Ukrainian passport for use abroad: how to apply for one in 2026
Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament’s Commissioner for Human Rights, explained the procedure for obtaining a passport abroad.
Why a passport is important when abroad
For millions of Ukrainians who have left the country, a valid passport is not merely a document proving one’s identity.
It is essential for applying for temporary protection, formal employment, accessing medical care, social benefits and other public services in the country of residence. If the document has expired or is missing, a person may lose access to some of these services.
Where to apply for a passport
You can submit an application in two places:
at Ukraine’s diplomatic missions abroad — embassies and consulates;
at branch offices of the State Enterprise ‘Document’ operating abroad.
If you are submitting your documents via an embassy or consulate, you must first book an appointment via the electronic queue system. Please note that the number of available slots may be limited.
How the application process works
The procedure consists of several stages.
After booking an appointment, the applicant submits their documents and undergoes identity verification. Next, the agency’s staff collect biometric data — a photograph, signature and fingerprints.
After this, all the documents are sent to Ukraine, where they are checked by the State Migration Service.
It is the State Migration Service that makes the final decision — whether to issue the passport or refuse to do so. If the decision is positive, the document is produced in Ukraine, after which it is sent to the office where the applicant collects it.
How long does it take to process a passport?
The official processing time for a passport is up to 20 working days. However, the actual waiting time may be longer.
The timeframe may be affected by the transfer of documents between countries, logistics, and additional checks if there are difficulties in verifying the applicant’s identity or the documents submitted.
How much does it cost?
The cost comprises more than just the price of the passport form and the administrative fee.
At diplomatic missions, a consular fee may be added, whilst at the service centres of the state enterprise ‘Document’, a service charge applies. Therefore, the final amount depends on where exactly the applicant applies for the document.
What applicants need to know
Embassies, consulates and branches of the State Enterprise ‘Document’ do not make decisions on the issuance of passports.
Their role is to accept documents, verify identity, collect biometric data and forward the materials to Ukraine. Passports are also produced exclusively in Ukraine. This is why applicants cannot always receive a response immediately after submitting their documents.
Furthermore, due to the security situation and logistical difficulties, there may sometimes be delays in the production and delivery of passport documents. Furthermore, the procedure for booking appointments at ‘Document’ centres has previously been changed for Ukrainians in Poland and Italy: in some cases, this requires verification via ‘Diya.Pidpis’.
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