Multiple citizenship in Ukraine: new opportunities and legal nuances

On June 18, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada adopted Law No. 11469, which officially introduced the institution of multiple citizenship in Ukraine for the first time. This is a historic decision that changes the state’s approach to the concept of citizenship and opens up new opportunities for millions of Ukrainians abroad. But at the same time, it poses new challenges for the legal system and public administration.

What is multiple citizenship?

Multiple (or dual) citizenship is a situation where one person holds passports of two or more states. Previously, Ukrainian legislation did not formally recognize this possibility. According to the current version of the Constitution of Ukraine (Article 4), Ukraine has a single citizenship principle, which meant that, as a general rule, the acquisition of another citizenship was grounds for losing Ukrainian citizenship.

In practice, however, the procedure for losing citizenship was not automatic and was applied selectively, leading to legal conflicts. This became especially acute after the start of the full-scale invasion of Russia, when millions of Ukrainians were granted temporary protection or citizenship in other countries.

What does the new law change?

Law No. 11469 does not change the Constitution, but introduces new approaches to the interpretation of the principle of “single citizenship.” Now, Ukrainian citizens can officially hold passports of other countries if these countries are included in a special list determined by the Cabinet of Ministers. The list includes the EU, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan, i.e., Ukraine’s strategic partners.

At the same time, the law prohibits multiple citizenship with the aggressor state (Russia). Obtaining a Russian passport on a voluntary basis will be considered grounds for losing Ukrainian citizenship.

Also, citizens with multiple citizenship will not be able to hold positions in public authorities, be judges, ministers or law enforcement officers until they renounce their other citizenship.

Who is this law for?

• For Ukrainians abroad who have obtained foreign citizenship but want to keep their Ukrainian passport;
• For ethnic Ukrainians who have never had Ukrainian citizenship, a simplified procedure for acquiring it is provided;
• For foreigners who have defended Ukraine in the Armed Forces or have close ties to the state, there is also a simplified procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship.

This law is a strategic step towards preserving the Ukrainian nation in the global world. It allows us to keep in touch with millions of our fellow citizens living and working abroad, strengthens the diaspora, creates legal certainty and opens up new horizons for the return of capital, knowledge and talent to Ukraine.

At the same time, the law also poses challenges, particularly in the areas of constitutional interpretation, security, citizen registration, and guarantees of equal rights. Therefore, it is important that the implementation of the new rules is accompanied by a thorough legal assessment and clear bylaws.

Legal advice on the exercise of rights under the new legislation on multiple citizenship is already becoming relevant for a large number of Ukrainians.

If you have any questions on this matter, please contact our specialists!