Dual Citizensip Ukraine

[Lena and Igor 5]

With the understanding that Ukraine doesn't allow dual citizenship, wondering if anyone here has found a "go around" to maintain both, a US and UA passport. Reason: future spousal social security benefits if one day we decide to retire in Ukraine. She received her 10-year GC one year ago. Thanks.

Igor

[millefleur 5,047]

Hi Igor,

Just did a quick google and found this on reddit:

It's not entirely correct that you have to abandon the US citizenship to obtain Ukrainian one. At least, I believe, not in your case. Ukraine doesn't recognize dual citizenship, but it also doesn't mind much if a Ukrainian citizen gets a citizenship of another country. If you have right for Ukrainian citizenship based on your birth, then you are indeed a Ukrainian citizen by law, and it doesn't matter if you have a passport or not. I would use services of some Ukrainian lawyer for more details/assistance with the matter. I'm sure they would be able to help you, and it wouldn't cost much at all. Beware though: if Ukraine is aware of your Ukrainian citizenship, you're regarded by Ukraine as a Ukrainian citizen, and not as a citizen of another country. You can't, for instance, ask for US consular assistance in case of your arrest in Ukraine.
Although, to the letter of the law, you may be stripped out of your Ukrainian citizenship on the grounds of having a citizenship of another country, this almost never happens, because it requires some serious bureaucratic procedure that involves Ukrainian president. And even if this does happen, you can later decide to get your Ukrainian citizenship reinstated, if you ever feel like doing this sort of thing. That will most probably require abandoning your US citizenship.

Not sure how accurate this is, but Eastern European laws tend to be loopholey. I hope someone with more direct experience on this matter will chime in.

[Lena and Igor 5]

Thank you for the link and text.

Edited November 20, 2016 by Lena and Igor

[gregcrs2 1,778]

Try asking the question at expatua.com

There are many US citizen retirees living in Ukraine.

[BigDaddy28 228]

I would call the embassy of ukrain and ask what the countey laws stand about dual citisenship. Thats where you will get a the most definite answer.

[millefleur 5,047]

I would call the embassy of ukrain and ask what the countey laws stand about dual citisenship. Thats where you will get a the most definite answer.

I'm not sure how helpful that would be in this case. Laws in Eastern Europe are confusing and have a lot of loopholes, and often certain officials aren't even in the know about that. It would make more sense for the OP to talk to other Ukrainians or even a lawyer to find out exactly what possibilities exist.

[Diamond10480 0]

I'm from Philippines and they have about the same thing about dual citizenship. As you know, there are a lot of Filipinos living here. Philippines doesn't mind us keeping our filipino citizenship so long as we keep our duties of paying taxes... in our case it's more political than anything. But it makes sense for the government to ask it...

So there are Filipinos who do not apply for US citizenship and rather be a green card holder and keep their filipino citizenship.

You can renew you your green card anyway.

I hope this gives you an idea on how it works :-)

[Lena and Igor 5]

I'm not sure how helpful that would be in this case. Laws in Eastern Europe are confusing and have a lot of loopholes, and often certain officials aren't even in the know about that. It would make more sense for the OP to talk to other Ukrainians or even a lawyer to find out exactly what possibilities exist.

[Lena and Igor 5]

Yes, my intent is to here from other Ukrainians who hold both passports.

[gregcrs2 1,778]

Not understanding what your concern is from a social security perspective.

I know some people are picking up their social security checks at the US Embassy in Kiev.

Below is a link for social security benefits outside the USA.

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf

[Lena and Igor 5]

Let me clarify, she would lose her LPR status if and when we decide to reside/retire in Ukraine. That being said, and after my demise, she would not be eligible for spousal social security benefits. On the other hand, if she were a US citizen she could collect SS spousal benefits appearing in person at the US Embassy in Kiev monthly. Right?

Igor

[gregcrs2 1,778]

Let me clarify, she would lose her LPR status if and when we decide to reside/retire in Ukraine. That's correct, she would eventually lose LPR status. That being said, and after my demise, she would not be eligible for spousal social security benefits. On the other hand, if she were a US citizen she could collect SS spousal benefits appearing in person at the US Embassy in Kiev monthly. Right? That's how I understand it.

Before deciding to retire in Ukraine, I highly suggest living half time in Ukraine and half time somewhere in USA for a year or two. We don't know what will happen in the future with Ukraine and Russia. I personally love it in Ukraine but have some concerns when it comes to healthcare, especially in an emergency.

Igor

[RobertM54 36]

Two questions?

Why do you need Ukrainian citizenship? They do not have a legal permanent resident status.

Why do you need to pick up SS benefit check? Direct deposit to bank in the USA should be fine. I'm able to send funds to myself via Ria for not a lot of money.

[gregcrs2 1,778]

Two questions?

Why do you need Ukrainian citizenship? They do not have a legal permanent resident status.

Why do you need to pick up SS benefit check? Direct deposit to bank in the USA should be fine. I'm able to send funds to myself via Ria for not a lot of money.

Robert, it's about his wife. She is a Ukrainian citizen. So he is asking about her having Ukrainian and US citizenship.

I think the benefit of picking up SS check at the US embassy has something to do with taxes. Hopefully, Michael can chime in on the subject.

[RobertM54 36]

I think the benefit of picking up SS check at the US embassy has something to do with taxes. Hopefully, Michael can chime in on the subject.

No US residence - no state income tax. Hmmmm. Is that possible?