Zelensky Signs Dual Citizenship Law With Key Restrictions

Key Takeaways

• On July 15, 2025, Ukraine legalized dual citizenship for approved countries under strict conditions.
• Applicants must show at least one year of residency; process takes 1.5 to 2 years generally.
• Exemptions include refugees, volunteers, and families of fallen defenders retaining original citizenship.

Ukraine’s move to allow dual citizenship marks a major change for millions of people with ties to the country. On July 15, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new law that opens the door for Ukrainians and certain foreigners to hold more than one passport. This shift, passed by the Verkhovna Rada, ends decades of strict single citizenship rules and brings Ukraine closer to global standards. For many, this is a long-awaited chance to reconnect with their homeland or formalize their status. However, the process comes with important rules, steps, and timelines that applicants need to understand before starting their journey.

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to the new dual citizenship process in Ukraine. This guide covers everything from the law’s background and who qualifies, to the application process, required documents, what to expect from authorities, and practical tips for a smooth experience. Whether you are a member of the Ukrainian diaspora, a foreign volunteer, or someone with deep family ties to Ukraine, this overview will help you manage your expectations and prepare for each stage.

Understanding the New Dual Citizenship Law

For years, Ukraine did not allow dual citizenship. Anyone who wanted to become a Ukrainian citizen had to give up their other nationality, and Ukrainians who took another country’s passport were supposed to lose their Ukrainian citizenship. In practice, many people quietly held two passports, but this was a legal gray area and could lead to problems.

The new law, signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky and adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, changes this. It recognizes the reality that millions of Ukrainians live abroad, especially since the war began, and that many foreigners have strong connections to Ukraine. The law aims to unite Ukrainians worldwide, modernize the country’s citizenship rules, and keep Ukraine safe by setting clear limits on who can benefit.

Key Points of the Law

• Dual citizenship is now legal in Ukraine, but only under certain conditions.
• Only citizens of approved countries can hold dual citizenship with Ukraine.
• The list of approved countries will focus on European Union members and those that support Ukraine and have imposed sanctions on Russia.
• Citizens of countries that do not recognize Ukraine’s borders or voted against the 2014 UN resolution on Crimea (such as Russia) are excluded.
• Ukrainians with Russian citizenship or Russians cannot benefit from this law.
• Citizens of “unfriendly” countries must give up their original citizenship within two years of becoming Ukrainian, unless they fall into special categories.

Who Can Apply for Dual Citizenship?

The law is designed to help several groups:

• Ukrainians living abroad who want to keep their original citizenship while reconnecting with Ukraine.
• Foreigners with Ukrainian roots or strong ties to the country, especially those from approved countries.
• Foreign volunteers and contract soldiers who have served Ukraine, as well as their families.
• Refugees, asylum seekers, and people persecuted for supporting Ukraine.
• Family members of those who died defending Ukraine.

However, there are important limits. If you are from a country that is not on the approved list, or if your country is considered “unfriendly” to Ukraine, you may have to give up your original citizenship within two years of becoming Ukrainian—unless you qualify for an exemption.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Dual Citizenship Process

1. Check Eligibility and Approved Countries List

• The first step is to see if you qualify for dual citizenship under the new law.
• The government will publish an official list of approved countries. This list will include most European Union countries and others that support Ukraine.
• If you are from a country that is not on the list, you may still apply, but you will likely need to give up your original citizenship within two years unless you are exempt.
• Exemptions include refugees, asylum seekers, contract soldiers, recipients of Ukrainian state honors, those persecuted for pro-Ukrainian activity, and families of fallen defenders.

1. Gather Required Documents

• Proof of your current citizenship(s).
• Documents showing your connection to Ukraine (birth certificate, proof of Ukrainian ancestry, or service records for volunteers).
• If you are applying from an approved country, proof that your country is on the official list.
• For those seeking exemptions, documents supporting your status (refugee papers, military contracts, state honors, etc.).
• Completed application forms, which will be available through the State Migration Service of Ukraine or at Ukrainian consulates abroad. (For official forms and updates, visit the State Migration Service of Ukraine.)

1. Submit Your Application

• If you are in Ukraine, apply at your local State Migration Service office.
• If you are abroad, apply at the nearest Ukrainian consulate.
• Applications will be accepted starting six months after the law’s publication, so the earliest possible date is late 2025 or early 2026.
• You will need to pay any required fees and submit all documents at this stage.
• Authorities will check your eligibility, review your documents, and confirm that your second citizenship is from an approved country.

1. Residency and Waiting Periods

• Most applicants from the diaspora will need to show at least one year of residence in Ukraine before final approval.
• The total process, including document checks and waiting periods, usually takes 1.5 to 2 years.
• Foreign volunteers or contract soldiers may have a faster process, sometimes with decisions coming directly from the President’s office within a few months.
• During this time, authorities may ask for more documents or clarifications.

1. Security and Background Checks

• Ukrainian authorities will conduct background checks to ensure applicants do not pose a security risk.
• This is especially important given the ongoing war and the exclusion of citizens from countries that do not support Ukraine.
• If you are from an “unfriendly” country, you will be asked to provide proof that you have started the process of renouncing your original citizenship, unless you qualify for an exemption.

1. Oath of Allegiance and Passport Issuance

• Once your application is approved, you must travel to Ukraine to take the oath of allegiance.
• The final step—receiving your Ukrainian passport—can only happen on Ukrainian territory.
• After the oath, you will be issued your new passport and officially recognized as a dual citizen.

1. Renunciation of Original Citizenship (If Required)

• If you are from a country that is not on the approved list and do not qualify for an exemption, you must renounce your original citizenship within two years of becoming Ukrainian.
• You will need to provide proof of renunciation to Ukrainian authorities.
• Failure to do so could result in the loss of your Ukrainian citizenship.

What to Expect from Authorities

• Clear Communication: The State Migration Service and consulates are expected to provide clear instructions and updates throughout the process.
• Document Checks: Authorities will carefully review all documents and may ask for additional information.
• Security Focus: Given the war and ongoing tensions, expect strict checks for applicants from certain countries.
• Processing Times: While some cases may move quickly (especially for volunteers and those with special status), most applicants should plan for a process lasting up to two years.

Estimated Timeframes at Each Stage

• Eligibility Check and Document Gathering: 1-2 months
• Application Submission and Initial Review: 2-3 months
• Residency and Waiting Period: 12 months (for most diaspora applicants)
• Security and Background Checks: 2-4 months (can overlap with residency)
• Oath and Passport Issuance: 1-2 months after approval
• Total Time: 1.5 to 2 years for most applicants; 3-6 months for expedited cases (volunteers, contract soldiers, special exemptions)

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Start Early: Begin gathering documents and checking eligibility as soon as possible.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates from the State Migration Service and the Verkhovna Rada for changes to the approved countries list or application procedures.
• Keep Records: Make copies of all documents and keep records of your communications with authorities.
• Plan for Travel: Remember that you must be physically present in Ukraine to take the oath and receive your passport.
• Seek Help if Needed: If you have questions or face problems, contact your local Ukrainian consulate or the State Migration Service for guidance.

Special Cases and Exemptions

The law includes important exceptions for people who may not be able to give up their original citizenship, even if their country is not on the approved list. These include:

• Refugees and Asylum Seekers: People who cannot safely return to their home country.
• Contract Soldiers and Their Families: Foreigners who have served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Recipients of State Honors: Those recognized by Ukraine for special service.
• Victims of Persecution: People targeted for supporting Ukraine.
• Families of Fallen Defenders: Relatives of those who died fighting for Ukraine.

If you fall into one of these categories, you may keep your original citizenship even if your country is not on the approved list. You will need to provide proof of your status when applying.

Why This Law Matters

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the new law creates “real legal foundations for the unity of our entire great people,” including millions of Ukrainians abroad and foreigners with strong ties to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov has also stressed the importance of the law for ethnic Ukrainians and their descendants, especially those living outside Ukraine (except Russia).

Legal experts see this as a step toward modern citizenship laws that match global standards. It helps Ukrainians abroad stay connected to their roots and makes it easier for foreigners who have helped Ukraine to become citizens. Security analysts, however, point out that the law’s careful limits—especially the exclusion of Russia and other “unfriendly” states—are important for protecting Ukraine during a time of war.

What’s Next?

• The government will soon publish the official list of approved countries for dual citizenship.
• The State Migration Service and consulates will update their procedures and train staff to handle new applications.
• The first applications under the new law are expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
• As the law is put into practice, there may be further changes or clarifications to address any problems that come up.

Where to Find More Information

• For official updates, forms, and detailed instructions, visit the State Migration Service of Ukraine.
• The full text of the law and related documents are available on the Verkhovna Rada’s official website.
• Updates and statements from President Zelensky can be found on his official social media channels.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this reform is a major milestone for Ukraine, balancing openness with national security. It offers new opportunities for Ukrainians abroad and foreigners who have stood by Ukraine, while keeping strict controls on citizenship from hostile countries.

Actionable Takeaways

• Check if your country is on the approved list before starting the application.
• Gather all necessary documents and be ready for a detailed review process.
• Plan for a process that may take up to two years, unless you qualify for expedited treatment.
• Stay updated by checking official government websites and contacting authorities if you have questions.
• Be prepared to travel to Ukraine for the final steps of the process.

This new law reflects Ukraine’s changing needs and the realities of a globalized world. By following the steps above and staying informed, applicants can make the most of this historic opportunity while avoiding common pitfalls.

Learn Today

Dual Citizenship → Legal status allowing a person to be a citizen of two countries simultaneously under certain conditions.
Verkhovna Rada → Ukraine’s parliament responsible for passing laws like the dual citizenship reform in 2025.
State Migration Service → Ukrainian government agency managing citizenship applications and migration issues including dual citizenship.
Oath of Allegiance → Formal pledge required to become recognized as a Ukrainian citizen after approval of application.
Exemptions → Special conditions allowing certain applicants to keep original citizenship despite restrictions under the new law.

This Article in a Nutshell

Ukraine’s 2025 law allows dual citizenship for approved countries, balancing global norms with security. Applicants face residency and document steps, with exemptions for volunteers and refugees. The historic reform connects millions abroad to Ukraine, fostering unity while protecting national interests amid ongoing conflict challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com