On June 18, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada adopted historic bill No. 11469, which legalizes multiple citizenship for certain categories of people. This is the first official step toward openness for the Ukrainian diaspora, foreign investors, migrants, and global business. The Crystal Tax team explains what exactly has changed and how the new rules may affect the tax and legal decisions of individuals.
From now on, Ukrainian legislation allows, in specific cases, individuals to hold a Ukrainian passport and a passport of another country at the same time without automatically losing their citizenship. However, there are important restrictions and a clear list of situations in which this is possible.
When is multiple citizenship permitted?
- By birth: if a child automatically received citizenship of Ukraine and another country (e.g., Canada + Ukraine).
- By adoption: if a Ukrainian child is adopted by citizens of another country.
- Through marriage: if a citizen of Ukraine automatically acquired another citizenship as a result of marriage to a foreigner.
- Without paperwork: if an adult Ukrainian actually has citizenship of another country but has not confirmed this with documents.
- For foreigners: who obtain Ukrainian citizenship through a simplified procedure (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will compile a list of countries).
- In reverse order:if a Ukrainian citizen obtains citizenship of a country whose citizens can also obtain Ukrainian citizenship through a simplified procedure.
Important: the law does not allow multiple citizenship with aggressor countries or states that pose a threat to national security.
What does this mean for Ukrainians abroad?
- For the first time, it is now possible to legally retain Ukrainian citizenship even after naturalization in Canada, the US, the EU, etc. .
- Children born in other countries can have dual citizenship without losing their ties to Ukraine.
- This simplifies issues of inheritance, property, tax residency, and access to banking services.
What does this mean for foreigners?
- Citizens of “friendly countries” will be able to obtain Ukrainian citizenship without renouncing their own.
- This opens up opportunities for investors, business owners, and IT specialists who work with Ukraine.
- A new approach to global mobility and tax planning is being formed within the framework of Ukrainian law.
Tax implications of multiple citizenship
According to international practice, multiple citizenship does not determine tax residency, but may affect:
- the need to report foreign income (e.g., in the US, Canada);
- participation in CRS/FATCA systems for automatic exchange of information;
- the need for tax optimization in case of residence in two jurisdictions;
- issues related to opening bank accounts and investment activities.
How Crystal Tax can help
- Risk analysis when obtaining second citizenship
- Planning ownership and tax structures for individuals with multiple citizenship
- Advice on bank accounts, inheritance, taxes, and residency
- Preparing reports for CRS, FATCA, and other international requirements
Conclusions
The law on multiple citizenship is a step towards a modern approach to relations between Ukraine and the world. It opens up new opportunities for Ukrainians abroad, foreign partners, and those who plan to tie their future to Ukraine. But with new opportunities come responsibilities — especially in the areas of taxation, residency, and asset transparency.
Are you planning to obtain second citizenship or already have it? Talk to the experts at Crystal Tax and build your tax strategy wisely.