Family composition certificate in 2026: why you need it and how to obtain it

Has the family composition certificate been abolished in Ukraine?

Over recent years, Ukraine has been undergoing a reform to digitise public services and gradually phase out paper certificates. This is precisely why the traditional family composition certificate, which Ukrainians used to obtain for years from housing and communal services or local authorities, is in many cases no longer issued.

The main reason for these changes is the creation of electronic registers of local communities and digital databases on citizens’ places of residence. Government bodies can now obtain the necessary information directly from these registers, rather than requiring people to provide large quantities of paper documents.

As a result, the following are now most commonly used in place of the traditional certificate:

• an extract of residence;
• a certificate of registered persons;
• information from the local authority register.

Despite this, the term ‘certificate of family composition’ continues to be widely used in everyday life. People are accustomed to the old wording, so they often use this term to refer to the document confirming the number of registered residents in a flat or house.

At many Administrative Service Centres, staff explain that the old form of the document has in fact been replaced by new extracts and certificates from electronic registers. It is these that have legal force and are used for applying for public services.

Documents confirming registered residents are most commonly required:

• to apply for a subsidy;
• when receiving social benefits;
• to confirm a child’s place of residence;
• when re-registering personal accounts for utility services;
• for military registration;
• when applying for IDP status;
• to confirm the number of household members.

This issue became particularly relevant after the outbreak of full-scale war, when a large number of Ukrainians changed their place of residence and began applying for assistance as internally displaced persons. It was then that documents detailing the composition of registered persons became among the most sought-after by government agencies.

Furthermore, some institutions now obtain information directly from the registers without the citizen’s involvement. In practice, however, many organisations still request a paper or electronic document to verify the details.

Family composition certificate: where to obtain the document in 2026

In 2026, Ukrainians can obtain a document listing registered family members in several ways. The most common option is to apply to the Centre for the Provision of Administrative Services (CPAS). Some services are also available online via government e-platforms.

Depending on the situation, a person may be issued with:

• an extract of residence;
• a certificate of registered persons;
• information from the local community register.

Before applying, it is important to check exactly which document is required by the organisation to which you are submitting your paperwork. This will help you avoid having to reapply and make additional visits to the ASC.

Through the Administrative Services Centre

Most often, residents of Kyiv turn to the Administrative Service Centres. These centres operate in virtually every district of the city and provide services relating to residence registration, as well as the issuance of extracts and certificates.

The application process usually takes very little time. In most cases, the document is issued on the day of application or within a few working days.

Before visiting a centre, it is worth checking its opening hours and whether online appointments are available.

Via ‘Diyu’

Ukrainians can obtain some residence-related documents online via ‘Diyu’. The service allows users to submit electronic applications and receive a residence certificate without having to visit an Administrative Service Centre or local government offices in person.

Online services are particularly popular amongst people who are in another city, abroad, or unable to visit a government office in person. Electronic documents are also frequently used when submitting applications online or accessing government services remotely.

To obtain a document via ‘Diya’, you need to:

1. Log in to the ‘Diya’ app or portal.

2. Go to the public services section and select the service for obtaining an extract.

3. Click the ‘Get an extract’ button.

4. Check that your personal details and information about your registered place of residence are correct.

5. Specify who the document is for — yourself or a child. If you are applying for a residence extract for a child, enter the series and number of their birth certificate.

6. Once your application has been processed, download the completed document from the ‘Documents Received’ section. You will receive a notification that the extract is ready via email and in your personal account.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that in some cases, government bodies may still require a paper document bearing a signature or stamp. For this reason, it is recommended that you check the specific requirements of the organisation in question before submitting your documents.

Furthermore, e-services may be temporarily unavailable due to technical work or updates to government registers. You should check the official ‘Diya’ portal for up-to-date information on the availability of these services.

Furthermore, when applying for government services, people often need other documents as well — for example, a foreign passport. 

How to obtain a certificate via the Administrative Services Centre: a step-by-step guide

For many Ukrainians, visiting the Administrative Services Centre remains the most convenient way to obtain documents relating to registered individuals. The application procedure in 2026 is fairly straightforward, but it is worth preparing all the necessary documents before your visit.

To obtain a family composition certificate or an equivalent document, you will need to:

• Have your passport or ID card ready.
• Have your identification code to hand.
• If necessary, prepare documents relating to your accommodation.
• Choose the nearest Administrative Services Centre in Dnipro.
• Book an appointment online or take a number from the electronic queue.
• Submit your application to the administrator.
• Wait for the information to be checked against the register.
• Collect the completed document.

In some cases, the administrator may ask for further details — for example, regarding co-owners of the property or people registered at that address.

If the document is being issued for a child, a birth certificate and documents from one of the parents may be required.

It is also important to remember that the data in the registers must be up to date. If a person has changed their place of residence but has not updated their registration, the issue of the document may be temporarily refused until the information has been clarified.

In most cases, the service is free of charge. However, certain types of extracts or urgent processing may be subject to an administrative fee.

Family composition certificate: what it is for and where it may be required

Despite the rapid development of electronic registers, documents detailing the composition of registered persons remain important in many areas of life. This is precisely why a family composition certificate, a residence certificate and a certificate of registered persons continue to be in demand amongst Ukrainians.

Most commonly, such documents are required:

• to apply for a subsidy;
• when claiming social benefits;
• to transfer utility contracts;
• when buying or selling a property;
• for school or nursery;
• when registering for military service;
• to apply for IDP assistance;
• when applying for benefits;
• to confirm one’s actual place of residence.

Documents relating to registered residents are particularly often used when applying for housing benefits. Social welfare authorities check the number of people officially living in a flat or house, as this affects the amount of benefit payable.

Such certificates are also frequently required when transferring utility accounts following the purchase of a property. The new owner must confirm who is registered at the address in order to set up utility services correctly.

For internally displaced persons, such documents remain particularly important when applying for state assistance and participating in social programmes.

That is why, before contacting a government agency, it is worth checking exactly which document is required in a specific case — a standard certificate of family composition or a modern extract from the local authority register.

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