Pensioners abroad: how not to lose your pension entitlement

Every year, thousands of Ukrainian citizens living outside the country face the procedure of identity verification - the so-called physical identification. Without completing it, the Pension Fund of Ukraine is obliged to suspend pension payments or insurance benefits. Therefore, if you receive a pension or other social payments while living abroad, this procedure must be completed no later than 31 December each year.

Who among those staying abroad is required to undergo physical identification

1. citizens of Ukraine who stay outside the country for more than 183 days per year;
2. persons who have been granted temporary protection or refugee status in EU countries or other states;
3. pensioners or recipients of insurance benefits who in fact reside abroad.

The purpose of this verification is to confirm that the person is alive and remains entitled to continue receiving Ukrainian social payments.

How to undergo physical identification

Today, there are three officially recognised ways to complete identification, depending on your options and convenience:

1.Via Diia. Signature

This is the most convenient option — electronic identification through the Diia app. Everything takes place online, without the need to contact a consulate.

1. The signature is available free of charge.
2. Confirmation is completed in just a few clicks through the official web portal of the Pension Fund.

2.Via video communication with a specialist of the Pension Fund of Ukraine

The procedure is remote, free of charge, and as simple as possible. It is carried out by prior appointment. During the video call, you will be asked to show an identity document.

3.Through Ukrainian consular institutions abroad

If electronic identification is not possible, you may apply in person to the consulate or embassy of Ukraine in your country. In such a case, a notarised application is sent to the Pension Fund of Ukraine.

Addresses and document requirements are published in the “Notarial Services” section on the website of your consular district.

Required documents

To complete identification quickly and without obstacles, prepare the following documents:

1. Passport of a citizen of Ukraine for travelling abroad or ID card.
2. Taxpayer Registration Number (RNTRC), if available.
3. A document confirming your residence status abroad (for example, a certificate of temporary protection or a residence permit).
4. Pension certificate or a document confirming entitlement to insurance benefits.
5. An application to the Pension Fund — in cases where the verification is carried out through a consulate.

It is also recommended to have digital copies of all documents (PDF or JPEG), if the procedure is completed online.

Why it matters

Each year, the Pension Fund of Ukraine verifies recipients of payments, especially those living outside the country. If identity is not confirmed by 31 December, all payments are automatically suspended until repeated identification is completed.

For Ukrainians staying abroad because of the war, this verification is not merely a formality, but a safeguard for the continuity of social protection. Timely completion of this procedure is a key condition for preserving your legal right to a pension or other payments.