The Russian Embassy in Moldova has been accepting documents for Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure for residents of Transnistria since May 25. The corresponding decree No. 330 of May 15, 2026, was signed by President Vladimir Putin.
The new rules apply to foreign citizens and stateless persons over the age of 18 who permanently reside in the region. Several mandatory requirements have been waived for them: the five-year period of residence in Russia after obtaining a temporary residence permit, as well as exams on the Russian language, history, and Russian legislation.
Applicants must submit an application to a Russian diplomatic mission, attaching an identity document, proof of residence in Transnistria, and a certificate of no criminal record. The simplified procedure also applies to orphans and legally incapacitated persons from the region.
According to various estimates, between 220,000 and 300,000 people live in Transnistria, of whom about 220,000 already hold a Russian passport.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1: How can a resident of Transnistria obtain Russian citizenship?
Answer: According to the Russian presidential decree of May 15, 2026, residents of Transnistria can obtain Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure. To do so, they must apply to the Russian Embassy in Moldova or a consular office with an application and the required documents. Acceptance of applications begins on May 25, 2026. The main advantage is that there is no requirement to reside in Russia for five years or to take exams on the Russian language, history, and Russian legislation.
2: Has the Russian language exam been waived for Russian citizenship for residents of Transnistria?
Answer: Yes, under the Russian presidential decree of May 15, 2026, the requirement for proficiency in the Russian language, knowledge of Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian legislation has been waived for residents of Transnistria. This is one of the key simplifications, making the citizenship procedure significantly faster and more accessible.
3: How many years must a resident of Transnistria live in Russia to obtain citizenship?
Answer: The mandatory condition of permanent residence in Russia for five years after obtaining a temporary residence permit has been waived for residents of Transnistria. Citizenship applications can be submitted without meeting this requirement, which greatly accelerates the process of obtaining a Russian passport.
4: Who can obtain Russian citizenship under the simplified procedure in Transnistria?
Answer: The right to simplified Russian citizenship is granted to foreign citizens and stateless persons over the age of 18 who permanently reside in Transnistria as of the date Decree No. 330 of May 15, 2026, takes effect. Special provisions also apply to orphans, children without parental care, and legally incapacitated persons residing in the region.
5: When does Putin’s decree on citizenship for residents of Transnistria take effect?
Answer: The Russian presidential decree "On the Admission to Russian Citizenship of Residents of Transnistria" took effect on May 15, 2026 — the day of its official publication on the official internet portal of legal information.
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