The introduction of multiple citizenship is expected to help Ukraine strengthen ties with citizens abroad and create conditions for their return, as well as attract new citizens who share Ukrainian values and support the country's sovereignty. For more information on this initiative, please read here

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On 17 December, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted as a basis draft law No. 11469, which introduces the institution of multiple citizenship. The decision was voted for by 247 MPs, MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on Telegram.

Key changes and their significance

The draft law ‘On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on Ensuring the Right to Acquire and Retain Ukrainian Citizenship’ is intended to ensure the possibility of returning Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country due to the war, as well as to preserve their citizenship.

The law also opens the door for certain categories of foreigners and stateless persons, simplifying their path to Ukrainian citizenship.

Main provisions of the draft law

Back in August this year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed cases in which multiple citizenship is allowed

- birth of a child: a child simultaneously acquires the citizenship of Ukraine and another state by birthright.

- Adoption: a Ukrainian child can obtain the citizenship of foreign adoptive parents.

- Marriage to a foreigner: a Ukrainian citizen automatically acquires the citizenship of another state as a result of marriage.

- majority: a Ukrainian who has reached the age of 18 may automatically acquire another citizenship under the laws of another country if he or she has not received an official document confirming the second citizenship.

- Simplified citizenship: foreigners from countries included in a special list will be able to acquire Ukrainian citizenship under a simplified procedure and vice versa.

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Who will not be able to obtain multiple citizenship?

Multiple citizenship will not be allowed for citizens of Russia, a country recognised by the Verkhovna Rada as an aggressor, as well as for citizens of states that do not recognise the territorial integrity of Ukraine. This condition emphasises the protection of Ukraine's national interests and sovereignty.

Consultations and next steps

The draft law will be finalised for the second reading, taking into account comments and suggestions, including those from the World Congress of Ukrainians. The MPs also decided to appeal to the Constitutional Court to assess the draft law, which was supported by 150 votes.

Why does Ukraine need multiple citizenship?

The multiple citizenship initiative has several strategic goals:

- Ensuring conditions for the return of Ukrainians forced to leave the country.

- Preserving the connection with Ukrainian identity for the diaspora.

- Simplifying the integration process for foreign professionals and stateless persons.

If you have any questions or difficulties with obtaining Ukrainian citizenship, our migration lawyers are always happy to help you with such issues, including collecting the necessary documents.

We remind you! Earlier, we said that renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship is a complex and formalised procedure that is strictly regulated by the current legislation. This step is usually taken by people who wish to obtain a passport in another country. Here is what you need to know about the conditions and stages of renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship.

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