Ukraine Modernizes Citizenship Legislation: President Signs Law on Multiple Citizenship

On 15 July 2025, the President of Ukraine signed the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Exercise of the Right to Acquire and Retain Ukrainian Citizenship.” The Law introduces a number of important changes aimed at modernizing Ukraine’s citizenship policy in line with European standards, the challenges of wartime, and the need to preserve human capital.

Multiple Citizenship: Clear Legal Regulation

Ukrainian legislation already allowed for multiple citizenship in certain cases. The new Law improves legal clarity by formalizing the concept of “multiple citizenship” and explicitly defining the permissible grounds and the legal status of such affiliation for the first time.

Multiple citizenship is now expressly recognized in the following cases:

• By birth: a child simultaneously acquires the citizenship of Ukraine and another state;
• By adoption: a child who is a Ukrainian citizen acquires the citizenship of their foreign adoptive parents;
• By marriage: a Ukrainian citizen automatically acquires another citizenship through marriage with a foreign national;
• By operation of foreign law: a Ukrainian citizen automatically receives another citizenship without actively applying for it;
• Simplified naturalization: foreigners eligible for Ukrainian citizenship under a simplified procedure may retain their original citizenship.

At the same time, Ukraine adheres to the principle of single citizenship and recognizes such individuals solely as Ukrainian citizens in legal relations with the state.

Simplified Naturalization Procedures

The Law significantly simplifies the process of acquiring Ukrainian citizenship for specific categories of persons, including:

• Foreign nationals with outstanding merits before Ukraine or whose naturalization serves the national interest;
• Foreigners and stateless persons who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, or the State Transport Special Service;
• Individuals who directly supported Ukrainian defense units during martial law.

These individuals are now permitted to submit a declaration of renunciation of foreign citizenship or a commitment to renounce it in the future. They may also benefit from exemptions from standard residency and examination requirements.

Clarified Grounds for Loss of Citizenship

The new Law clarifies the grounds for losing Ukrainian citizenship, including:

• Voluntary acquisition of citizenship of a state designated as an aggressor;
• Submission of false information or forged documents during the citizenship application process;
• Participation in armed formations of an aggressor state;
• Use of a foreign passport in Ukraine in a manner that poses a threat to national security;
• Conviction for crimes against national security, terrorism, or organized crime.

European Standards and Humanitarian Adaptation

The Law aligns with the European Convention on Nationality and upholds the principle of avoiding statelessness. It also introduces simplified procedures for children, persons with disabilities, refugees, and individuals declared legally incapacitated, including exemptions from exams and certain formal requirements.

The Law will enter into force six months after its official publication.