Ukraine has launched an experimental procedure allowing citizens from temporarily occupied regions to obtain identity documents. This initiative particularly targets young individuals who have never held a Ukrainian passport, enabling them to secure identification at Ukrainian diplomatic missions in five countries.
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, those born in occupied territories can now approach Ukrainian embassies and consulates to apply for a return certificate to Ukraine. This service will be provided free of charge. With this document, individuals can return to Ukraine and subsequently apply for an ID card and an international passport.
Sybiha emphasized that the process for obtaining the return certificate has been simplified. Applicants can confirm their identity through a reliable family member who is a Ukrainian citizen, which can also be done remotely via video call.
The designated locations for this service include:
- The Ukrainian embassy in Belarus,
- The Ukrainian embassy in Georgia,
- The Ukrainian embassy in Armenia,
- The Ukrainian embassy in Turkey, as well as consulates in Istanbul and Antalya,
- The Ukrainian embassy in Kazakhstan.
This development follows the recent opening of a Ukrainian consulate in Prešov, Slovakia, and a vice-consulate in Rzeszów, Poland, in late 2025.
Ukraine's new initiative allows citizens from occupied territories to obtain identity documents, facilitating their return and future passport applications. The process has been streamlined to enhance accessibility.