German Citizenship for Ukrainians: Multiple Citizenship Since 2026
What Ukraine's multiple-citizenship law means for Ukrainians who are naturalised in Germany, and what was different before 2026.
Can Ukrainians keep their citizenship when they become German?
Yes, under both laws. Germany has allowed dual citizenship since 27 June 2024. Ukraine's Law No. 4502-IX has been in force since 16 January 2026. It recognises multiple citizenship when a Ukrainian acquires the citizenship of a state on a list set by the Cabinet of Ministers, and Germany is on that list. Acquiring German citizenship is therefore no longer a ground for losing Ukrainian citizenship. In dealings with Ukraine you are still treated only as a Ukrainian citizen. In 2025, 10,582 Ukrainian citizens were naturalised in Germany.
Free telc B1 Modelltest — practise online with answers
Real tasks from every section in the authentic exam format. You see the answer straight after each task — no PDF to download.
Legal Basis
Law
Law of Ukraine No. 4502-IX of 18 June 2025
Requirement
Multiple citizenship is recognised with states on the Cabinet list
Effective Date
2026-01-16
Official Source
View law textBefore and After 16 January 2026
| Question | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| A Ukrainian voluntarily acquires German citizenship | A ground for losing Ukrainian citizenship, by decree of the President | A recognised case of multiple citizenship (Article 5-1) |
| A Ukrainian acquires the citizenship of a state not on the list, or of an aggressor state | A ground for loss | Still a ground for loss, by decree of the President (Article 19) |
| How Ukraine treats a dual citizen | The Constitution provides for a single citizenship (Article 4) | Only as a Ukrainian citizen (Article 2) |
Source: Law of Ukraine on Citizenship, consolidated text (zakon.rada.gov.ua) · Law as of 13 October 2026
The Law in Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 18 June 2025 | Parliament adopts Law No. 4502-IX. |
| 16 July 2025 | The law is published in the official gazette. |
| 5 November 2025 | Cabinet Resolution No. 1412 sets the first list of five states, including Germany. |
| 16 January 2026 | The law enters into force. |
| 30 June 2026 | After two amendments the list covers 34 states. Germany remains on it. |
Source: Law No. 4502-IX: record of the Verkhovna Rada · Checked 13 October 2026
What This Means in Practice
Be naturalised in Germany
You meet the German requirements, including five years of lawful residence with a qualifying residence title, B1 German and the citizenship test.
Tip: A residence permit for temporary protection under §24 AufenthG does not qualify for naturalisation.
Know how Ukraine treats you
Germany does not ask you to give up Ukrainian citizenship. In legal relations with Ukraine you are recognised only as a Ukrainian citizen (Article 2 of the citizenship law).
Check the list before you acquire another citizenship
The protection applies to states on the Cabinet list. Acquiring the citizenship of a state that is not on it remains a ground for loss.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Since 16 January 2026 Ukrainian law recognises multiple citizenship when a Ukrainian acquires the citizenship of a listed state, and Germany is listed. German law has not required you to give up your previous citizenship since 27 June 2024.
The citizenship law contains no notification duty, deadline or sanction for this case. We found no official statement that adds one.
Article 2 of the citizenship law says that a Ukrainian who has acquired another citizenship is recognised only as a Ukrainian citizen in legal relations with Ukraine. We found no official statement on military registration for dual citizens.
Under the old rule, voluntarily acquiring another citizenship was a ground for loss, but loss only took effect through a decree of the President. Since 16 January 2026, acquiring the citizenship of a listed state is a recognised case of multiple citizenship. Ask the Ukrainian consulate about your individual case.
Not with that title alone. §10 StAG excludes a residence permit under §24 AufenthG from the titles that qualify. You need a qualifying title, such as a work permit or an EU Blue Card, when you are naturalised.
Ready for Your B1 Exam?
Practice with AI-generated exercises in the real exam format. Instant feedback and personalized explanations.
Start FreeSources
- Law of Ukraine No. 4502-IX: record of the Verkhovna Rada
- Law of Ukraine on Citizenship, consolidated text
- Cabinet Resolution No. 1412: list of states
- Cabinet Resolution No. 589 of 8 May 2026
- Cabinet Resolution No. 826 of 24 June 2026
- Constitution of Ukraine, Article 4
- State Migration Service of Ukraine: law in force since 16 January 2026
- §10 StAG: naturalisation requirements (gesetze-im-internet.de)
- Federal Office of Administration: citizenship law reform in force since 27 June 2024