The legislation, initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in August 2023, is aimed at strengthening ties with millions of Ukrainians living abroad, many of whom fled due to Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Since it was introduced by the president, the bill is likely to be signed into law with little delay.
The bill is also intended to attract investment and talent from overseas and formally recognize the contributions of the Ukrainian diaspora to the country’s development and defense.
Under the bill, Ukrainians who acquire a second passport will no longer risk losing their Ukrainian citizenship. In turn, the country will retain more of its citizens, both symbolically and legally.
New rights for Ukrainians and foreign nationals
According to Ukraine’s newly created Ministry of National Unity, the change is unlikely to cause a rush Ukrainian passports. Officials estimate that only a few thousand people may seek Ukrainian citizenship under the new rules.
Ukraine's current population is about 32 million, while an estimated 20 million to 25 million Ukrainians living abroad. This includes both recent war refugees and long-term emigres. The diaspora includes approximately 1.4 million people in Canada, 1.1 million in the United States, and between 7.5 million and 10 million in the European Union.
The ministry says more than 90% of Ukrainians abroad reside in countries where dual citizenship is legal. Globally, more than 130 countries allow multiple citizenships, including most EU member states.
We will now explore the key provisions of the bill.
For Ukrainian citizens:
- Recognizes foreign citizenship without stripping Ukrainian citizenship.
- Grants the right to acquire foreign citizenship without having to renounce Ukrainian citizenship.
For foreign nationals:
- Simplified path to citizenship for individuals of Ukrainian descent.
- New citizenship procedures for foreigners without Ukrainian ethnic heritage.
- Ability to retain existing citizenship when obtaining Ukrainian citizenship, except for nationals of “aggressor countries.”
- Simplified naturalization procedure for foreigners serving in Ukraine’s armed forces.
- Path to citizenship for individuals facing political persecution in their home countries.
The bill also states that within Ukraine, individuals who hold another country’s passport in addition to a Ukrainian one, are legally recognized solely as Ukrainian citizens by the state.
Foreigners granted Ukrainian citizenship will be afforded the same rights and responsibilities as all other Ukrainians, including voting rights and mandatory military service.
Restrictions and limitations
The bill bars citizenship for individuals from countries not listed by the Cabinet, which currently includes EU countries and others that have introduced sanctions against Russia.
Applicants will be denied Ukrainian citizenship if they:
- Have been convicted in Ukraine of a serious crime (unless the conviction is expunged).
- Committed serious crimes abroad as defined by Ukraine’s Criminal Code.
- Are considered a threat to national security, public safety, or Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Notably, dual citizenship with Russia is prohibited. Holding Russian citizenship is grounds for revocation of Ukrainian citizenship unless it was obtained through coercion or otherwise involuntarily.
Other grounds for losing Ukrainian citizenship include:
- Voluntarily acquiring citizenship of an “aggressor state.”
- Participating in military aggression against Ukraine.
- Serving in the armed forces of a state officially designated as an aggressor.
Grounds for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship
The bill establishes the following criteria for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship:
- A declaration affirming adherence to the Constitution and laws of Ukraine.
- Passing tests demonstrating knowledge of Ukraine’s Constitution, its history, and proficiency in the Ukrainian language. These may be deferred for two years for foreign nationals who have served in Ukraine’s armed forces for more than a year or are considered to be of national interest—such as prominent scientists, artists, or philanthropists.
- Continuous residence in Ukraine for the past five years, with exceptions. Ethnic Ukrainians may apply without meeting the residency requirement, provided they can confirm their ancestry. Others who live abroad may also qualify if they have made significant contributions to Ukraine or are deemed to be of state interest. Foreign nationals married to Ukrainian citizens must reside in Ukraine for three years before applying. The same exception applies to foreigners who joined the military, as well as those recognized as refugees or granted asylum.
- A valid residence permit, unless the applicant is a refugee, stateless person, or has served in the Ukrainian military.
- Legal means of supporting oneself, with exceptions for military personnel and refugees.