Dual citizenship of Ukraine and Poland in 2026 – what have the new regulations changed?

On January 16, 2026, legislation introducing multiple citizenship for Ukraine came into force. This is one of the largest changes to citizenship law in many years, and is particularly important for millions of Ukrainians living abroad.

In practice, this means that Ukrainian citizens can, in certain cases, retain Ukrainian citizenship despite acquiring citizenship of another country. Poland is among the countries covered by the new measures.

The new regulations are primarily intended to maintain ties with the Ukrainian diaspora and encourage Ukrainian citizens to continue to participate in the country's economic and social life.

Does this mean complete freedom?

No. The Act did not introduce an unlimited right to multiple citizenship. Detailed rules and the list of countries are being successively developed by the legislature and executive bodies.

Expert recommendation

The new regulations have opened up entirely new opportunities for Ukrainian citizens living in Poland. However, it's important to remember that each case requires individual analysis, as simply having two passports doesn't necessarily mean identical legal consequences in Poland and Ukraine.