Dual Citizenship in Ukraine: Allowed or Not?

There’s a common belief that holding dual citizenship in Ukraine is prohibited and punishable. However, this is a legal myth.

Ukrainian law does not contain a direct ban on dual or multiple citizenship. While the Constitution of Ukraine enshrines the principle of “single citizenship,” this refers solely to the unified national citizenship model, not a restriction on holding foreign nationality.

What Does the Law Say?

According to the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship”:

“A citizen of Ukraine who acquires citizenship of another country is recognized only as a citizen of Ukraine in legal relations with Ukraine.”

In essence, Ukraine does not prevent its citizens from obtaining foreign citizenships, but it only legally acknowledges Ukrainian nationality within its jurisdiction.

⚠️ Who Might Risk Losing Ukrainian Citizenship?

The issue mainly concerns those who acquired Ukrainian citizenship not by birth, but via:

• Presidential decree,

• Territorial origin,

• Immigration procedures.

If such individuals fail to renounce their previous citizenship, conceal a second passport, or continue exercising the rights of a foreign citizen — the State Migration Service of Ukraine has legal grounds to revoke Ukrainian citizenship and invalidate their Ukrainian passport.

You may be interested to read about Schengen Visa Denied? Learn How to Avoid and Appeal in 2025.

Without a lawyer – Confusion, bureaucratic hurdles, and unnecessary complexity – Long queues and missed or delayed deadlines – Elevated risk of errors and setbacks – Wasted time and money on avoidable inefficiencies

With a lawyer – Clear transparency and dependable reliability – Fast processing with on-time deadlines – Full compliance with requirements and guaranteed results – Efficiently saving both time and money

Are There Fines for Holding Dual Citizenship?

Despite widespread online claims, no Ukrainian law currently imposes fines for dual citizenship.

A draft bill introduced in 2012 did propose fines (up to 510 UAH) for not notifying authorities about acquiring foreign nationality. However, due to its conflict with the Constitution, the President did not sign the bill, and it never came into effect.

As of 2025, the Code of Administrative Offenses of Ukraine does not contain any article penalizing dual citizenship.

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What If You Already Have a Second Passport?

If you’ve obtained a second nationality:

• You will still be treated as a Ukrainian citizen under Ukrainian law.

• There are no automatic sanctions or revocation.

• However, do not submit false statements or conceal your status during legal or administrative procedures.

Holding two passports is not banned in Ukraine, as long as you comply with transparency and do not violate legal disclosure rules. However, only Ukrainian citizenship is legally recognized within the country’s legal system.

If you are applying for Ukrainian citizenship or concerned about your dual nationality status — consult a qualified immigration lawyer for personalized advice.

When dealing with complex legal issues, it is recommended to seek the help of a specialized lawyer to ensure a full understanding of the legal intricacies. Consider making an appointment for a consultation.