Vladimir Putin approved Decree No. 821 dated November 5, 2025, which fundamentally changes the acquisition of Russian citizenship and residence permits for certain categories of foreigners. The document introduces a temporary procedure for citizenship acquisition, where the key requirement for men of conscription age becomes the provision of documents about military service in the Russian Armed Forces.
Who needs a military contract to obtain Russian citizenship in 2025?
According to the new decree, to obtain Russian citizenship and a residence permit in Russia, certain categories of capable men aged 18 to 65 must now provide one of two documents:
- A discharge certificate from military service in the Russian Armed Forces or the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.
- A certificate confirming unfitness for military service.
According to the Decree, this rule does not apply to citizens of the Republic of Belarus.
Simplified acquisition of Russian citizenship through military service under contract
Decree No. 821 also establishes a simplified procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for foreigners who have signed a contract with the Russian army or the Ministry of Emergency Situations (thereby replacing Decree No. 10 of January 4, 2024). The right to apply for Russian citizenship for participants of the Special Military Operation (SVO) and their families can be used by:
- Foreign military personnel who have signed a contract.
- Their close relatives: spouses, children, and parents.
Obligations for new citizens
It is worth recalling that the government previously supported a draft law providing for the revocation of acquired citizenship for evasion of military registration. This means that after receiving a Russian passport, citizens will bear obligations related to military registration on a general basis.
Frequently asked questions:
-
What does Putin's Decree No. 821 regulate?
The Decree establishes a temporary procedure for obtaining citizenship of the Russian Federation and a residence permit, introducing special conditions for foreign men of conscription age and participants of the SVO. -
Who is required to provide military service documents for citizenship?
Capable men aged 18 to 65, with a number of exceptions. -
Does Decree 821 cancel citizenship acquisition under Decree 962?
No, Decree 962 for compatriots, including citizens of Kazakhstan and Moldova, remains in effect. Decree 821 only cancels Decree No. 10 of 04.01.2024. -
How can a participant of the SVO obtain Russian citizenship?
A foreign citizen who has signed a contract for military service must submit an application and a package of documents (including the contract) to the territorial body of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. -
Is a military contract needed for a residence permit in 2025?
For men aged 18 to 65 who fall under the provisions of the Decree, yes, either a contract or a document confirming unfitness for service is required. -
Which citizenship decrees have been canceled?
Decree No. 821 has revoked Presidential Decree No. 10 of January 4, 2024, and the act that amended it. -
Is Decree No. 11 on citizenship still valid?
Yes, Presidential Decree No. 11, as well as Decree No. 962, remain in effect and have not been canceled by the new Decree No. 821.
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