Multiple citizenship in Ukraine: what has changed since the new law came into force

A law on multiple citizenship has come into force in Ukraine, changing the rules for Ukrainians and foreigners. Find out which countries allow multiple passports, what the restrictions are, and what this means in practice

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The institution of multiple citizenship has officially come into effect in Ukraine. The law, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on June 18, 2025, came into force on January 16, 2026, and significantly changes the state's approach to the issue of Ukrainians holding multiple passports. This is not only about new opportunities for Ukrainian citizens abroad, but also about simplifying procedures for foreigners who plan to tie their lives to Ukraine.

We discuss the key provisions of the law, the countries allowed, and the practical implications in this article.

What is multiple citizenship in Ukraine?

Multiple citizenship is a new legal status that allows Ukrainian citizens to hold citizenship of two or more countries without losing their Ukrainian citizenship. Prior to the adoption of the law, holding a foreign passport could formally be grounds for losing Ukrainian citizenship, even though this rule was rarely applied in practice.

The new approach aims to legalize the actual status of millions of Ukrainians living abroad, simplify their integration into other countries, and at the same time preserve their legal connection with Ukraine.

When did the law come into force and what does it change?

The Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of the Right to Acquire and Retain Ukrainian Citizenship” was adopted on June 18, 2025, but officially came into force on January 16, 2026.

The document introduces a mechanism for recognizing multiple citizenship, provided that it does not conflict with the interests of Ukraine's national security. At the same time, discussions about the innovation continue, as the Constitution of Ukraine contains a provision on single citizenship. The legislator has effectively proposed a new interpretation of this principle without changing the Basic Law.

What rights do Ukrainians with multiple passports get?

In practice, the new law provides for several important changes:

● Ukrainians can have a passport of another state or several states without losing their Ukrainian citizenship;

● there is no liability for having or concealing foreign citizenship;

● in the legal field, Ukraine recognizes only Ukrainian citizenship of its citizens.

This means that in relations with Ukrainian authorities, a person with multiple passports is considered exclusively as a citizen of Ukraine.

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With which countries is multiple citizenship permitted?

The Cabinet of Ministers has already approved a preliminary list of countries whose citizenship Ukrainians can obtain, and whose citizens can obtain Ukrainian citizenship. Currently, the list includes Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, the United States, and Canada.

Important: the law does not guarantee automatic acquisition of second citizenship. It only refers to permission from Ukraine, provided that the other country also grants its passport.

There are plans to expand the list of countries. At the same time, the law expressly prohibits multiple citizenship with russia, Belarus, and other states recognized as aggressors or occupiers. Citizens of these countries are also not eligible for simplified procedures.

What changes for foreigners?

The law works both ways. Citizens of countries approved by the Cabinet of Ministers can obtain Ukrainian citizenship through a simplified procedure. To do so, they must submit a declaration recognizing themselves as citizens of Ukraine.

At the same time, the basic requirements remain in force: knowledge of the Ukrainian language, Ukrainian history, the Constitution, and compliance with the established period of residence.

Certain privileges are provided for foreigners who are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under contract during martial law. One year of service is sufficient for them to obtain citizenship. The simplified procedure will also apply to relatives of military personnel who have died or continue to defend the country.

In such matters, it is important to take individual circumstances into account, so Ukrainians and foreigners who plan to apply for or retain citizenship should seek professional support. Visit Ukraine offers the services of immigration lawyers for Ukrainians and for foreigners, who help to understand the legal nuances and avoid mistakes in documents.

Issues of taxation, pensions, and military service for persons with multiple citizenships have not yet been fully resolved. The law provides that these aspects will be determined by separate government decisions and implemented in stages.

This means that the rules may change, and it is worth keeping an eye on updates, especially for those who live abroad or plan to change their migration status.

We remind you! If your relatives were born in Ukraine before the declaration of independence, you may have a legal right to Ukrainian citizenship, even if you yourself were born abroad. In this article, we will examine the key grounds, the application procedure, and the nuances that are worth paying attention to. Read on to find out if you can submit the documents yourself and what steps you need to take first to obtain Ukrainian citizenship by territorial origin.

Photo: shutterstock

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