On December 17, the Ukrainian Parliament adopted in the first reading Draft Law on Dual Citizenship in Ukraine No. 11469.
This draft law was initiated by Volodymyr Zelensky in the summer of 2024. It has already passed the first reading and is now awaiting feedback and proposals from various entities, including the Ukrainian World Congress. Additionally, the draft law will be reviewed by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to assess its compliance with the Constitution.
Conditions for Recognizing Dual Citizenship in Ukraine
In our previous publication, we analyzed the provisions of this draft law. To recap, the new law would permit dual (multiple) citizenship for Ukrainians who have acquired citizenship of other countries and foreigners who have obtained Ukrainian citizenship. However, this will not apply to all cases. The draft law clearly defines the conditions under which dual citizenship will be recognized by Ukraine:
- Simultaneous acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship and another citizenship by a child at birth.
- Acquisition of the citizenship of foreign adoptive parents by a child who is a Ukrainian citizen.
- Automatic acquisition of another citizenship by a Ukrainian citizen as a result of marriage to a foreigner.
- Automatic acquisition of another citizenship by an adult Ukrainian citizen due to the application of foreign citizenship laws, provided the person does not obtain a document confirming possession of the other citizenship.
- Simplified acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship by foreigners who are nationals of countries listed as eligible for simplified citizenship procedures. Currently, this list includes EU countries, the G7, Norway, and Switzerland.
- Acquisition of citizenship of listed countries by Ukrainian citizens whose nationals can acquire Ukrainian citizenship under simplified procedures.
It is important to note that nationals of an aggressor state or countries that do not recognize Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are excluded from the right to dual citizenship in Ukraine. For such individuals, renunciation of their previous citizenship is mandatory, except for foreigners serving in Ukraine’s military forces.
The allowance of dual citizenship in Ukraine is expected to attract the large Ukrainian diaspora from Canada, the U.S., and other countries worldwide. People whose ancestors left Ukrainian lands over a century ago but passed down their language, culture, and traditions can now become citizens of a free Ukraine, contributing to its recovery and development.
If you have Ukrainian roots or have lived in Ukraine for a long time and wish to become a citizen or obtain permanent residence rights, we are ready to assist and guide you through the entire process!
