Naturalization for Ukrainian Citizens in Germany

Since the start of the Russian war of aggression, over one million Ukrainian citizens have found refuge in Germany. Many have built a life, speak the language, and plan their long-term future in Germany. With the reform of the Nationality Act (StAG), many Ukrainians ask about the requirements for naturalization and whether they can keep their Ukrainian citizenship.

Under the new German law, in force since summer 2024 and administratively established by 2026, dual citizenship is permitted generally and without restrictions in Germany. Germany no longer requires foreign applicants to renounce their previous citizenship (§ 10 paragraph 1 sentence 1 No. 4 StAG). This is a massive relief for Ukrainian citizens, as renouncing Ukrainian citizenship in wartime was practically impossible and legally complex.

From the German perspective, nothing stands in the way of acquiring a German passport while retaining the Ukrainian one. German authorities do not require proof of renunciation. As soon as you meet the German requirements, you receive the naturalization certificate and can apply for a German passport and ID card.

However, the situation is more complex from the perspective of Ukrainian law. The Ukrainian citizenship law (Law of Ukraine "On Citizenship of Ukraine") is based on the principle of single citizenship (Article 4 of the Constitution of Ukraine). Article 19 of the law states that the voluntary acquisition of a foreign citizenship by an adult Ukrainian citizen constitutes grounds for the loss of Ukrainian citizenship.

However, this loss of Ukrainian citizenship does not occur automatically under Ukrainian law the moment German citizenship is acquired. The loss only takes effect on the day the corresponding decree of the President of Ukraine is signed. Until then, the person is treated solely as a Ukrainian citizen in legal relations with Ukraine. In practice, Ukrainian authorities rarely initiate such procedures for citizens living abroad.

For Ukrainian refugees living in Germany under temporary protection (§ 24 AufenthG↗), there is an important detail regarding residence time. Time spent with a residence permit under § 24 AufenthG↗ counts as lawful residence. However, naturalization directly from temporary protection is legally excluded. You must switch to a qualifying residence title (such as employment under § 18a/18b AufenthG or as a skilled worker) before applying.↗

To make this switch, you must meet the requirements (such as a specific job offer and livelihood security). Once you switch, the time spent under temporary protection (§ 24 AufenthG↗) counts fully toward the required 5-year residency. This allows many Ukrainians who arrived in 2022 to apply for naturalization as early as 2027.

In summary, the new StAG offers an excellent perspective for Ukrainian citizens in Germany. The abolition of the renunciation requirement by Germany resolves the severe bureaucratic problem of renouncing citizenship from Ukraine. Anyone who meets the language, economic, and legal criteria in Germany can obtain the German passport without cutting ties to their homeland.