Complaint against officials' actions or inaction

When you need it

A complaint (скарга) is the way to challenge a decision, action or inaction of an authority or official that violates your rights: an unjustified refusal of a service, failure to act, missed deadlines, an unlawful decision.

Where and how to file

• with the superior body (official) — an administrative appeal under the Law "On Citizens' Appeals";
• or with an administrative court under the Code of Administrative Procedure. Filing "up the chain" does not deprive you of the right to sue.

A complaint to the superior body can be filed in person, by post, or online — by e-mail or via the body's web form (like any appeal: no QES needed, but a signature — scanned or photographed — and a reply address are required). A claim to an administrative court is filed on paper or through "E-Court" (cabinet.court.gov.ua).

Time limits

Under art. 17 of the Law "On Citizens' Appeals" a complaint is filed within one year of the decision, but no later than one month after you learned of it. A deadline missed for a valid reason may be restored.

For administrative court the general limitation period is six months from the day you learned of the violation (art. 122 of the Code).

What to state

• your details (name, address, contacts);
• which body/official and which decision, action or inaction you are challenging (date, document number);
• how your rights were violated, with references to legal provisions;
• your demands: revoke the decision, order specific actions, discipline the official;
• evidence: copies of decisions, correspondence, photos;
• signature and date.

What happens next

The complaint is handled within the general appeal deadlines (up to 30 days). The body must verify the facts, revoke or amend an unlawful decision, and inform you of the outcome in writing.

Legal basis

• Law of Ukraine "On Citizens' Appeals", arts. 4, 16–19;
• Code of Administrative Procedure of Ukraine, arts. 122, 160–161.