Dual Citizenship in Ukraine – Where Can Ukrainians Obtain a Second Passport?

Today, millions of Ukrainians live abroad: they build new lives, work officially, run businesses, buy property, and obtain temporary or permanent residence permits. Given the situation in their home country, many are not planning to return in the near future and are increasingly looking for more stable long-term solutions for themselves and their families.

For Ukrainians already settled abroad, the idea of a second citizenship has become especially relevant. The ability to keep a Ukrainian passport while legally obtaining citizenship in another country offers greater freedom, security, and long-term flexibility.

Multiple Citizenship – What Matters Most

On January 16, 2026, the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine to Ensure the Realization of the Right to Acquire and Retain Citizenship of Ukraine” entered into force.

This law provides an opportunity for Ukrainian citizens to hold Ukrainian citizenship together with citizenship of another country without being required to renounce their Ukrainian passport.

Under this new framework:

• the government is expected to define the list of countries whose citizenship may be allowed for Ukrainian citizens;
• every Ukrainian citizen is required to notify the authorities after obtaining a second passport.

For the Ukrainian diaspora, this is an important step. It simplifies many legal and administrative issues and makes life abroad more stable and transparent.

At the same time, multiple citizenship may not apply to everyone. Restrictions may concern:

• military personnel with access to classified information or defense infrastructure;
• individuals holding passports of aggressor states;
• security sector employees and public officials.

It is also important to understand that even with a second passport, Ukrainian citizens still retain the rights and obligations established by Ukrainian law, including obligations related to military registration.

How Ukrainians Obtain a Second Passport

There are several common routes that allow people to legally relocate to another country, secure residence status, and later apply for citizenship.

Investment in the country’s economy
This is one of the clearest and fastest options. It may include purchasing real estate above a required threshold, investing in the national economy, buying government bonds, contributing to a state fund, or opening a business that creates jobs. In some jurisdictions, citizenship is available through real estate investment programs.

Marriage to a citizen or repatriation
If a person has family roots connected to another country, this may provide a legal basis for relocation and future naturalization. Likewise, second citizenship may be obtained through a legally registered marriage to a foreign citizen.

Naturalization
This is the traditional route based on long-term residence in a country for a defined period – usually from 4 to 10 years, depending on local law. This path requires step-by-step documentation, compliance with immigration rules, and fulfilment of all formal requirements.

Key Benefits of a Second Citizenship

What does a second passport provide? First of all, greater personal and financial security, as well as equal rights with citizens of the country chosen for residence.

A second citizenship also creates additional opportunities:

• to run a business in another jurisdiction;
• to open accounts in foreign banks;
• to work and invest in a more stable legal and economic environment;
• to travel more freely and benefit from visa-free access;
• to maintain ties with Ukraine without renouncing Ukrainian citizenship.

Other important advantages include:

• there is no longer a need to hide a second passport out of fear of losing Ukrainian citizenship;
• legal uncertainty related to citizenship status is reduced;
• the right to own real estate, land, and inheritance in Ukraine remains protected as a Ukrainian citizen;
• voting rights are preserved;
• individuals gain greater flexibility in building personal, family, and financial strategies.

Support with Real Estate and Immigration Solutions

Hayat Estate helps clients find real estate abroad and navigate residence-by-investment and long-term relocation strategies. If you are considering moving to another country and potentially obtaining its passport in the future, it is important to choose the right jurisdiction and the right path from the start.

Countries Considered for Second Citizenship

Ukraine is gradually forming a list of countries with which multiple citizenship may be recognized. Political relations, strategic partnerships, and national security considerations all play a role in this process.

At this stage, the following countries are often mentioned among priority destinations:

• Canada
• United States
• Czech Republic
• Poland
• Germany

Millions of Ukrainians currently live in these countries, and many of them already have strong and established Ukrainian communities.

Other countries that may also be considered strategic partners include Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and other friendly states.

Ukrainian Citizenship for Foreigners

The new framework also предусматривает simplified conditions for citizens of certain friendly countries who wish to obtain Ukrainian citizenship without renouncing their existing one.

In most cases, applicants are expected to:

• pass an exam in the Ukrainian language;
• demonstrate knowledge of Ukrainian history;
• know the fundamentals of the Constitution of Ukraine.

Special consideration may also be given to foreigners who supported Ukraine – especially military personnel and volunteers. Simplified procedures and extended deadlines for certain requirements may apply to them.

Final Thoughts

The law on multiple citizenship is a step toward a more flexible and modern future for millions of Ukrainians around the world. It offers more legal clarity, more freedom of choice, and more confidence in the future.

For those already living abroad – or only beginning to consider relocation – a second passport may become not just a formal status, but an important part of a broader strategy for security, mobility, and family protection.