How to Apply for a Pension in Ukraine While Living Abroad

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, many Ukrainian citizens have been forced to temporarily relocate abroad. Mothers with children, some men, as well as one of the most vulnerable groups of the population – pensioners and people who have reached retirement age while living abroad – have moved to various European countries and other parts of the world. This article is specifically intended for Ukrainians who have reached retirement age while residing outside Ukraine.

Many future pensioners have questions about what to do if they reach retirement age while living in another country. How can they submit documents for a Ukrainian pension? What documents are required and what procedure should they follow?

First, let us answer one of the most important questions: can you receive a Ukrainian pension while living abroad? Yes. A person’s entitlement to pension payments does not automatically disappear merely because they are temporarily or permanently residing outside Ukraine. The right to social protection, including pension provision in the circumstances established by law, is protected by the Constitution of Ukraine. Therefore, living abroad does not in itself prevent a person from exercising their pension rights under Ukrainian law.

Let us now consider the practical procedure. A Ukrainian citizen who has reached retirement age while abroad may apply for a pension remotely, provided that the applicable eligibility requirements are met and the necessary documents are available. If the procedure is complicated or the applicant is unable to prepare and submit the documents independently, they may seek assistance from a lawyer specialising in Ukrainian pension law.

The remote pension application process may include the following steps:

– obtaining a qualified electronic signature (QES) or another available means of electronic identification required to access electronic services and the applicant’s personal account on the web portal of the Pension Fund of Ukraine. Depending on the bank and electronic identification services available to the applicant, a QES may be created remotely. If necessary, a Ukrainian bank account for receiving pension payments may also be opened subject to the bank’s identification requirements;

– preparing electronic copies of the documents required for the pension application. Depending on the circumstances, these may include a passport, taxpayer identification number, education documents, military service documents, marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, employment record book, a salary certificate for periods before 1 July 2000 where applicable, and bank account details for receiving pension payments. This list is not exhaustive and may vary depending on the applicant’s employment history, type of pension and individual circumstances;

– reviewing the documents and determining the applicant’s insurance record, pension entitlement and whether any additional documents are required;

– submitting the pension application and supporting documents electronically through the web portal of the Pension Fund of Ukraine using the available electronic identification method;

– monitoring the consideration of the application through the applicant’s personal account. The Pension Fund reviews the application and supporting documents and provides information about the decision electronically.

Therefore, even if you are currently living abroad, you may still exercise your right to a Ukrainian pension without necessarily returning to Ukraine solely for the purpose of submitting a pension application. Many stages of the pension application process can now be completed remotely through the electronic services of the Pension Fund of Ukraine. If difficulties arise with confirming insurance record, employment periods or other pension rights, professional legal assistance can also be provided remotely.