New Rules on Renunciation of Foreign Citizenship: What You Need to Know

On November 24, 2024, Law of Ukraine No. 3897-IX came into force, introducing new legal mechanisms for foreigners and stateless persons who acquired Ukrainian citizenship between January 1, 2018, and the date the law took effect.

These individuals now have 12 months to submit a declaration of renunciation of foreign citizenship, if the formal termination of their previous citizenship is impossible.

Who is eligible to submit the declaration:

• Military personnel currently serving or who have served under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, or the National Guard of Ukraine;
• Individuals discharged from military service on specific grounds;
• Persons with outstanding merits before Ukraine or whose acceptance into Ukrainian citizenship is in the national interest;
• Military personnel awarded a state decoration of Ukraine;
• Individuals listed in Part 20 of Article 4 of the Law "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons";
• Citizens of aggressor or occupying states who have been subject to political persecution.

This right also applies to individuals who signed a military service contract after acquiring Ukrainian citizenship, including during or after February 24, 2022.

To submit the declaration, the applicant must contact the territorial office of the State Migration Service of Ukraine that issued their temporary Ukrainian citizenship certificate and provide documents confirming their eligibility.