Get Your Ukraine Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Individuals born in Ukraine to at least one Ukrainian citizen parent are Ukrainian citizens automatically.
- By Descent : Those born abroad to at least one Ukrainian citizen parent are typically eligible for citizenship by descent.
- By Marriage : Spouses of Ukrainian citizens may apply for naturalization after 2 years of legal residence in Ukraine following marriage.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals may apply for citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence, or 3 years if stateless, a refugee, or married to a Ukrainian citizen.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Not Recognized: Ukraine’s current law does not permit dual citizenship. Those who voluntarily acquire another nationality may be considered only Ukrainian domestically, and could be stripped of Ukrainian citizenship in some cases.
- Note: Although Ukraine does not officially recognize dual citizenship, enforcement has historically been limited. A proposed 2024 bill may allow dual nationality in the future — especially for the diaspora — but it has not been passed into law as of 2025.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine eligibility through descent, marriage, or long-term residence.
- Apply through the State Migration Service or Ukrainian consulate abroad.
- Submit documentation and complete Ukrainian language and constitutional knowledge requirements.
- Await approval and renounce previous citizenship if required.
Benefits of Ukrainian Citizenship
- Right to live and work in Ukraine
- Access to public healthcare and education
- Ukrainian passport for visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to ~140 countries
- May open future path to dual citizenship reforms for the diaspora
Frequently asked questions.
Does Ukraine allow dual citizenship?
Not officially. Ukraine does not currently recognize dual citizenship. Individuals must typically renounce their other nationality, though enforcement is inconsistent.
Can I get citizenship through my Ukrainian parent?
Yes. Citizenship by descent is available if one parent was a Ukrainian citizen at your birth. Registration is required if born abroad.
Can I apply for Ukrainian citizenship through marriage?
Yes. You may apply after being married to a Ukrainian citizen and living in Ukraine legally for 2 years.
How long must I live in Ukraine to naturalize?
5 years of continuous legal residence are required. This can be shortened to 3 years in special cases (e.g. marriage or refugee status).
Do I have to pay taxes in Ukraine as a citizen?
Ukraine taxes residents on worldwide income. If you are not a resident, you’re only taxed on Ukrainian-source income. Citizenship alone does not determine tax residency.