In Ukraine, there are currently options for multiple citizenship, which opens up many opportunities. This means that multiple citizenship in Ukraine is now available to many, but there are also exceptions and restrictions.
In general, the law on multiple citizenship in Ukraine has been considered for a long time, but it became effective in the last few months. Thus, today multiple citizenship is a real possibility.
What is Multiple Citizenship
Multiple citizenship has been one of the most relevant topics in migration law and state policy in Ukraine for many years. The increase in international mobility, labor migration, studying abroad, entering international marriages, and the long-term residence of Ukrainians in other countries has led to the special significance of a person's belonging to several states simultaneously. For many citizens, the possibility of having several passports means easier access to work, education, medical services, and freedom of movement.
At the same time, for the state, such a practice is associated with security issues, military obligations, tax payments, and determining the legal status of a person. That is why most countries develop their own approaches to regulate multiple citizenship, taking into account national interests and international obligations. In Ukraine, this topic has long remained the subject of active social and political discussions. It gained particular relevance after the beginning of the full-scale war and a significant increase in the number of Ukrainians who reside temporarily or permanently abroad.
In 2026, the legal regulation of multiple citizenship is based on the provisions of the Constitution of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine on 'Citizenship of Ukraine,' and legislative changes that gradually alter the state's approach to this issue. At the same time, each case of acquiring another citizenship has its own legal peculiarities and is evaluated according to the current norms of legislation. Understanding the principles of legal regulation allows for a proper evaluation of the rights, obligations, and potential consequences of acquiring citizenship of another state.
Multiple citizenship is the legal status whereby one person is simultaneously recognized as a citizen of two or more states. In international practice, the terms 'dual citizenship' and 'bipatryism' are also used, although there are certain legal differences between them. Dual citizenship most often arises when a corresponding international treaty is concluded between two states, while multiple citizenship can exist even without such agreements. The reasons for acquiring several citizenships can vary. This includes the birth of a child to parents with different citizenships, automatic acquisition of citizenship by place of birth, naturalization in another country, marriage to a citizen of another state, or restoration of citizenship by descent. Each state independently determines whether it recognizes multiple citizenship and what rights and obligations arise for such individuals. In countries where dual or multiple citizenship is officially permitted, citizens can enjoy rights in several jurisdictions simultaneously. At the same time, they must fulfill the obligations imposed by the legislation of each state unless otherwise established by international treaties. Due to differences in legal systems, situations can arise where one country recognizes a person exclusively as its citizen, regardless of the existence of other passports. That is why the issue of multiple citizenship always requires analysis of the legislation of the specific state and the international agreements in force between the relevant countries.
The main grounds for acquiring multiple citizenship:
- birth to parents with different citizenships;
- acquisition of citizenship by birth within the territory of certain states;
- naturalization after long-term residence;
- marriage to a citizen of another country, if this is provided for by its legislation;
- restoration of citizenship by descent or through special government programs.
However, this issue has many additional nuances.
Multiple Citizenship in Ukraine: Legal Status
Ukrainian legislation traditionally proceeds from the principle of single citizenship. This means that in relations with the state, a person who has Ukrainian citizenship is first and foremost considered a citizen of Ukraine, regardless of whether they hold a passport of another country. This approach is enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine and detailed in the Law of Ukraine on 'Citizenship of Ukraine.' At the same time, current legislation does not create an automatic mechanism for the loss of Ukrainian citizenship solely due to the fact of acquiring citizenship of another state. Each case is assessed according to the established legal procedures and grounds.
For certain categories of individuals, special rules may apply, particularly concerning state service, military service, access to state secrets, or holding certain positions. If a citizen of Ukraine acquires citizenship of another state, it does not mean that Ukrainian authorities automatically recognize them as a foreigner or terminate their legal relationship with Ukraine. In Ukraine, such an individual enjoys rights and bears obligations precisely as a citizen of Ukraine. This concerns compliance with legal requirements, tax rules, military registration, and other areas of legal regulation. That is why the issue of multiple citizenship in Ukraine is considerably more complex than merely holding two passports, as the legal significance lies not just in the fact of acquiring another citizenship but also in the order of its registration and the legal consequences according to Ukrainian legislation.
Legislative Changes Regarding Multiple Citizenship
The issue of improving legislation on multiple citizenship has been actively discussed in Ukraine in recent years. The reason for this has been the significant increase in the number of Ukrainians living abroad, working in other countries, or obtaining the right to foreign citizenship under the legislation of the states of residence. Legislative initiatives aim to create a modern mechanism for regulating multiple citizenship, taking into account the needs of the state, security factors, and international practice.
Particular attention is paid to defining categories of persons for whom the ability to have multiple citizenships may be allowed or, conversely, restricted. At the same time, the legislator maintains special requirements for positions associated with performing state functions, accessing secret information, and ensuring national security. As of 2026, changes in citizenship are aimed at creating a clearer legal mechanism that considers the interests of the Ukrainian diaspora, persons of Ukrainian descent, and citizens who have been living abroad for a long time. Along with this, significant attention is given to verifying the grounds for acquiring foreign citizenship and potential legal consequences for certain categories of citizens. The legislation also defines procedures for the interaction of state bodies during the verification of information about other citizenships and making relevant decisions within their powers. The further development of legal regulation depends on the adoption of new regulatory and legal acts and their application practices. That is why individuals planning to acquire citizenship of another state or already having several passports should consider the current requirements of Ukrainian legislation and the changes effective in 2026.
Rights and Restrictions for Individuals with Multiple Citizenship
Individuals who hold citizenship from two or more states can enjoy a wide range of rights; however, the extent of such rights depends on the legislation of each specific country. In most cases, a citizen has the right to reside freely in the territory of their state of citizenship, work officially, receive education, access medical and social services, open bank accounts, purchase real estate, and engage in entrepreneurial activity without additional migration permits.
Having multiple citizenships can also significantly simplify international travel, as different passports grant access to various visa-free regimes or simplified entry rules. For people working in international companies or frequently moving between countries, this creates additional opportunities for professional development and business activities. At the same time, multiple citizenships do not mean complete freedom from any legal obligations. On the contrary, a person may simultaneously be subject to the legislation of several states, requiring careful attention to fulfill the requirements of each.
In Ukraine, a citizen who has acquired another citizenship continues to be regarded in relations with the state primarily as a citizen of Ukraine. This means that within Ukraine, they enjoy all constitutional rights while simultaneously fulfilling all obligations as per Ukrainian legislation. This specifically concerns adherence to laws, fulfilling tax obligations in cases defined by legislation, as well as other requirements arising from the status of a citizen. However, for certain positions, the legislation establishes special citizenship requirements. This primarily relates to state service, law enforcement bodies, the judicial system, military service in certain positions, and areas related to access to state secrets. For such positions, additional checks or legislative restrictions may apply.
Particular attention must be given to the issue of diplomatic protection. If a person holds citizenship of two states and is on the territory of one of them, the other country may not always be able to provide them with consular assistance. This is because the state of which a person is a citizen often considers them exclusively as its citizen. That is why the rights associated with multiple citizenships may differ depending on the specific situation and international treaties between states.
Risks and Legal Consequences of Multiple Citizenship
Despite the evident advantages, multiple citizenship can also create a number of legal risks. This primarily concerns cases where the legislation of different countries imposes varying requirements regarding the fulfillment of civic obligations. For example, there may be issues regarding military registration, military service, taxation of income, or the fulfillment of other obligations that each state places on its citizens. In such situations, an individual must consider the legal norms of all the states whose citizenship they hold.
Another important aspect is potential difficulties in obtaining documents or proving citizenship status. If personal data, surname, or name in documents from different countries differ, it can complicate the processing of inheritance, property registration, banking transactions, or other legally significant procedures. Therefore, individuals with multiple citizenships are advised to update their documents in a timely manner and ensure the accuracy of the information entered into them.
For Ukraine, the issue of national security remains important. Legislation provides special requirements for individuals applying for certain public positions or working in areas related to the protection of state interests. In such cases, the presence of citizenship of another state may have legal relevance when verifying the candidate's compliance with legal requirements. That is why the legal consequences of multiple citizenships can vary depending on the type of professional activity and the status of the individual.
Additionally, risks may arise during international travel or long-term residence abroad. Each state independently determines the entry and exit rules for its citizens, as well as the requirements for using national passports. In some cases, individuals may be required to cross borders only with the passport of the respective state, even if they have documents from another country. Noncompliance with such rules may lead to administrative difficulties or delays during border control.
To minimize possible legal risks, individuals with multiple citizenships should carefully monitor changes in the legislation of the states whose citizens they are, timely fulfill the statutory obligations, and check current requirements before obtaining documents or moving to another country. This approach allows them to avoid most legal misunderstandings and ensures the proper realization of rights arising from the status of a citizen of several states.
Overall, multiple citizenship carries many precautions. Thus, this topic remains interesting yet multifaceted for Ukrainians.