When preparing to travel abroad, Ukrainians often face the requirement to explain or confirm certain circumstances on which the decision of a foreign authority depends — such as a consulate, migration service, or court.
This may include the purpose of travel, source of income, marital status, actual place of residence, absence of another citizenship, or other life circumstances that cannot be confirmed by a standard certificate.
In such cases, a sworn statement — also known as an affidavit — is used.
It is important to note that an affidavit is not required for traveling abroad in general, but for specific procedures where a foreign authority has the right to request written confirmation of circumstances from the individual. This is a common practice in international and migration processes when official registers or certificates from Ukraine do not cover all necessary facts or are not directly recognized.
Contents:
- What an affidavit is and why it is needed
- A document for consulates and migration authorities: what matters
- How an affidavit differs from a regular statement
- How a notarized statement is оформed
- Where to obtain an affidavit
What Is an Affidavit and Why Is It Needed
An affidavit is a written statement in which a person confirms certain facts under oath, and a notary certifies the authenticity of the signature and the fact of making such a statement.
In other words, it is a notarized statement that has legal force and is recognized by:
- foreign authorities;
- consulates;
- migration services;
- courts and other official institutions abroad.
That is why an affidavit is often used as a document for traveling abroad when other evidence is insufficient or unavailable.
Common situations include:
- submitting documents to a consulate;
- applying for a visa or residence permit;
- confirming family or personal circumstances;
- submitting documents to foreign migration authorities;
A Document for Consulates and Migration Authorities: Key Requirements
Foreign authorities pay attention to:
- correct drafting of the document;
- absence of ambiguous wording;
- compliance with the format accepted in a specific country;
proper notarization.
How an Affidavit Differs from a Regular Statement
A regular statement does not have the same legal weight as a sworn statement. The key differences are:
- the person officially confirms the truthfulness of the information;
- the notary records the факт of making the statement;
- the document can be used abroad as evidence.
A separate stage after its execution may be the legalization of the document for use abroad - this is discussed in more detail in the article "How to legalize a document through an affidavit."
How a Notarized Statement Is Prepared
The process includes:
- determining the purpose and the authority for which the document is prepared;
- drafting the text in accordance with the requirements of a specific country;
- signing the statement in the presence of a notary;
- notarization.
As a result, you receive an official document ready for submission abroad.
Where to Obtain an Affidavit
In my practice, I regularly encounter situations where clients need to officially confirm certain circumstances for traveling abroad, but standard documents are not sufficient. In such cases, a sworn statement is prepared.
I help correctly formulate the text in accordance with the requirements of a specific country and authority, and perform notarization in compliance with current legislation.
If you still have questions or need to оформить an affidavit, you can book a consultation on the website. I will advise you on the best course of action for your situation.
10.02.2026