Putin Sets New Requirements for Foreigners Seeking Russian Citizenship

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new presidential decree that modifies the regulations concerning the consideration of citizenship applications from foreign nationals.

According to the decree, applicants who are foreigners or stateless persons must submit an official document proving the absence of any criminal convictions or detailing any crimes for which they have been convicted. This document must be issued by the competent authorities of the applicant’s country in accordance with its local laws, and it must not be older than three months from the date of submission of the Russian citizenship application. The decree was published on the official legal publication portal.

This measure is part of a broader tightening of the legal framework governing migration and residence procedures. It coincides with the Russian State Duma’s first reading in May of a draft law that proposes an absolute ban on granting Russian citizenship or residence rights to foreigners with unresolved or uncovered criminal records, regardless of the severity of the crimes committed.

Despite this overall tightening, the presidential decree includes a specific exemption for Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons who were permanent residents in Ukraine and subsequently left for Russia, including those who transited through third countries. The relevant article of the decree exempts this group from the requirement to submit a criminal record document when applying for Russian citizenship. This exemption will remain effective until January 1, 2028.