On 8 May 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 589, which expanded the list of states whose citizens can acquire Ukrainian citizenship under a simplified procedure. The list includes 28 countries, including leading European states.
Expanding the list of countries for simplified citizenship
According to Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 589, The Government of Ukraine has decided to expand the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for simplified Ukrainian citizenship. According to the Cabinet of Ministers, 28 new countries have been added to the list, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland, Austria and other European countries. The text of the resolution is available for review here: official resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Previously, this list included the United States, Canada, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. The innovation allows for a significant expansion of the geography of potential applicants for Ukrainian citizenship under the simplified procedure.
Countries added to the list
The new countries included in the list are mostly from Western and Northern Europe. These include, in particular, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland and Austria. According to the government's decision, citizens of these countries can apply for Ukrainian citizenship under a simplified procedure.
The expansion of the list reflects Ukraine's desire to strengthen cooperation with the European Union and other partner countries. It may also help attract specialists, investors and diaspora representatives with ties to these countries to Ukraine.
Background and preliminary list
Prior to the adoption of this resolution, the list already included such countries as the United States, Canada, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Citizens of these countries were able to use a simplified procedure to acquire Ukrainian citizenship.
The Cabinet of Ministers' resolution of 8 May 2026 was the next step in liberalisation migration policy Ukraine. It aims to strengthen international relations and support Ukrainians abroad.
Why it matters
The expansion of the list of countries for simplified Ukrainian citizenship has a significant impact on international cooperation and the attraction of new citizens. This decision can increase Ukraine's investment attractiveness, facilitate the return of Ukrainians from the diaspora and attract qualified specialists.
In addition, this step brings Ukraine closer to European standards of openness and mobility, which is in line with the country's strategic course towards EU integration. Liberalisation of citizenship procedures may also provide an additional incentive for the development of the country's economy and culture.
