On March 4, 2026, the President of Russia signed a document amending Decrees No. 951 of December 26, 2022, and No. 307 of April 27, 2023. The corresponding Decree No. 140 has been officially published and has entered into legal force.
The key change concerns the procedure for admission to Russian citizenship for residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. According to the new amendments, the process of submitting documents and obtaining Russian passports for these categories of citizens becomes indefinite.
Previously, the legislation set a time frame for submitting applications, establishing a transitional period until January 1, 2026. Now the time restrictions have been completely removed, allowing anyone who wishes to apply for Russian citizenship at any time while the decree is in effect.
The innovation is aimed at simplifying the integration of residents of the new territories into the Russian legal framework and eliminating administrative barriers.
The decree came into force on March 4, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the deadline for residents of the new regions to obtain a Russian passport?
Previously, there was a restriction related to the end of the transitional period (January 1, 2026), but by Presidential Decree No. 140 of March 4, 2026, the deadlines for submitting documents for Russian citizenship for residents of the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions have become indefinite.
2. Is it necessary to translate Ukrainian documents into Russian when applying for citizenship?
Yes, Decree No. 140 clarifies that the norms are being adjusted regarding the temporary permission for residents of the new territories not to translate original Ukrainian documents into Russian.
3. Are residents of the new regions automatically citizens of Russia?
Yes, according to Presidential Decree No. 951 of December 26, 2022, all persons residing in the LPR, DPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions are recognized as citizens of Russia. However, it is necessary to complete the procedure for obtaining a Russian citizen's passport by submitting an application to a department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
4. Can an application for a Russian passport be denied?
Applications and documents submitted in violation of the established procedure may be returned to the applicant. Ways to rectify the circumstances are explained by officials upon written request.
5. Has the new decree on indefinite citizenship processing for residents of the new territories already taken effect?
Yes, Presidential Decree No. 140 of March 4, 2026, came into force on March 4, 2026, the day it was signed and officially published on the legal information portal.
6. What does the wording "the words 'before the end of the transitional period' shall be excluded" mean?
This means the cancellation of the time limit that was previously established. Residents of the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions can now submit documents for Russian citizenship without regard to any deadlines.
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