General

Definition of citizenship of the Russian Federation

Attention! As of 5.11.2025, Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 821 “On the temporary procedure for admission to citizenship of the Russian Federation and issuance of residence permits in the Russian Federation” is in effect *

Citizenship of the Russian Federation is a stable legal relationship between an individual and the Russian Federation, expressed through a set of mutual rights and obligations. The Russian Federation is a country with a single citizenship, guaranteeing equal rights and freedoms to every citizen.

Basic principles of citizenship of the Russian Federation

• Citizenship of the Russian Federation is single and equal, regardless of the grounds on which it was acquired.
• A citizen of the Russian Federation may not be deprived of citizenship of the Russian Federation or the right to change it.
• Residence of a citizen of the Russian Federation outside the Russian Federation does not terminate their citizenship of the Russian Federation.
• A citizen of the Russian Federation may not be expelled from the Russian Federation or extradited to a foreign state.
• Legislation in the field of citizenship of the Russian Federation may not contain provisions restricting citizens’ rights on the grounds of social, racial, national, linguistic, or religious affiliation.
• The Russian Federation encourages the acquisition of citizenship of the Russian Federation by stateless persons residing in the territory of the Russian Federation.

Obligations of citizens of the Russian Federation
Every citizen of the Russian Federation is obliged to:

• Comply with the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the laws.
• Defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.
• Participate in the country’s social and political life.
• Pay legally established taxes and fees.
• Care for the upbringing and education of children.

Rights of citizens of the Russian Federation
The basic rights of citizens of the Russian Federation are enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian Federation and include:

• Equality before the law and the courts.
• Freedom of thought and speech.
• Freedom of assembly and association.
• The right to housing and health protection.
• The right to education and work.
• The right to judicial protection and a fair trial.

Grounds for acquiring citizenship of the Russian Federation
(According to Article 12 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ of 28.04.2023 “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation”)
Citizenship of the Russian Federation is acquired:

• by birth;
• as a result of admission to citizenship of the Russian Federation;
• as a result of recognition as a citizen of the Russian Federation;
• as a result of choosing citizenship (option) when the State Border of the Russian Federation is changed;
• in accordance with an international treaty of the Russian Federation.

The time limit for consideration of applications on citizenship matters is 3 months (unless otherwise provided by law). If necessary, this period may be extended by 3 months.
A foreign citizen who has submitted an application in Russia may await the decision outside the Russian Federation.

Oath of a citizen of the Russian Federation
Persons acquiring citizenship of the Russian Federation (except in cases of acquiring citizenship by birth or as a result of recognition, and persons exempt from taking the Oath) are required to take the Oath of a citizen of the Russian Federation:

“I (surname, first name, patronymic (if any)), voluntarily and knowingly accepting citizenship of the Russian Federation, solemnly swear:
to comply with the Constitution and legislation of the Russian Federation, and the rights and freedoms of its citizens;
to fulfill the duties of a citizen of the Russian Federation for the benefit of the state and society;
to defend the freedom and independence of the Russian Federation;
to be loyal to Russia and respect its culture, history, and traditions.”

The following are exempt from taking the Oath:

• persons under the age of eighteen;
• persons declared legally incapable;
• persons unable, due to limited health capabilities, to read or pronounce the text of the Oath and/or sign it in their own hand;
• other persons in accordance with decisions of the President of the Russian Federation.

The Oath is taken after the authorized body adopts a decision on the person’s acquisition of citizenship of the Russian Federation. The Oath must be taken within one year from the date of adoption of that decision; otherwise, the decision is subject to cancellation.
After taking the Oath, a citizen of the Russian Federation aged 14 or older is required to obtain a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (“internal” passport) within 30 days, and then, if desired, an international passport. Under Federal Law No. 114-FZ of 15.08.1996 “On the Procedure for Exit from the Russian Federation and Entry into the Russian Federation,” a Russian citizen may leave the country only using valid Russian documents, including persons who hold citizenship of a foreign state.

Specifics of the legal status of a citizen of the Russian Federation who holds another citizenship

• A citizen of the Russian Federation who holds another citizenship (dual or multiple) is regarded by the Russian Federation solely as a citizen of the Russian Federation, except in cases provided for by federal law or an international treaty of the Russian Federation.
• Acquisition of another citizenship by a citizen of the Russian Federation does not entail termination of their citizenship of the Russian Federation.
• The fact that a citizen of the Russian Federation holds another citizenship may not serve as grounds for their expulsion from the Russian Federation or extradition to a foreign state.
• A citizen of the Russian Federation sentenced by a court to imprisonment and holding another citizenship may, with their voluntary consent, be transferred to serve their sentence in the state whose citizenship they hold, if provided for by an international treaty of the Russian Federation.
• Federal law may establish restrictions for citizens of the Russian Federation who hold another citizenship or a residence permit or other document confirming the right to permanent residence in the territory of a foreign state.
• The procedure for acquiring and terminating citizenship of the Russian Federation, and the specifics of the legal status of citizens of the Russian Federation who hold another citizenship, may be established by federal laws and international treaties of the Russian Federation.

Grounds and procedure for termination of citizenship of the Russian Federation
Citizenship of the Russian Federation is terminated on the following grounds:

• voluntary renunciation of citizenship of the Russian Federation;
• revocation of the decision to acquire citizenship of the Russian Federation in connection with the provision of knowingly false information or submission of forged, falsified, or invalid documents, including where this involved:
  • committing a crime (preparation for a crime or attempted crime);
  • committing acts that pose a threat to the national security of the Russian Federation;
  • failure to fulfill the obligation to register for initial military registration;
• other grounds provided for by an international treaty of the Russian Federation.

Notification of another citizenship or a document granting the right to permanent residence in a foreign state
A citizen of the Russian Federation is required to notify the authorities of each instance of acquiring the citizenship (nationality) of a foreign state or receiving a residence permit or other document confirming the right to permanent residence in the territory of a foreign state.
Citizens of the Russian Federation who are in Russia are required to submit such notification within 60 calendar days from the date of acquiring the relevant status.
Citizens of the Russian Federation who are outside Russia may (but are not required to) submit notification to a consular office of the Russian Federation within 60 calendar days. Citizens who have not submitted notification because they are abroad are required to do so within 60 days of entering the Russian Federation.
Notification is not submitted if information about another citizenship was provided when filing an application for admission to citizenship of the Russian Federation or for recognition as a citizen of the Russian Federation.
Notification concerning minors or legally incapable citizens is submitted by their legal representatives.

Legal status of a Russian citizen
Being a Russian citizen means having not only rights but also obligations. The state guarantees social protection: access to medical care, education, and pension provision. A citizen may freely choose a profession, engage in entrepreneurial activity, and participate in the country’s political life through elections. In turn, they are required to comply with the law, pay taxes, and, if necessary, defend the country. This system enables every citizen to feel the support of the state and contribute to its development—both in the political and economic spheres.

*According to Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 821 of 05.11.2025 “On the temporary procedure for admission to citizenship of the Russian Federation and issuance of residence permits in the Russian Federation,” when able-bodied male foreign citizens and stateless persons aged 18 to 65 apply for admission to citizenship of the Russian Federation on the following grounds:

• Part 1 of Article 15 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ (residence under a residence permit for five years);
  • paragraph 3 of Part 2 of Article 16 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ (having a parent who is a citizen of the Russian Federation and resides in Russia);
  • paragraph 4 of Part 2 of Article 16 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ (having a child who is a citizen of the Russian Federation and resides in Russia);
  • paragraph 5 of Part 2 of Article 16 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ (being married to a citizen of the Russian Federation who resides in Russia, and having a child together);
  • Part 7 of Article 16 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ (persons whose citizenship of the Russian Federation was terminated following an application by their legal representatives, within five years of turning 18),

– one of the following documents must also be submitted:
a) an extract from an order of discharge from military service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or rescue military formations of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia before 24 February 2022, on the grounds provided for in subparagraphs “a”–“г” of paragraph 1 of Article 51 of Federal Law No. 53-FZ of 28.03.1998 “On Military Duty and Military Service”;
b) a decision of the selection point commission for contract military service or an extract from the minutes of a military unit’s certification commission meeting recognizing the person as unfit for military service upon entering contract military service.

This requirement does not apply to citizens of the Republic of Belarus.