Who is eligible for Ukrainian citizenship under the simplified procedure: the list of countries has been expanded

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a decision to expand the list of partner countries eligible for dual citizenship under a simplified procedure to 33. Who is eligible for these new benefits, and what conditions must be met? Find out about all the current requirements

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In the summer of 2025, a historic law on multiple citizenship was signed in Ukraine, which came into full effect on 16 January 2026. The new regulations are designed to unite the Ukrainian diaspora worldwide and open up new opportunities for those who wish to maintain ties with their homeland. Recently, the government has significantly expanded the list of partner countries whose citizens can obtain Ukrainian citizenship through a simplified procedure.

Dual citizenship in Ukraine: who is eligible under the simplified procedure

By Resolution No. 589 of 8 May 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers radically expanded the list of countries whose citizens are entitled to a simplified procedure for obtaining a Ukrainian passport. Previously, this mechanism applied only to five countries (the USA, Canada, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic), where large Ukrainian diaspora communities traditionally reside or where Ukrainians who have left the country due to the war are currently living.

The list has now been expanded to 33 countries. A further 28 European countries have joined the programme, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Norway and other EU states. The programme is being rolled out in stages, focusing on countries with the largest Ukrainian presence. At the same time, the basic security principle remains unchanged: citizens of aggressor states are completely excluded from the list of potential programme participants.

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How to obtain a Ukrainian passport without renouncing your citizenship

A key innovation of the law is the possibility of retaining one’s original passport. Citizens of the 33 approved countries can undergo the naturalisation procedure in Ukraine without being required to renounce their first citizenship. The law also works in the opposite direction: the status of millions of Ukrainians living abroad who have obtained a foreign passport from a friendly country is now officially regulated, and they do not lose their Ukrainian citizenship.

Despite the simplified paperwork, standard integration requirements remain in force. Applicants must have resided legally in Ukraine for at least five years, as well as successfully pass exams on knowledge of the state language, history and the Constitution.

Simplified citizenship for military personnel, volunteers and refugees

The legislation provides special conditions for those who defend the state or require protection. A simplified procedure for obtaining a Ukrainian passport applies to foreign volunteers, combatants and individuals who have rendered outstanding services to Ukraine. Foreigners facing political persecution also receive preferential treatment.

A new Cabinet of Ministers resolution issued in May has further expanded the rights of the families of defenders. Now, family members of deceased military personnel (both foreigners and Ukrainian citizens) have the right, when submitting documents, to renounce their foreign citizenship and declare themselves exclusively citizens of Ukraine.

Legal support is especially important for foreigners who are planning long-term residence, work, or business in Ukraine and want to secure their legal status as stably as possible and without unnecessary risks.

Reminder! Foreign volunteers defending Ukraine can now legalise their status without unnecessary red tape. The government has simplified the process of issuing residence permits for foreigners serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: the document is valid for the entire duration of the contract, and applications will be accepted even with an expired passport. Find out all the new rules.

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