Putin signed a law on simplified obtaining a residence permit for foreigners participating in a special operation

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed law on the simplification of the procedure for obtaining a residence permit (permit) for certain categories of foreign citizens. In particular, the norms are introduced for foreigners who signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense during the period of a special operation in Ukraine.

According to the document, a foreigner who has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense for one year is exempted from taking an exam in the Russian language, on knowledge of the history of Russia, the basics of legislation, as well as from the obligation to reside in the territory of only that subject of the Russian Federation, on the territory of which he was issued a residence permit. In the event of the death of a foreigner, the simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit applies to members of his family.

According to the document, highly qualified specialists and their family members are entitled to an unlimited residence permit if they already live in Russia with a residence permit and work in the country for at least two years with taxes paid.

Prior to the start of the special operation in Ukraine, the minimum contract period for foreigners with the Ministry of Defense was five years. To obtain Russian citizenship, one had to serve for three years. Amendments to reduce the period to one year were adopted in September 2022. In May, Vladimir Putin signed a law on a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship for foreigners participating in a special operation.