Ukraine has officially expanded the list of countries with which dual citizenship is permitted. The updated list includes Bulgaria — a country where thousands of Ukrainians live, work, study, and do business today.
For Ukrainians in Bulgaria, this decision marks an important step towards greater legal stability. Now obtaining Bulgarian citizenship no longer automatically means giving up the Ukrainian passport.
What happened
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has expanded the list of states where dual citizenship is allowed. The list now includes 33 countries, including Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and other European nations.
In fact, Ukraine has begun to officially recognize the new reality in which millions of its citizens live abroad but wish to maintain legal and personal ties to their homeland.
What does this mean for Ukrainians in Bulgaria
The main change is that Ukrainians will be able to obtain Bulgarian citizenship without obligatory renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship.
This is especially important for those who have been living in Bulgaria for a long time, have jobs, businesses, real estate, children in schools, or are planning a long-term future in the country.
Key advantages
- retention of the Ukrainian passport when obtaining Bulgarian citizenship;
- less legal uncertainty;
- more stability for families living in Europe;
- simplified long-term life planning in Bulgaria;
- more opportunities for work, business, and education in the EU;
- maintenance of ties with Ukraine.
Why this is important right now
After 2022, Bulgaria has become one of the countries where a notable Ukrainian community has formed. Many Ukrainians have not just temporarily relocated but have begun building a new life here: starting companies, finding jobs, relocating families, buying real estate, or arranging long-term residency.
Before this, the issue of a second passport often raised concerns. People did not always understand how obtaining citizenship of another country might affect their Ukrainian status.
Now, this question is becoming clearer: Ukraine is gradually moving towards official regulation of dual citizenship.
Which countries are included in the list
The updated list includes 33 countries. Among them:
- Bulgaria;
- Germany;
- Poland;
- Czech Republic;
- France;
- Italy;
- Spain;
- Portugal;
- Netherlands;
- Sweden;
- Switzerland;
- Canada;
- United Kingdom and other countries.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the restrictions remain. Dual citizenship does not apply to countries that Ukraine considers a threat to national security.
Moreover, each country sets its own rules for obtaining citizenship. Therefore, Ukrainians planning to apply for a Bulgarian passport need to consider not only Ukrainian but also Bulgarian legislation.
What Ukrainians need to remember in Bulgaria
The new rules do not mean automatic acquisition of Bulgarian citizenship. They only remove one of the main barriers—the requirement to renounce the Ukrainian passport.
The procedure for obtaining Bulgarian citizenship still depends on the grounds, length of residence, documents, language proficiency, and other requirements of Bulgarian legislation.
Output
The inclusion of Bulgaria in the list of countries for dual citizenship is an important news for Ukrainians who already live in the country or are planning to connect their future with it.
This decision provides more legal certainty, peace of mind, and opportunities for long-term living in Europe without severing ties with Ukraine.
