Nationality of Russia: all obtaining pathways
Russia admits citizenship after five years from obtaining the residence permit, with a simplified procedure without that period for certain categories — agreements with Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, among others. Former citizens have a restoration procedure and citizenship is transmitted by birth.
1Citizenship by birth
Citizenship by birth
Requirements
- Child of at least one citizen-of-the-Russian-Federation parent, wherever born
- Born in the territory of Russia to a stateless parent or when the foreign parent does not confer their citizenship (statelessness prevention) — art. 12 of FL 138-FZ of 28.04.2023
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Identity documents of the parents
2Admission to citizenship (general procedure)
Admission to citizenship (general procedure)
Requirements
- 18 years and full legal capacity (art. 15 of FL 138-FZ)
- Permanently residing in Russia since the grant of the residence permit (вид на жительство) for at least 5 unbroken years up to the application date
- Command of the Russian language
- Knowledge of the history of Russia and of the fundamentals of Russian law
- No circumstances of art. 18 (grounds for denial)
- Commitment to uphold the Constitution and the citizen's oath (art. 21)
Documentation
- Application to the МВД (GUVM) with a permit in force (ВНЖ), the passport for identity documents, proof of continuous residence, language/history/law certificates, and payment of the fee
3Admission under the simplified procedure
Admission under the simplified procedure
Requirements
- Citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (26/02/1999 agreement; resident in Russia): holding the permit (ВНЖ) without the 5 years — decision in 3 months (Decree 1391/2011 and Decree 962/2023 for Belarus)
- Former citizens of the USSR born in/resident of the RSFSR, their descendants, and other cases of art. 16 of FL 138-FZ
- Spouses and children of Russian citizens, commissioned service members and special cases under the FL
Documentation
- Identity document and permit (ВНЖ)
- Proof of the case (ancestry, marriage, military service)
- Documents required by the Указ and MVD regulations
4Restoration of citizenship
Restoration of citizenship
Requirements
- Whoever lost the citizenship of the Russian Federation may apply for its restoration under FL 138-FZ (residence or simplified procedure as applicable)
Documentation
- Application to the МВД or consulate
- Proof of the previous citizenship
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Russia
How many years of residence does Russia require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Russia (Admission to citizenship (general procedure)), the term is 5 years from obtaining the residence permit (ВНЖ). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
What documentation does naturalization in Russia require?
The Admission to citizenship pathway requires: Application to the МВД (GUVM) with a permit in force (ВНЖ), the passport for identity documents, proof of continuous residence, language/history/law certificates, and payment of the fee.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Russia?
Russia provides 4 pathways: Citizenship by birth, Admission to citizenship, Admission under the simplified procedure, Restoration of citizenship.
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Anything to correct or add about Russia?
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