Ukraine Process Server

Overview

Process Server in Ukraine: How Service of Process Works

Ukraine has objected to Article 8 and Article 10 in their entirety, so service must go through the Ministry of Justice, Ukraine's Central Authority, which typically completes requests in two to three months. A significant, current complication: Ukraine has filed a declaration stating that, in areas occupied by Russia (including Crimea), implementation of the Convention is limited, and that documents or requests issued by Russian or related authorities in those areas are null and void. Russia disputes this position. Several European states have filed declarations supporting Ukraine's position and refusing to deal with the occupying authorities. Litigants with a defendant in an occupied area should expect meaningful uncertainty and plan for delay.

Who serves process

Who Can Serve Legal Documents in Ukraine

Ukraine is a civil-law country. The Central Authority is the Ministry of Justice in Kyiv, which sends requests through its local Department of Justice to the court where the person lives or the company is located. The court serves the documents and, if service fails, records the reasons.

Because Ukraine has objected to all Article 10 methods, service in Kyiv or Eastern Ukraine has to go through the Central Authority. Documents should be translated into Ukrainian. Service may be impossible in areas not under Ukrainian government control.

For defendants in Kyiv or elsewhere in Ukraine, the usual starting point is a statement of claim with a summons to appear; orders, notices and enforcement papers follow later in a case. We serve in Kyiv, across Central Ukraine and out to Eastern Ukraine.

Treaties

Hague Service Convention and Ukraine

Ukraine is a party to the Hague Service Convention, so documents can be sent to its Central Authority, which arranges service and returns a Certificate of Service. Ukraine has made a declaration on Article 10, which limits service by post or by private agents, so we confirm which methods are open before choosing one.

Ukraine is also a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, so witness testimony and documents can be requested with a Letter of Request.