On January 22, on the Ukrainian Unity Day, Volodymyr Zelensky for the third time introduced a bill to the Verkhovna Rada on dual citizenship in Ukraine. This issue is not new and has been discussed since 2019, but the war in Ukraine has given it a new impetus for resolution.
These changes will be relevant for millions of ethnic Ukrainians born and residing in diasporas in the USA and Canada, as well as EU countries. In the future, they will be able to obtain Ukrainian citizenship and retain their original citizenship. Ukraine hopes to attract people with similar values and priorities for the restoration and development of the state.
For citizens of EU countries, G7, Norway, and Switzerland, a simplified procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship is proposed, involving the following:
- instead of the obligation to renounce previous citizenship, applicants will submit a declaration recognizing themselves as Ukrainian citizens.
- examinations on proficiency in the Ukrainian language, knowledge of the Constitution, and Ukrainian history can be taken within 3 years of obtaining citizenship.
The bill also simplifies the citizenship acquisition process for volunteers from other countries serving in the Ukrainian military under contract or sacrificing their lives for Ukraine’s independence, as well as their spouses/children. Instead of the obligation to renounce previous citizenship, they will submit a declaration of renunciation of previous citizenship and recognition of themselves solely as Ukrainian citizens, with 3 years to take the exams. Foreign military personnel, including Russian citizens, who have completed their passport validity while fighting for Ukraine, can still apply for Ukrainian citizenship.
There are cases where a person has applied to renounce previous citizenship but has not received a decision in a timely manner for reasons beyond their control. In such cases, the person (if not a Russian citizen) has the right to submit a declaration of renunciation of previous citizenship and recognition of themselves solely as Ukrainian citizens. The same applies to citizens of countries where the procedure for renouncing citizenship is absent.
The updated list of grounds for losing Ukrainian citizenship includes:
- Voluntarily acquiring the citizenship of an aggressor or occupier state after reaching adulthood.
- Using a foreign passport by an adult Ukrainian citizen who holds citizenship (subjectship) of a foreign state on the territory of Ukraine, resulting in threats to national security and/or national interests of Ukraine.
- Acquiring citizenship based on false information, failure to fulfill the obligation to renounce previous citizenship, or failure to take exams on the Ukrainian language, Constitution, and history of Ukraine.
- Establishing the fact of serving in the military under contract in a state recognized by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as an aggressor or occupier state.
- Legal force of a court’s guilty verdict concerning individuals, including those convicted in Ukraine of committing crimes against the fundamental interests of national security, peace, humanity, and international law.
- Participation in armed aggression against Ukraine as part of armed formations of a state recognized by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as an aggressor or occupier state or involved in an armed conflict (war) with Ukraine or supporting (supported) armed aggression against Ukraine.
The bill on dual citizenship in Ukraine proposes changes that will make it a more attractive and accessible country for those who have long desired to become its citizens.
If you are interested in obtaining Ukrainian citizenship, you can learn more about the service here.
