Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) has developed amendments that tighten the requirements for foreigners to obtain Russian citizenship. According to the draft decree, a certificate of no criminal record issued by the authorities of the applicant's home country will be included in the mandatory document package.
This innovation is aimed at a more thorough verification of the background of applicants for a Russian passport. The document must not only confirm the absence of a criminal record but also provide a detailed list of all crimes (if any), indicating the type of offense—intentional or due to negligence. The certificate must be recent: its validity is limited to three months from the date of issue until the application is submitted.
The draft document is published on the portal regulation.gov.ru and is undergoing a stage of public discussion, which will last until October 18. If the amendments are adopted, the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for foreign citizens will become more formalized.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the simplified procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship?
Answer: This is a special procedure that allows certain categories of individuals to obtain a passport faster and with fewer requirements. -
What is the news regarding Russian citizenship in 2025?
Answer: The Ministry of Internal Affairs has submitted a proposal for consideration to introduce a certificate of no criminal record for applicants. -
What is the difference between a residence permit and citizenship?
Answer: A residence permit (vid na zhitel'stvo) grants the right to live and work permanently in Russia, but it is not a Russian passport. Citizenship is the status of a full-fledged citizen of the country with the right to vote and be elected to government bodies, among other benefits.
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
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