Regulations For Obtaining Russian Citizenship Made Stricter

A Presidential Decree was published on October 24, 2011 requiring foreigners who have entered Russia on the basis of international agreements offering simplified acquisition of citizenship to obtain and presented a permanent residence permit in the course of applying for citizenship. The decree came into power on the same day.

As a reminder, previously in order to apply for citizenship a person had to present one of three documents – migration card, temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit. Now permanent residence permit is the only document to be used for this procedure. Prior to obtaining a permanent residence permit a foreigner must obtain a temporary residence permit, and prior to that – a migration card. The permanent residence permit confirms person’s right to reside in Russia on permanent basis; migration card confirms permission to reside temporary.