Multiple citizenship is now officially permitted in Ukraine: what you need to know

Ukraine is changing its citizenship rules and taking a step towards the diaspora and foreigners. The new law officially allows multiple passports, introduces special conditions for military personnel, and defines the government's role in regulating status. Find out who is now eligible for multiple citizenship and what nuances are important to consider

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A law on multiple citizenship has come into force in Ukraine — one of the most significant changes in migration and citizenship policy in recent years. The document officially allows Ukrainians to hold passports of other countries while retaining Ukrainian citizenship. This decision opens up new opportunities for both citizens themselves and foreigners who want to tie their future to Ukraine. However, it is worth understanding how this will work.

What has changed for Ukrainian citizens

Since the law came into force, Ukrainians have gained the right to legally hold citizenship of other countries without the risk of automatically losing their Ukrainian passport. At the same time, the list of countries with which multiple citizenship is permitted will be approved and updated by the Cabinet of Ministers. Among the countries already named as the first are the United States, Canada, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.

This means that Ukrainian citizens will be able to officially obtain passports from these countries without concealing the fact of their second citizenship and without breaking the law. However, the specific rules for implementation, including the notification procedure, possible restrictions and legal consequences, will be detailed in separate subordinate acts.

Which foreigners will be able to obtain Ukrainian citizenship

The law also opens the way to Ukrainian citizenship for foreigners from countries included in the approved list. They will be able to apply for a Ukrainian passport if they meet the general requirements of the law, including knowledge of the Ukrainian language, history and the basics of the Constitution.

Separate conditions are provided for foreigners who are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under contract during martial law. For them, one year of service is sufficient to obtain the right to Ukrainian citizenship. Moreover, relatives of military personnel who have died or continue to serve in defence of the country will be able to obtain citizenship through a simplified procedure.

How taxes, pensions and military service will be regulated

One of the key issues of concern to future holders of multiple passports is social and financial obligations. The law stipulates that all nuances related to taxation, pensions, social assistance and military service will be regulated by separate government decisions.

This means that the very possibility of having two or more citizenships is already enshrined, but the practical mechanisms for its implementation will be refined in stages.

Will countries exchange passport data?

At present, there is no provision for the exchange of information between states about Ukrainians holding other passports. Citizens' personal data remains protected, and there is no automatic international control over multiple citizenship. However, this approach may be revised in the future, depending on government decisions and international agreements.

The adoption of the law on multiple citizenship comes amid the massive challenges facing the country. Ukraine continues to grapple with the consequences of the energy crisis caused by massive attacks on infrastructure, while mobilising all possible resources to restore and protect the state.

Reminder! Greece has decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2027 in coordination with the EU. Most residence permits are renewed automatically, without applying to the authorities, and in some cases, a simplified document renewal procedure is provided. Find out who is eligible for automatic renewal and other details.