Death in Occupied Territories: How Ukrainians Can Obtain an Official Death Certificate

Amid ongoing war, many Ukrainians face legal challenges when trying to register the death of relatives who passed away in temporarily occupied territories. The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has clarified the procedure and available legal mechanisms in such cases.

A death certificate is a crucial legal document, not only for record-keeping but also for enabling relatives to exercise their rights — including inheritance and access to social benefits. These certificates are issued by state civil registry offices (DRATS).

Ukrainian law allows documents issued in temporarily occupied territories to be submitted as supporting materials when applying for death registration. Applicants may обратиться to any DRATS office located in government-controlled areas of Ukraine.

However, if the submitted documents are insufficient or do not meet legal requirements, the registry office may refuse registration and advise applicants to seek a court decision.

In such cases, the fact of death can be established through court proceedings. Applications may be filed by family members or other interested parties with any local court in Ukraine, regardless of their place of residence.

To support their claims, applicants may provide:

• witness statements;
• photo and video evidence;
• medical documents (including those issued in occupied territories);
• proof of family relations;
• official refusal from a civil registry office.

Importantly, applicants in such cases are exempt from paying court fees.

A court decision does not replace a death certificate but serves as the legal basis for obtaining one from the civil registry. Once issued, relatives can fully exercise their legal rights.

The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that even under the conditions of temporary occupation, Ukrainian citizens retain the ability to legally confirm the death of their relatives and protect their rights.