Child Born in Romania: How to Prepare Documents for Ukraine

Birth Abroad: Challenges and Opportunities

The birth of a child abroad is a joyous event that can, however, be accompanied by certain administrative challenges, especially when it comes to preparing documents for returning to one's homeland or for recognizing the child as a citizen of their country. If your child was born in Romania, and you plan to return to Ukraine or want your child to have Ukrainian citizenship, you need to prepare the necessary documents correctly.

The procedure for legalizing and translating documents may seem complex, but with the right approach and understanding of the requirements, you can successfully navigate all the stages. This article will help you understand the intricacies of preparing documents for a child born in Romania for their subsequent use in Ukraine.

First Steps: Birth Certificate from Romania

After a child is born in Romania, the parents must register the birth with the competent civil status authority (Starea Civilă). Following the registration, the Romanian authorities issue an official document confirming the child’s birth and containing information about the child and their parents.

For further use of the document in Ukraine, it is important to obtain an official document issued by the competent Romanian authority. Depending on the specific procedure, this may be a birth certificate or a relevant extract from the birth record.

Important: The registration of civil status acts in Romania is governed, among other things, by Romanian Law No. 119/1996 on civil status acts (Legea nr. 119/1996 cu privire la actele de stare civilă). Before using the document in Ukraine, it is advisable to check which specific document is required for the relevant procedure.

Document Translation: Requirements for Ukraine

In order for the Romanian birth certificate to be recognized in Ukraine, it must be translated into Ukrainian. There are several important nuances to consider here:

1. Translation Requirements: Ukrainian legislation requires that official documents issued abroad be properly legalized and translated. Regarding a birth certificate for a child born in Romania for use in Ukraine, a high-quality translation is key.

2. Who Can Translate: It is crucial to understand that the translation must be performed by a certified translator in Ukraine. A translation made by a sworn translator in Romania may not be accepted by Ukrainian authorities. This is because, for official use in Ukraine, the translation must be notarized by a Ukrainian notary.

3. Notarization of Translation: After the translation is completed by a certified translator in Ukraine, it must be notarized. A notary in Ukraine verifies the translator's qualifications and certifies that the translation is done correctly and corresponds to the original. This makes the document legally significant in Ukraine.

4. Full Marriage Certificate of Parents (if applicable): If the parents are married, a marriage certificate may be required to confirm the family relationship and the child’s parentage, particularly when processing documents through a Ukrainian diplomatic or consular mission abroad. If the marriage certificate was issued by the Romanian authorities, a Ukrainian translation may be required for its use in Ukraine, depending on the requirements of the relevant authority. The procedure for using this document depends on where the marriage was registered and the specific procedure for which the document is being submitted.

Document Legalization: When It's Needed and When It's Not

Document legalization is the process that gives documents legal force abroad. There are various forms of legalization, the most common being apostille and consular legalization.

For a Romanian birth certificate to be used in Ukraine, an apostille or consular legalization is generally not required. This is provided for by the Treaty between Ukraine and Romania on Legal Assistance and Legal Relations in Civil Matters. However, it is advisable to check the specific requirements of the authority to which the document will be submitted.

The Romanian birth certificate must be translated into Ukrainian, and the translation must be properly certified in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Ukrainian authority.

Therefore, before submitting the documents, check the specific requirements of the relevant authority regarding legalization and translation.

Registering the Child's Birth in Ukraine

If the child’s birth has already been registered in Romania, there is no need to register it again with a Ukrainian Civil Status Registration Office. The Romanian birth certificate serves as the document confirming the child’s birth.

If one of the parents is a Ukrainian citizen, the child acquires Ukrainian citizenship by birth. To obtain confirmation of citizenship and an international passport, parents can contact a Ukrainian diplomatic or consular mission in Romania. In Ukraine, citizenship matters are handled by the State Migration Service of Ukraine, while an international passport can also be obtained through the State Migration Service, administrative service centres, or Passport Service centres.

If the birth has not yet been registered in Romania, the parents can register it through a Ukrainian diplomatic or consular mission abroad.

Conclusion

Preparing documents for a child born in Romania requires attention to detail and an understanding of Ukrainian requirements. Focus on obtaining a full birth certificate, its high-quality translation by a certified translator in Ukraine, and notarization. This will ensure the document is recognized by Ukrainian authorities.

Remember that timely document preparation is the key to peace of mind and confidence in your child's future. If you have doubts or encounter difficulties, it is always best to seek consultation from specialists in document legalization and translation.