one of their parents and is not solely dependent on the country of birth. In this method, blood relation and the parent's citizenship status take precedence.

Ukrainian law regulates this issue in detail within the framework of the 2026 current regulations , while also addressing reforms to dual citizenship , complex family structures, and international migration

🧬 What is Jus Sanguinis?

Jus sanguinis, meaning "right of the blood" in Latin, is defined in legal literature the acquisition of citizenship through birth .

According to this principle, a child's country of citizenship is based on the parent's citizenship, regardless of their place of birth. In Ukraine, jus sanguinis is applied within the framework of the constitution and citizenship law.

Legal Basis

The Constitution of Ukraine (1996, revised 2022): Defines the main principles of citizenship.
The Law on Ukrainian Citizenship (2001, revised 2025–2026): Contains specific provisions regarding the acquisition of citizenship by birth.
Relevant presidential decrees and regulations: These regulate the application rules for cases where the parent resides abroad, the child is born abroad, or for special exceptions.

In this context, jus sanguinis functions as a combination of both national civil law and principles of international law

🧒 II. Conditions for Obtaining Citizenship Through Birth

According to Ukrainian citizenship law, the main requirements for acquiring citizenship by birth are as follows:

Parent's Citizenship Status
- A child automatically acquires Ukrainian citizenship if at least one of their parents is a Ukrainian citizen at the time of birth
- This applies whether the child is born on Ukrainian territory or not.
Place of Birth Exceptions
- If a child is born in a foreign country and the parents dual citizenship , Ukrainian law provides for special procedures in certain cases to prevent the child from losing their citizenship.
- For example, if at the time of birth one parent is a Ukrainian citizen and the other is a citizen of certain friendly countries, the child may acquire both citizenships.
Legal Documents and Records
- The birth must be officially registered.
- Parents' identification documents and citizenship documents are required for the child's citizenship registration.
Dual Citizenship Reform (2026)
- With the 2026 reform, citizenship acquired by birth can now be officially recognized as dual citizenship.
- However, this practice does not apply to countries on the list of "aggressor states".

📋 III. Legal Procedures

1. Birth in Turkey

The maternity hospital or registry office issues the child's birth certificate.
The parent's Ukrainian citizenship must be proven.
The birth certificate becomes the official document registering the child's Ukrainian citizenship

2. Giving Birth Abroad

If the child was born in a foreign country, the parent must prove they are a Ukrainian citizen.
Citizenship registration and passport applications are made through the Ukrainian consulate or embassy .
With the dual citizenship law after 2026, a child can officially acquire citizenship of both the country of birth and Ukraine.

3. Documents

Child's birth certificate (official record)
Parent's Ukrainian passport or identity document
Sworn translations and apostille documents, if required
Additional forms for dual citizenship applications

🌐 IV. International Dimension

Although jus sanguinis is a widely accepted principle in international law, its application varies from country to country

European Union Countries: Most countries apply both jus sanguinis and jus soli principles together.
Ukraine: Traditionally, it has applied the principle of single citizenship, but with the 2026 reform, it allowed dual citizenship within certain limits.

Therefore, Ukrainian citizens born abroad can acquire citizenship under both Ukrainian law and the laws of their country of birth

🔹 V. Special Cases and Exceptions

If one of the parents is unknown or stateless
- A child is determined according to the laws of the country of which the mother or father is a citizen.
- If the parent is a Ukrainian citizen, the child acquires citizenship through jus sanguinis.
Adoption Cases
- A child adopted abroad can acquire Ukrainian citizenship under the principle of jus sanguinis if adopted by a Ukrainian parent.
War and Migration Situations
- In the context of the Ukrainian civil war and migration after 2022, the principle of jus sanguinis is applied, supported by principles of international humanitarian law

🧑‍⚖️ VI. Dual Citizenship and Citizenship by Birth

1. 2026 Reforms

A child's Ukrainian citizenship acquired by birth may overlap with secondary citizenship in certain countries.
Under the new law, citizenship obtained from certain friendly countries is officially recognized and legally valid.

2. Conflict in Application

If a child's birthright citizenship conflicts with the citizenship of a country that Ukraine categorizes as an "aggressor state," then the loss of Ukrainian citizenship may be considered.

🏛️ VII. Legal Basis and Sources

Constitution of Ukraine (1996, rev. 2022) – Civil rights and fundamental principles
Law on Ukrainian Citizenship (2001, rev. 2025–2026) – Acquisition of citizenship by birth, reform of dual citizenship.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Consular Regulations – Birth and citizenship registration abroad
Principles of International Law – Dual citizenship and the application of jus sanguinis

🔎 VIII. Practical Examples

Example 1A Ukrainian mother is giving birth in Germany.
- The child becomes a German citizen through jus soli, as per German law.
- He is also a Ukrainian citizen by virtue of jus sanguinis.
- Thanks to the 2026 reforms, this dual citizenship will be officially recognized.
Example 2A Ukrainian father wants to perform jus sanguinis on his child born in Russia.
- Because Russia is categorized as an "aggressor state," the child's Ukrainian citizenship may be at risk.

📌 IX. Conclusion

Citizenship by birth (jus sanguinis) is one of the most fundamental principles of Ukrainian citizenship law.

A child's citizenship is directly dependent on the parent's status.
With the 2026 reforms, dual citizenship was officially recognized and flexibility was provided in an international context.
Legal processes are supported by birth certificates, parental documents, and consular applications.
International practices and security policies play a critical role in the application of jus sanguinis.

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