New requirements for acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship

Draft bill #7606 of July 28, 2022

Sponsor: the Cabinet of Ministers

Who is affected: applicants for Ukrainian citizenship, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Special Transportation Service

Status: adopted as a law

Summary of the bill:

• persons applying for Ukrainian citizenship will have to know the basics of the Constitution and history of Ukraine
• all persons applying for Ukrainian citizenship will have to take an exam on the basics of the Constitution and history of Ukraine except for those who provided distinguished services to Ukraine and foreigners/stateless persons serving in the Armed Forces, the National Guard, or the State Special Transportation Service
• persons who acquired Ukrainian citizenship by virtue of their distinguished services to the state or for serving in the Armed Forces, the National Guard, or the State Special Transportation Service will have to pass exams on the basics of the Constitution, history of Ukraine, and the state language within two years after acquiring citizenship of Ukraine
• failure to pass these exams within two years after acquiring citizenship will result in the loss of Ukrainian citizenship
• children and persons with mental disorders will be allowed not to take citizenship exams.

What is right:

• naturalized persons will integrate into Ukrainian society more quickly, they will have a better understanding of Ukrainian law and have patriotic affiliation with Ukraine
• the bill makes it easier for foreigners and stateless persons to be recruited into military service and thus helps to strengthen the state defense capabilities.