New Adoption Law in Ukraine


April 28, 2008


On April 21, 2008 the President of Ukraine signed law #258–VІ, On Legislative Amendments to Ukraine's Laws (regarding adoptions).  The Law came into full effect on April 24, 2008 upon its publication in the official newspaper of Ukraine’s Parliament.  This new law introduces the following major changes to current Ukrainian legislation:

  • The minimum age of prospective adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old;
  • The maximum age difference between adoptive parents and adopted children cannot exceed 45 years;
  • Unmarried foreign citizens cannot adopt Ukrainian children. 

Ukraine’s State Department for Adoption and Protection of the Rights of the Child will notify all the adoptive parents who will be affected by this law directly or through their local representatives.  

The U.S. Embassy will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updated information as it becomes available.