Multiple Citizenship: What Will Change and How to Prepare
Ukrainians with dual or multiple passports may soon receive long-awaited legal recognition of their status. Minister of National Unity Oleksii Chernyshov announced the development of a draft law on multiple citizenship, which is expected to be prepared by the end of 2025.
📌 What’s Changing?
Currently, Ukraine’s Constitution provides for the principle of single citizenship. In reality, however, thousands of Ukrainians live with additional passports — with no legal framework to acknowledge this. The upcoming law is intended to:
- legalize multiple citizenship;
- provide equal rights for Ukrainians living abroad and at home;
- allow access to voting rights, public positions, and social benefits.
📍 What Remains Unclear?
The most sensitive issue is the right to vote, especially in presidential elections. According to the Minister, rights will be equal, but specific provisions are still pending. Much may depend on political and security decisions.
Other open questions include:
- Will voting from abroad be allowed without consular registration?
- How will the law align with military obligations?
- Will there be a mandatory register of dual citizens or a requirement to declare such status?
💼 What Does This Mean for GLS Law Clients?
- Ukrainians with foreign passports will be able to legalize their status — avoiding risks of losing citizenship or facing cross-border legal issues.
- They may officially participate in Ukraine’s political, social, and economic life.
- The new regulations will require careful legal planning, especially if you:
- own foreign assets;
- file asset declarations;
- receive foreign-source income;
- control companies in sensitive jurisdictions.
⚠️ Are There Any Risks?
Yes — particularly under wartime conditions. The law must exclude multiple citizenship with aggressor states, and introduce controls over income sources, financial flows, and election participation by non-resident citizens.
📌 GLS Law’s Position
This is not just a change in policy — it opens a new frontier in our work with clients holding non-resident status, dual citizenship, and global presence.
We already advise clients who:
- hold Polish, Portuguese, Israeli, and other passports;
- own foreign companies;
- plan to invest in or return to Ukraine.
GLS Law prepares legal reviews, supports tax planning, and helps restructure assets in line with future legal reforms.
