Dual Citizenship Ukraine-Germany in 2026: What Changed and What Documents You Need

Two passports in one pocket - just three years ago, that could’ve cost you your Ukrainian citizenship. And Germany would’ve forced you to give up the Ukrainian passport before handing you theirs. Since 2024, Germany dropped that requirement. And on January 16, 2026, Ukraine finally legalized multiple citizenship too. Let’s break down what exactly changed, what pitfalls remain, and what documents you’ll need to collect and translate.

What Changed in Germany: The 2024 Reform¶

On June 27, 2024, the new Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (German citizenship law) came into force. Three major changes:

Dual citizenship is now allowed for everyone. Previously, you had to renounce your existing citizenship to naturalize in Germany. Not anymore. You can get a German passport and keep your Ukrainian one. And if someone previously gave up their citizenship for a German passport, they can now reclaim it (provided their home country allows it).

Minimum residency cut from 8 to 5 years. The old law required 8 years of legal residence. Now it’s 5. This is a big deal for Ukrainians who arrived in Germany in 2022 - theoretically, from 2027 they’ll be eligible to apply for Einbürgerung.

The 3-year “turbo naturalization” - came and went. The 2024 reform introduced a fast track: citizenship after just 3 years for people with “exceptional integration achievements” (C1 German, community involvement). But on October 30, 2025, the Bundestag scrapped it. The new coalition under Friedrich Merz argued it cheapened citizenship. Only a few hundred people ever used it.

What Changed in Ukraine: The Multiple Citizenship Law¶

For the longest time, Ukraine didn’t officially recognize dual citizenship. The law didn’t explicitly ban having a second passport, but it didn’t legalize the situation either. Millions of Ukrainians abroad lived in a legal gray zone for years.

On June 18, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada passed Law №4502-IX. President Zelensky signed it on July 15, 2025, and it took effect on January 16, 2026.

The Approved Country List¶

You can’t hold dual citizenship with just any country. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the list via Resolution №1412 (November 5, 2025). As of March 2026, it includes:

• Germany
• USA
• Canada
• Poland
• Czech Republic

The list is expected to grow - other EU and NATO countries should be added. But for now, it’s just these five.

Who CAN’T Have Dual Citizenship¶

Even with approved countries, dual citizenship isn’t available to everyone:

• Civil servants, judges, prosecutors - must hold only Ukrainian citizenship
• Military personnel and defense sector workers - anyone with access to classified information, weapons, or defense infrastructure
• Employees of the SBU, intelligence, and other security agencies

For regular citizens working in the private sector or freelancers - no restrictions apply.

The Rule: Inside Ukraine, You’re Only Ukrainian¶

Here’s the catch. Even with a German passport, on Ukrainian soil you’re recognized exclusively as a Ukrainian citizen. That means:

• You must cross Ukraine’s border with your Ukrainian passport only (a foreign passport isn’t valid for entry/exit on the Ukrainian side)
• You can’t invoke German diplomatic protection inside Ukraine
• All rights and obligations (including military duty) apply as if you only hold Ukrainian citizenship

One user in a Telegram channel for Ukrainians in Germany shared: “Thought I could just show up with the German passport as a tourist. Nope - at the Ukrainian border you’re still Ukrainian, full stop. German passport is only good for Schengen travel.”

Step-by-Step: How to Get Dual Citizenship¶

Now for the practical part. Two main scenarios:

Scenario 1: Ukrainian Wants German Citizenship¶

The most common case. You already live in Germany and want to naturalize while keeping your Ukrainian passport.

Requirements: - Minimum 5 years of residence in Germany (from the date of your first Anmeldung) - A residence permit (NOT §24 - temporary protection doesn’t qualify, you need to switch to a work permit or Niederlassungserlaubnis) - German level B1 or higher - Passed Einbürgerungstest (€25, 33 questions, need 17 correct) - Stable income (not receiving Bürgergeld) - No criminal record

Documents that need translation:

Beglaubigte Übersetzung is a translation done by a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer) who has an official seal and registration number. A regular notarized translation from Ukraine won’t be accepted.

Order matters: first, get an apostille on the original document in Ukraine, then order the translation (including the apostille) from a sworn translator in Germany. Not the other way around - otherwise you’ll need to redo the translation.

Costs (typical for one adult):

Scenario 2: German Citizen Wants Ukrainian Citizenship¶

From January 16, 2026, citizens of Germany (plus USA, Canada, Poland, Czech Republic) can obtain Ukrainian citizenship through a simplified process without giving up their current citizenship.

This applies to: - Ethnic Ukrainians from the diaspora who want to reconnect with Ukraine - Spouses of Ukrainian citizens - People who work or invest in Ukraine

Specific requirements and the document package for this path are still being finalized - the law is fresh, and practice is just forming. Check the State Migration Service of Ukraine website for updates.

Document Translations: What You Need to Know¶

Regardless of direction (Ukraine → Germany or Germany → Ukraine), document translation is a mandatory step.

For Naturalization in Germany¶

Everything issued in Ukrainian needs to be translated into German. And not just any translation - it has to be done by a sworn translator (beeidigter/vereidigter Übersetzer). You can find one through the official database at justiz-dolmetscher.de - select the language pair Ukrainisch-Deutsch and your city.

A single sworn translation costs €35-60 per document. For a full package (birth certificate, marriage certificate, diploma, criminal record clearance, children’s documents) - expect €200-400.

A common mistake: ordering translations from a bureau in Ukraine or a regular translator. The Einbürgerungsbehörde won’t accept those. You specifically need a sworn translator with a German registration number.

Name Mismatches - A Common Issue¶

If your name is transliterated differently across documents (Oleksandr vs Olexandr vs Aleksandr), this will delay the process. Give the translator all your documents at once, including your international passport, so the transliteration stays consistent across all translations.

Documents Lost Due to the War¶

If original documents aren’t accessible - submit a request for duplicates through DRACS. The Einbürgerungsbehörde is aware of the situation in Ukraine and may accept alternative proof. More details in our Einbürgerung guide.

Pitfalls and Things People Often Miss¶

§24 doesn’t qualify for naturalization. Temporary protection isn’t the type of residence permit that allows Einbürgerung. You need to switch to a work permit (§18a, §18b), Blaue Karte EU, or a family permit. Time spent on §24 does count toward the 5-year residency requirement, but the status itself needs to change.

Processing can take up to 18 months. The German average is about 12 months. In Berlin, Munich, Hamburg - often 14-18 months. Smaller cities are faster - 6-8 months.

Fake documents = 10-year ban. Since late 2025, submitting forged documents or false information during naturalization results in a 10-year ban on reapplying. Even an “innocent” mistake on the application form can have serious consequences.

Military obligations. With two passports, you may be subject to military obligations in both countries. In Ukraine during martial law, this is especially relevant. A German passport doesn’t exempt you from obligations to Ukraine while you’re on its territory.

Taxes. Dual citizenship doesn’t mean double taxation - there’s a tax treaty between Ukraine and Germany to prevent that. But you may have filing obligations in both countries. Consult a tax advisor.

Rules Comparison: Germany vs Ukraine¶

FAQ¶

Can I hold both Ukrainian and German citizenship right now?¶

Yes. Since June 27, 2024, Germany allows dual citizenship during naturalization. And since January 16, 2026, Ukraine officially added Germany to its list of countries where multiple citizenship is permitted. It’s now legal from both sides.

Do I need to give up Ukrainian citizenship for Einbürgerung?¶

No. Since 2024, Germany no longer requires you to renounce your previous citizenship. You keep your Ukrainian passport when getting the German one.

Does time on §24 count toward the residency requirement for naturalization?¶

Yes, time spent on §24 (temporary protection) counts toward the minimum 5 years. But §24 itself doesn’t give you the right to apply for Einbürgerung - you need to switch to a different residence permit type (work, family, or Niederlassungserlaubnis).

What documents need to be translated for dual citizenship?¶

For naturalization in Germany - all Ukrainian documents: birth certificate, marriage/divorce certificate, diploma, criminal record clearance. Translations must be done by a sworn translator (beeidigter Übersetzer) in Germany. Each document needs an apostille from Ukraine first.

Can I cross the Ukrainian border with my German passport?¶

No. Inside Ukraine, you’re recognized exclusively as a Ukrainian citizen. You must cross the Ukrainian border with your Ukrainian passport only. Use the German passport for travel within the Schengen zone and other countries.