New rules for issuing and exchanging passports of citizens of Ukraine: what changed in 2025-2026
In 2025–2026, Ukraine introduced a series of changes to the legislation governing the issuance, exchange, and renewal of Ukrainian citizen ID cards and Ukrainian passports for travel abroad. These changes are aimed at simplifying administrative procedures, expanding opportunities to obtain documents abroad, and digitizing consular services.
Simultaneous issuance of domestic and foreign passports
Starting in December 2025, a new mechanism was introduced that allows Ukrainian citizens to simultaneously apply for or renew both a Ukrainian passport and a Ukrainian passport for travel abroad. Previously, these procedures were carried out separately, requiring the submission of two applications and the completion of two administrative processes.
Now, citizens can submit a single application and obtain both documents at once. This procedure also applies in the following cases:
- replacement of passports;
- issuance of documents to replace lost ones;
- issuance of documents to replace stolen ones;
- replacement of damaged documents.
This significantly reduces the time required to obtain documents and minimizes the number of administrative procedures.
Where to submit documents
You can submit an application for a new passport or to renew your passport at:
- local offices of the State Migration Service;
- Administrative Service Centers (ASC);
- passport services of the state-owned enterprise “Document”;
- relevant offices abroad.
Thus, citizens can apply for documents not only at their place of registration but also at their actual place of residence.
Processing times
Depending on the procedure selected, the following processing times apply:
- up to 20 business days — standard procedure;
- up to 7 business days — expedited processing.
If both documents are processed simultaneously, they will be issued within these timeframes.
Applying for passports abroad
The law also provides for the possibility of applying for and renewing passport documents outside Ukraine. Citizens may contact:
- Ukrainian diplomatic missions abroad;
- passport centers of the state-owned enterprise “Document,” which operate in a number of European countries.
This is particularly relevant for Ukrainians who are temporarily residing or staying abroad.
Reissuing passports in case of loss or theft
The new procedure allows for the simultaneous reissuance of both domestic and international passports in the event of their loss or theft. To do this, a single application is submitted, after which the data is verified in the Unified State Demographic Register and new documents are issued.
This decision significantly simplifies the document replacement process for citizens who have lost their documents while abroad or due to other circumstances.
Digitization of consular services
One of the key areas of reform in the passport system is the expansion of electronic consular services. As part of the digitization of government services, a system for electronic interaction with consulates and online scheduling of consular services is being implemented.
This allows citizens to receive necessary administrative services more quickly and reduces the workload on diplomatic missions.
Validity periods of foreign passports
The validity periods for passports for travel abroad remain unchanged:
- 10 years — for persons aged 16 and older;
- 4 years — for children under 16.
Conclusion
Recent changes to passport legislation are aimed at simplifying citizens’ access to administrative services, reducing bureaucratic procedures, and developing digital services. The introduction of the option to apply for both domestic and international passports simultaneously, as well as the expansion of opportunities to obtain documents abroad, significantly simplifies the process of applying for and renewing passports for Ukrainian citizens.
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