The Cabinet of Ministers approved a resolution defining the criteria for selecting countries for simplified acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship. The initiative is primarily aimed at ethnic Ukrainians abroad, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.
On Wednesday, October 8, the Ukrainian government approved a list of criteria prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that will be used to determine which countries Ukraine will introduce multiple citizenship with.
The new resolution provides for a simplified procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship for ethnic Ukrainians who already hold a foreign passport. This will allow hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to reestablish legal ties to their historical homeland.
"Potentially, we're talking about increasing the number of Ukrainian citizens—after all, hundreds of thousands of ethnic Ukrainians and their descendants will be able to reestablish ties with their country," noted Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
According to the document, priority will be given to countries that are among Ukraine's closest and most reliable allies.
Key criteria include:
- membership in the Group of Seven and the European Union;
- support for the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine;
- introduction of sanctions against the Russian Federation for aggression;
- the presence of a strategic partnership;
- financial assistance to Ukraine;
- the level and prospects for the development of bilateral relations.
A specific list of states will be formed separately and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that the decision taken represents a state-led approach that combines support for global Ukrainians with ensuring the strategic interests of national security.
As a reminder, the law opening the door to multiple citizenship was passed in June and signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July. It will come into force on January 16, 2026.
