Starting in 2026, significant changes are taking place for Ukrainians in many European countries. Key updates include automatic military registration for men abroad, easier dual citizenship processes, new income declaration rules, social benefit reforms, and migration policy changes.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved an experimental project providing for the automatic military registration of conscripts and reservists, including those abroad, based on state registry data. This aims to reduce bureaucracy and simplify access to public services.
A law also comes into force in 2026, allowing Ukrainians to have more than one citizenship in specific cases without losing their Ukrainian passport. This is expected to ease legalization and boost opportunities for Ukrainians abroad.
Ukrainians who work abroad must now declare their foreign income, but they do not need to pay taxes in Ukraine if taxes were already paid in the host country. International financial data exchange is carried out for tax purposes only.
Poland is introducing an electronic system for receiving official documents, toughening penalties for lacking car insurance, and changing criteria for social benefits. In 2026, the special status for Ukrainian refugees in Poland will end, and they will be subject to general rules for foreign nationals.
Germany is tightening the requirements for social assistance, France is requiring a mandatory civic exam for long-term residency or citizenship applications, Moldova is extending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2027, and Czechia is automatically extending tolerance visas for Ukrainians.
From 2026, Ukrainians will also benefit from EU-wide mobile phone roaming conditions, allowing them to use their regular plans without additional surcharges.
Overall, these reforms aim to simplify procedures, support the integration of Ukrainians into European societies, and maintain social protections.
