Multiple citizenship in Ukraine: new opportunities starting 2026

On January 16, 2026, the Law regulating multiple citizenship has entered into force.

What does the Law provide?

1. Introduction of the concept of multiple citizenship, officially establishing the possibility to hold Ukrainian citizenship simultaneously with that of other countries under certain conditions (for instance, in cases of acquiring citizenship of another state by a child at birth; as a result of marriage with a foreigner; in cases where citizens of that state have the right to acquire Ukrainian citizenship under a simplified procedure, etc.). The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will determine the list of states whose citizens are eligible to apply for Ukrainian citizenship via a simplified procedure.
2. Simplified procedure for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship for certain categories of individuals (for example, individuals whose admission to Ukrainian citizenship is of state interest; individuals of territorial origin from Ukraine; individuals who served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and provided their assistance to the Armed Forces).
3. Prohibition of dual citizenship with aggressor states.
4. A new ground established for loss of Ukrainian citizenship, i.e. voluntary acquisition of a passport of an aggressor state, with exceptions for individuals who found themselves in occupied territories and were forced to obtain a passport of the aggressor state.

Importantly, the Law introduces the possibility of retaining Ukrainian citizenship upon acquiring citizenship of another state, which allows Ukrainians abroad to legally hold multiple passports while also enabling foreigners to acquire Ukrainian citizenship under a simplified procedure without the obligation to renounce their original citizenship. This, in turn, aims to incentivise the return of Ukrainians from abroad to Ukraine, attract foreign investors, and support the integration of post-war recovery processes.

The PwC team in Ukraine is ready to provide advisory support on the related legal matters.