Zelenskyy legalizes multiple citizenship: Who it will affect

The law is the first to regulate the issue of multiple citizenship at the legislative level.

It introduces the concept of multiple citizenship (nationality), defined as a person’s simultaneous affiliation with the citizenship (nationality) of two or more countries.

What the law on multiple citizenship provides

For Ukrainian citizens:

• Recognition of foreign citizenship without the risk of losing Ukrainian citizenship (if the other country is on a list approved by the government).

• The right to officially acquire citizenship of another country without renouncing Ukrainian citizenship (if the other country is on a list approved by the government).

For foreign citizens:

• The right to acquire Ukrainian citizenship through a simplified procedure for individuals of Ukrainian origin.

• Introduction of a new citizenship procedure for foreigners without Ukrainian ethnic roots.

• The possibility to obtain Ukrainian citizenship without having to renounce their existing citizenship, except in cases involving citizenship of an aggressor state.

• A simplified path to citizenship for foreigners serving in the Ukrainian military.

• The right to Ukrainian citizenship for individuals persecuted in their home countries for political reasons

What is important to know

For both Ukrainian and foreign citizens, a clear rule is established: a person who holds another passport but is a citizen of Ukraine is recognized only as a Ukrainian citizen within the territory of Ukraine. It is also important that this law:

• Does not open the door to everyone — the list of countries will be determined based on Ukraine’s security and national interests.

• Prohibits multiple citizenship with the aggressor state. Russian citizenship is grounds for losing Ukrainian citizenship, except in cases of coercion or automatic acquisition.

• Provides mechanisms for monitoring and revoking citizenship in case of violations.

• Does not cancel the requirements for knowledge of the Ukrainian language, history, and Constitution — these conditions remain in force.

• Maintains the existing legal ban on multiple citizenship for civil servants and judges. This law does not change that.

Why Ukraine introduced the institution of multiple citizenship

As noted by the government, the legislation was developed in response to demographic and security challenges, as well as the need to restore and maintain ties with millions of Ukrainians living abroad.

Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy and MP Yevheniia Kravchuk stated that the law on multiple citizenship does not make those Ukrainians who already de facto hold two passports — Ukrainian and that of the country they reside in — into lawbreakers.

"Many Ukrainians left 10–20 years ago and obtained citizenship in other countries. The adopted law will allow such individuals to retain their Ukrainian passport, renew it, and remain citizens of Ukraine," she explained.

According to her, the legislation will help maintain connections with Ukraine for forcibly displaced Ukrainians who have sought refuge abroad due to the war.

Additionally, parents of young Ukrainians born overseas will no longer have to choose one citizenship for their child: they will be able to hold both a Ukrainian passport and the passport of the country that took their family in.

The procedure will also be simplified for ethnic Ukrainians who have never held Ukrainian citizenship. However, they will still be required to live in Ukraine for at least one year before obtaining citizenship.

At the end of last year, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament - ed.) approved the draft law on multiple citizenship in its first reading.

The corresponding bill, No. 11469, was initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in August 2024. Later, in November of the same year, the President, while presenting Ukraine's Resilience Plan in parliament, stated that Ukraine needed an institution of multiple citizenship. Zelenskyy has supported the idea of multiple citizenship since the beginning of his term and has repeatedly submitted relevant proposals to the Rada.

On June 18, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada passed the law on multiple citizenship in its final reading. A total of 243 lawmakers voted in favor.