Important Updates
Important Updates
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
May 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
May 21, 2025 | United KingdomLBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset
May 21, 2025 | United StatesNegocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
May 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
May 21, 2025 | United KingdomLBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset
May 21, 2025 | United StatesNegocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Russia: New Law to Improve Citizenship Application Routes and Processes

September 15, 2023

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • RussiaRussia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

A new law which makes several changes to citizenship requirements will go into effect on October 26, 2023. Key changes include:

  • Relaxed procedures for reporting foreign citizenship or permanent residence;
  • Relaxed residency requirements for citizenship applications;
  • Changes to citizenship routes and the termination of Russian citizenship; and
  • Shorter processing times for citizenship applications.

The situation

A new law goes into effect on October 26, 2023, which will change many aspects of the citizenship application process.

A closer look

Key changes of the new law include the following:

CHANGE DETAILS IMPACT

Relaxed procedure for reporting foreign citizenship or permanent residence

    • Russian nationals who obtain another citizenship or permanent residence abroad are expected to continue notifying the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 60 days of the change if they enter Russia during this time period; however, if they have not returned to Russia within this 60-day period, they must file the notification within 60 days of their arrival, up from the current 30 days.
    • Further, Russian nationals remaining abroad will be able to file the relevant optional notification with a Russian consular or diplomatic mission, when currently this must be done in Russia (through a representative).
    • As a transition period when the law enters into force on October 26, 2023, all active deadlines for the notification will be reset to 60 days from this date.

Russian nationals will have additional time and another way to report that they have obtained a foreign citizenship or permanent residence permit when re-entering Russia.

Relaxed residency requirements for citizenship application for those who have resided in Russia for five years

  • Permanent residents applying for Russian citizenship who have resided in Russia for five years will no longer have to meet the requirement of uninterrupted residence (staying in Russia for at least nine months per year). Instead, they will only have to remain in Russia for six months per calendar year in order to keep their permanent residence.

Affected residents will be able to remain outside of Russia for longer periods of time and as a result of the relaxed requirements, additional permanent residents may now qualify for citizenship.

Changes to simplified citizenship routes (those that do not require residence in Russia for five years)

Changes to routes for obtaining citizenship, that do not include any residency requirements, will include, but are not limited to:

    • Permanent residents who are married to Russian citizens will no longer be able to apply based on having a marriage of three or more years; instead, they can apply based on having children together (including adopted children).
    • Permanent residents will no longer be able to become acknowledged native speakers of Russian, and will no longer be able to apply for citizenship through such acknowledgement.
    • Permanent residents will no longer be able to apply for citizenship based on being citizens of Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, or Ukraine unless they belong to specific categories outlined by the President of Russia.
    • Permanent residents will not be able to apply for citizenship based on meeting certain criteria for individual entrepreneurs, investors, and “skilled specialists” working in high-demand professions.
    • Permanent residents who have graduated from Russian universities with distinction will be able to apply for citizenship without being required to work for one year, as is currently required. Those graduating without distinction must continue to work in Russia for one year before applying.
    • Certain permanent residents will no longer be eligible for citizenship based on a non-residence route. As such, it is recommended that those individuals who would like to obtain citizenship based on one of these routes that will be canceled should apply for citizenship prior to October 26, 2023.
    • Further, new or easier routes have opened up for some individuals, who can now take advantage of applying for Russian citizenship more easily.

Termination of Russian citizenship

    • Individuals who have acquired Russian citizenship through application (not birth) may face termination of their citizenship if they commit specific crimes, create threats to national security or if their citizenship application has been found to be fraudulent. Currently, they face cancellation of citizenship which involves a different process.

Citizens who have acquired Russian citizenship through application should be aware that their citizenship is conditional upon not violating certain rules.

Shorter processing times

  • The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) will begin to adjudicate citizenship applications within three months (which they can extend for an additional three months). Citizenship applications adjudicated abroad by consular posts will be processed within six months.
  • Currently, the above measures only apply to “simplified procedure” applications, while “general procedure” applications are processed within one year.

Permanent residents will benefit from the rights offered by Russian citizenship, including the right to vote in elections and the right to choose a place of residence without certain restrictions that exist for foreign nationals.

Background

  • Current old law. The current citizenship law was adopted 20 years ago, and this new law puts the related rules more in line with the current Russian migration policy concept.
  • Recent new rules. Russia has recently been relaxing rules for Russian citizens, including a relaxed policy pertaining to relatives of Russian citizens, allowing them to apply for a 12-month visa for private purposes (with an invitation from the Russian citizen) at a Russian consulate without having to reside in the country of application of more than 90 days, as was previously required.

Looking ahead

It is likely that Russia will continue to amend its immigration and naturalization laws in ways that balance the national security of the country, while still attracting needed talent.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • RussiaRussia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.