New law on citizenship of the Russian Federation: what will change

On October 26, a new citizenship law came into force in Russia. What will change for citizens of the Russian Federation and foreigners who can apply for dual citizenship, and other innovations – in the Kommersant certificate.

Who initiated the changes

The bill “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation” was introduced on December 29, 2021 by President Vladimir Putin. The explanatory note to the document stated that it was “aimed at the consistent implementation of the Concept of the State Migration Policy of the Russian Federation for 2019–2025.”

On April 18, 2023, the State Duma adopted the law, and on April 26 it was approved by the Federation Council. On April 28, the document was signed by Vladimir Putin.

Who can become a citizen of Russia

The list of grounds on which citizenship is acquired in the new law looks like this:

• by birth;
• as a result of admission to citizenship;
• as a result of choosing Russian citizenship when the Russian state border changes;
• in accordance with the international treaty of the Russian Federation;
• as a result of recognition as a citizen of the Russian Federation.

Only the last point is new. It concerns mainly citizens of the USSR who, after February 6, 1992, left the territory of the then RSFSR, without obtaining Russian citizenship, but also without renouncing USSR citizenship, as well as those who, due to circumstances, were abroad at that time and since then also did not receive Russian citizenship.

The following persons have the right to submit an application for citizenship:

• over 18 years of age;
• recognized as capable;
• have a residence permit in Russia and have been permanently residing in it for five years from the date of receipt;
• those who speak Russian (with the exception of persons aged 70 years and older or those with Group I disabilities);
• those who know the history of Russia and the basics of the legislation of the Russian Federation (with the exception of persons aged 70 years and older or with a Group I disability).

Foreigners can also declare their desire to become a Russian citizen, even those who do not have five years of residence experience in Russia. However, in this case they must be either contract military personnel (for a period of at least a year), refugees (including political) or participants programs for the resettlement of compatriots.

To confirm your knowledge, you need to pass a test in Russian as a foreign language or pass a comprehensive exam in all required subjects and receive the appropriate certificate.

Marriage to obtain citizenship

According to the old law, foreigners and stateless persons could become citizens of the Russian Federation in a simplified manner if they had been in a registered marriage with a citizen (or citizen) of Russia for at least three years.

In the new version of the law The length of the marriage does not matter. The basis for a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship by foreign husbands and wives of Russians is only the presence of a common child – natural or adopted.

In addition, according to the new standards if one of the parents loses Russian citizenship and the other does not, the child also continues to be considered a citizen of the Russian Federation. To transfer a child to another citizenship, the second parent (who remains a citizen of the Russian Federation) must give written and notarized consent to this. And if the child is between 14 and 18 years old, then his or her consent will also be required.

Termination of citizenship

In the new law the institution of termination of citizenship is introduced. It can be forced or voluntary. It can be terminated by government agencies for crimes of a terrorist nature, serious crimes against the state, as well as crimes in the field of drug trafficking, counterfeiting and others that the state regards as a threat to its security.

Who will grant citizenship

Most requests for citizenship will be dealt with by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and not by the president of the country, as was the case before. The processing time for applications will be reduced from one year to three months, if considered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or up to six months if the application is considered through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions and consular offices (for foreigners and those living abroad).

The President of Russia will now consider admission to citizenship only on an exceptional basis. In some cases the head of state will be able to decide on granting citizenship to people without knowledge of the language, required length of residence and other requirements. Exceptions are made for persons who have special services to the Russian Federation and persons of interest to the Russian state.

Who will be denied citizenship?

According to the new law You cannot obtain Russian citizenship if you are in prison or have an outstanding criminal record. for a crime committed on the territory of Russia or abroad.

Those who will also be refused will be caught in dishonest behavior concerning the security of the state: advocating for a violent change in the foundations of the country’s constitutional system; participating in armed conflicts or committing actions directed against the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation; extremist activities.

In addition, it is important to provide accurate information about yourself and submit valid documents.

Double citizenship

According to the new standards It is not prohibited to obtain citizenship of other countries. Obtaining foreign citizenship by a Russian does not cancel Russian citizenship. The state will consider such people only as its own citizens with all their rights and responsibilities.

Moreover, in this case the citizen is obliged to notify government agencies “about each fact of acquisition of foreign citizenship or another document confirming the right to permanent residence in the territory of a foreign state.” He must do this within 60 days from the date of receipt of such right.