On July 15, 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Law No. 11469 (Act No. 4502-IX) introducing the concept of multiple citizenship in Ukraine. This landmark decision is the result of years of discussion among legal experts, politicians, and diaspora representatives and marks a new phase in Ukraine’s state development.
What does the law say? The Law “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Concerning the Acquisition and Retention of Ukrainian Citizenship” allows Ukrainian citizens to hold another country’s passport, provided that country is on the government’s list of “friendly nations.”
At the same time, the law strictly prohibits multiple citizenship with aggressor states, especially the Russian Federation.
Key points of the law:
Definition of multiple citizenship: Ukrainians may keep their nationality even if they obtain another.
Automatic recognition for children born into mixed-nationality families or those acquiring foreign citizenship by birth or marriage.
Simplified naturalization for ethnic Ukrainians, foreign volunteers, military personnel, and those who served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine during wartime.
A “white list” of countries whose citizenship is compatible with Ukrainian citizenship (to be defined by the Cabinet of Ministers).
Restrictions on public service for individuals with multiple citizenships unless they receive a special permit.
Official page of the bill on the Verkhovna Rada website
Author of the compilation: Anastasiia Malyshenko