Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed Decree No. 379 of June 1, 2026, amending the Regulations on the Procedure for Considering Russian Citizenship Issues. The document, published on the official portal of legal information, adjusts the list of required documents and establishes a transition period for certain categories.
Starting June 1, 2026, a new requirement for citizenship applications comes into force – a certificate of no criminal record. The news applies to those who have not yet submitted their application.
Key changes and exceptions:
A requirement is introduced to provide a document confirming the absence of a criminal record (or containing information about any crimes). If the applicant holds multiple citizenships, they must provide a certificate of no criminal record from each country of citizenship.
Fully exempt from the certificate (without time limits): foreign nationals applying for citizenship under Decrees No. 10, No. 11, No. 962, and No. 821 (citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Moldova, military contract servicemen and their family members).
Exempt until 2028:
- Citizens of Ukraine (based on registration on the territory of Ukraine);
- Stateless persons who held a temporary or permanent residence permit in Ukraine.
It is worth recalling that against the backdrop of current events, there has been a steady increase in the number of applications from citizens of Ukraine regarding Russian citizenship. In April of this year alone, several hundred applications were received from Ukrainians and compatriots wishing to move to Russia.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Is a certificate of no criminal record required to obtain Russian citizenship in 2026?
For most foreign nationals – yes. However, for citizens of Ukraine, an exception has been made until 2028, and a certificate from Ukrainian authorities is not required.
2. Until when do Ukrainians not need a certificate of no criminal record?
Until January 1, 2028. This is established by the presidential decree signed on June 2, 2026.
3. What criminal record is checked when obtaining a residence permit or Russian citizenship?
Under the new rules, any unexpunged or unresolved criminal record can become grounds for refusal. This applies to crimes committed both in Russia and abroad.
4. How long is a certificate of no criminal record valid for migration authorities?
A certificate of no criminal record issued by a competent authority of a foreign state is valid for 3 months (90 days) from the date of issue.
5. What if Ukraine does not issue a certificate of no criminal record?
Putin's decree takes into account the impossibility of obtaining documents in Ukraine and exempts applicants from providing them until January 1, 2028.
6. Is a certificate of no criminal record mandatory for stateless persons?
If a stateless person permanently resided on the territory of Ukraine and entered Russia, the same exception applies to them (until 2028). In all other cases, the certificate is mandatory.
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