Adoption of a child in Ukraine during the war

in Family disputes

Due to the war in Ukraine, adoption is carried out only in those regions where there are no hostilities and the state authorities of Ukraine are operating, and only to those children whose relatives' circumstances can be established.

What children may be adopted by foreigners?

According to Ukrainian legislation, foreigners may only adopt a child who has reached the age of five and has been registered for at least one year with the central executive body responsible for adopting and protecting children's rights (the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy).

Adoption may be carried out before the expiration of the specified period, as well as before the child reaches the age of five in exceptional cases.

Here is a brief guidance on adopting a Ukrainian child by a foreigner:

  1. The first stage of child adoption is collecting a package of the documents needed in the state where a person, who has expressed a desire to adopt a child residing in Ukraine, has a permanent residence. This is a rather lengthy process.
  2. The second stage is the registration of the applicants.
  3. The third step for the applicants is submitting the case in person or by his/her representative to the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy.
  4. The fourth stage is receiving an invitation to an interview to get acquainted with information about children who may be adopted and, directly, the interview at the National Social Service.
  5. The fifth stage is to meet at the child's place of residence and establish contact (should be done in person!) with him or her.
  6. The sixth stage is submitting an application to the Children's Affairs Service.
  7. The seventh stage is obtaining consent from the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy to adopt this child.
  8. After this, you need to apply for adoption to the court at the child's place of residence.
  9. The next step is to prepare documents for the child's departure for permanent residence abroad: a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad.
  10. The last stage of adoption is placing the child on consular registration in the country of residence.