Multiple citizenship: new opportunities for Ukrainians abroad

On June 18, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Law No. 11469, which provides the opportunity for Ukrainians to officially have multiple (dual) citizenship.

This decision was a historic step towards helping millions of our compatriots who temporarily or permanently live abroad but seek to maintain their connection with Ukraine.

Main provisions of the law

Ukrainians can legally have a second passport if the country is on the list of permissible ones.
Foreigners from friendly countries can obtain Ukrainian citizenship without renouncing their own.
Civil servants, judges, and military personnel will not have the right to multiple citizenship.
Residents of temporarily occupied territories are protected from automatic loss of citizenship.
Each case will be considered individually, in accordance with Ukraine’s international agreements.

What does it mean for Ukrainians abroad

The adoption of Law No. 11469 allows Ukrainians living abroad to retain Ukrainian citizenship without having to renounce it.

This is especially important for the diaspora in countries such as the USA, Canada, the UK, and EU countries.

The new rules eliminate the risks of legal consequences for dual citizenship – when applying for documents, participating in elections, opening a business, or receiving official services.

Ukrainians who have a second citizenship but remain holders of a Ukrainian passport can now:

legally conclude transactions and open a business;
file tax returns;
participate in public life;
freely return to Ukraine for permanent residence;
issue Ukrainian documents for themselves and children born in the diaspora.

At the same time, the rule on automatic loss of citizenship in case of voluntary acquisition of a passport of another state has been abolished. This allows you to legalize your status without the risk of losing Ukrainian citizenship.

Previous projects and expected list of countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Greece, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Cyprus, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, USA, Hungary, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan.

Criteria for inclusion:

membership in the European Union;
the state’s position on supporting Ukraine in the war with Russia;
compliance with national security standards.

The list of countries may change by decision of the government, as the law does not contain restrictions on the frequency or conditions for updating this list.

When the law enters into force

The President of Ukraine signed Law No. 11469 on July 15, 2025, and it will enter into force on January 16, 2026 — six months after its official publication.

📌 As of October 2025, the government has not yet published an official list of countries with which multiple citizenship will be allowed.

The Law on Multiple Citizenship is a new bridge between Ukraine and its citizens in the world.

It will help millions of Ukrainians remain part of their country, regardless of where they live.

Translation agency “50 MOV” helps with official translations, notarization and preparation of documents for submission to consulates and state bodies of Ukraine and other countries.