Vladimir Putin Signs Law Simplifying the Procedure for Obtaining Russian Citizenship

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a federal law simplifying the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship. The relevant document was published on the official online portal of legal information.

According to the document, "foreign citizens and stateless persons permanently residing in the territory of the Russian Federation have the right to submit applications for Russian citizenship in a simplified manner." Previously, the legislation required applicants for Russian citizenship to simultaneously apply to the authorized body of a foreign state with a statement of renunciation of their other citizenship.

The new law cancels the requirements for a three-year stay in Russia and the confirmation of legal sources of livelihood when applying for Russian citizenship for those who are citizens of any former Soviet republic.

The same procedure will also apply to foreigners living in Russia who are married to a Russian citizen and have common children from that marriage, as well as to foreigners whose one parent has Russian citizenship and resides in Russia.

Additionally, the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship is also being simplified for citizens of Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan; they will be able to apply regardless of the length of their stay in Russia, provided they have legal residency rights.

The new law also reduces the period for completing work activities in the Russian Federation for individuals who graduated from Russian higher education institutions from three years to one year.