Among the most important changes compared to the old law:
• the basis of “native speaker of the Russian language” is abolished as grounds for simplified acquisition of citizenship, temporary residence permit and residence permit
• investors are excluded from the number of persons entitled to simplified acquisition of citizenship (but they can still obtain a residence permit in Russia in a simplified manner - more details in our news)
• now, in order to obtain Russian citizenship, in general, you need to pass an exam on proficiency in the Russian language, knowledge of Russian law and Russian history (previously only the exam in the Russian language was needed)
• the list of grounds for termination of citizenship acquired as a result of recognition as a citizen of Russia on the basis of the federal constitutional law (residents of new territories of Russia) or admission to Russian citizenship is expanding, in particular:
- committing a crime against the state and its security, including discrediting the Russian Armed Forces, participation in unauthorized rallies, as well as drug-related crimes;
- submission of deliberately false documents and information when submitting an application for citizenship is also among the grounds for its termination;
- termination of Russian citizenship of children adopted by foreign citizens (but these children acquire the right to a simplified acquisition of Russian citizenship within 5 years after their 18th birthday).
Read more about other differences from the old law and other details in our news.
Among other things, the new law changes the rules and procedure for Russian citizens notifying the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs about their acquisition of citizenship of another state or the acquisition of the right to permanent residence outside Russia.
The same obligation for Russian citizens was previously in the old law (clause 3 of article 6 of the old law). Only in the old law there was a clause that this did not apply to Russian citizens permanently residing in another state, but in the new one there is no such clause.
The deadline for submitting such a notification is 60 calendar days from the date of receipt of a residence permit of another state, in the case of being outside Russia at the time of acquisition - 60 days from the date of entry into Russia (clause 6, Article 11 of the new citizenship law).
In pursuance of the provisions of the new law, on October 26, 2023, a new order on the procedure for submitting notifications of Russian citizens having citizenship or residence permits of other countries comes into force.
In connection with the publication of this order, questions arose online whether these requirements also apply to foreign citizens who have a residence permit in Russia. Meanwhile, this obligation applies exclusively to Russian citizens, that is, persons who have Russian citizenship, including those acquired through citizenship or recognition as a citizen of Russia.
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
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