Exchanging a Ukrainian driver’s license abroad is one of the most common procedures among our compatriots who have been living in European Union countries for a long time. However, if the license was issued a long time ago (especially before 2013) or information about it is missing from electronic registries for some reason, European government agencies require additional confirmation. Such a document is a certificate of driver’s license issuance.In this article, using a real-life example from one of our clients, we will explain how the law firm Enwolt solved a complex problem: it remotely obtained the document in Ukraine, affixed ...

Preparing documents to verify employment or insurance history is one of the most common procedures that Ukrainians encounter both within the country and abroad. When it comes to social benefits, pension calculations, sick leave, or the legalization of work experience for foreign institutions, individual records of the insured person become key documents.The two most commonly requested forms are the OK-5 certificate and the OK-7 certificate. At first glance, they appear similar, as both are issued by the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU); however, they have fundamental differences in their purpose and the periods covered by the data.In this detailed guide, ...

Client: A U.S. citizen (investor) who entered Ukraine via a land border crossing from Poland to conclude a business deal.Problem: During passport control, a State Border Guard Service officer stamped the client’s passport. Due to a lack of ink, the stamp was completely smudged—neither the date nor the name of the checkpoint was visible.Consequence: When attempting to obtain a taxpayer identification number, open an account at a Ukrainian bank, and have documents notarized, the client was denied. Financial monitoring and tax authorities were unable to verify the legality and exact date of his stay in Ukraine.What We Did (Step-by-Step Solution)1. ...

Ukraine has become the first country in the world to offer the option of getting married entirely remotely—via video call on the “Diya” app. This is a true technological breakthrough that allows couples to remain legally married even when they are apart or in a war zone. However, outside of Ukraine, this digital convenience often runs up against harsh bureaucratic realities.For those planning to use a “digital” marriage certificate for emigration, family reunification, or processing documents in Europe and the U.S., this innovative format could lead to serious legal problems.1. International conflict: The “Physical presence” principleFor most countries around the ...

Why doesn’t “Diya” work abroad?Ukraine is a global leader in digitalization, and for us, life on a smartphone has become the norm. However, when crossing the border, Ukrainians often find themselves in a “digital trap”: in most European countries, the U.S., or Canada, a digital passport or certificate in “Diya” has no legal validity for local officials.The main reason is international law. Most countries operate under the 1961 Hague Convention, which recognizes only physical documents with seals or an apostille stamp.Although Ukraine signs bilateral agreements on the recognition of digital documents (for example, with Poland or Lithuania), these cover only ...

On January 16, 2026, a new version of Article 7 of the Law “On Citizenship of Ukraine” came into effect in Ukraine—and these changes are of fundamental practical importance for confirming the citizenship of children of a significant category of foreign nationals who reside in or plan to reside in Ukraine. The issue is particularly acute for those who are in Ukraine on a temporary residence permit or long-term visa and are expecting or already have a child born on Ukrainian territory.What was previously in place: the jus soli principle in the “soft” versionPrior to the entry into force of ...