Author
Persons who are recognised as refugees or persons in need of complementary protection enjoy the same rights and freedoms and have the same obligations as citizens of Ukraine, except in cases established by the Constitution and laws of Ukraine.[1] The procedure of civil registration of birth/marriage of beneficiaries of international protection is the same as for Ukrainian citizens.
Parents are obliged to register the birth of a child immediately, but not later than one month from the date of birth, with the civil registry office. Registration of a child’s birth is certified by a birth certificate. The service is free of charge and takes one day.
However, UNHCR partner organisations reported that refugee families may have problems obtaining birth certificates for their children.[2] This issue arises, as refugees frequently arrive without birth certificates for their children born abroad. Refugee families often struggle to obtain birth certificates for their children because Ukrainian law requires specific medical documents proving birth, which refugees may not have.[3] Without these documents, they are forced to go through the courts, making the process more difficult.
In the case of marriage, a woman and a man who wish to register a marriage submit a written application in person to the civil registry office of their choice.
A refugee certificate or a certificate of a person in need of complementary protection must be provided to receive the mentioned services.
[1] Article 14(1) Law on Refugees.
[2] Testimony of the NEEKA dated 10 May 2024.
[3] Part. III (2) Rules of State Registration of Civil Status Acts in Ukraine.