The law on multiple citizenship has come into force: key changes explained in simple terms

On January 16, 2026, Law No. 4502-IX “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of the Right to Acquire and Retain Ukrainian Citizenship” came into force in Ukraine. The document significantly changes the approaches to acquiring, retaining, and losing citizenship and, for the first time, regulates the issue of multiple citizenship at the legislative level.

What is multiple citizenship under the new law?

The law introduces the concept of multiple citizenship as the simultaneous belonging of a person to the citizenship of two or more states. Ukraine recognizes multiple citizenship in cases where a citizen of Ukraine acquires the citizenship of states included in a special list of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. When compiling such a list, particular consideration is given to the membership of states in the European Union and the existence of sanctions against the aggressor state.

Multiple citizenship is also recognized in cases where a foreigner—a citizen of such a state—acquires Ukrainian citizenship.

New rules for acquiring citizenship

The law establishes mandatory examinations for persons who intend to acquire Ukrainian citizenship. These examinations test knowledge of the fundamentals of the Ukrainian Constitution, Ukrainian history, and proficiency in the official language. There are no deferrals or exemptions for taking the examinations.

At the same time, a simplified procedure applies to foreigners who are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under contract during martial law: one year of service is sufficient to apply for citizenship.

Simplification for military personnel and their families

The law expands opportunities for foreign military personnel and their family members. In particular, family members of foreigners who are serving or have served in the military, as well as families of deceased military personnel, may submit a declaration of renunciation of foreign citizenship and recognition of themselves as citizens of Ukraine instead of the obligation to terminate foreign citizenship.

In addition, foreign military personnel and their family members who acquired Ukrainian citizenship between January 1, 2018, and are unable to fulfill the obligation to renounce their foreign citizenship, have the right to submit the relevant declaration within six months from the date the law comes into force, i.e., until July 16, 2026.

Who can obtain citizenship through a simplified procedure

Separately, the law provides for a simplified procedure for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Canada, and the United States. They can submit a declaration recognizing themselves as citizens of Ukraine without going through the standard procedure for terminating their previous citizenship.

New grounds for loss of citizenship

The law also expands the list of grounds for losing Ukrainian citizenship. In particular, it refers to cases related to threats to national security, participation in armed aggression against Ukraine, or other actions that undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state.

Law No. 4502-IX establishes a new model of Ukrainian citizenship — one that is more flexible, but at the same time clearly linked to issues of security and responsibility. In the context of war and large-scale migration, these changes aim to maintain a balance between protecting state interests and supporting people who see their future in Ukraine.