Temporary procedure for issuing residence permits in Russia and admission to Russian citizenship

On November 5, 2025, Decree No. 821 of the President of the Russian Federation entered into force, establishing a temporary procedure for admission to citizenship and the issuance of residence permits (RPs) to foreign citizens and stateless persons. This document introduces new rules and conditions that must be taken into account by those planning to obtain citizenship or a residence permit in Russia. In this article, we will examine the main provisions of the decree, as well as the conditions and requirements for its application.

According to the decree, foreign citizens and stateless persons who are legally competent men aged 18 to 65 may apply for a residence permit in Russia if they meet one of the following conditions:

1. Residence under a temporary residence permit: The applicant must have lived in Russia for at least one year on the basis of a temporary residence permit.
2. Family ties: Having a parent (adoptive parent, guardian, or custodian) or a child born (adopted) in a marriage to a citizen of the Russian Federation who permanently resides in the country.
3. Termination of citizenship: The applicant must be in Russia and have had their citizenship terminated through voluntary renunciation or on other legal grounds.
4. Children who are Russian citizens: Having a child who is a citizen of the Russian Federation and permanently resides in the country, provided that cohabitation with the child and participation in their upbringing are confirmed.

To obtain a residence permit, one of the following conditions must also be met:

• Enter into a contract for military service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or rescue military formations for a term of at least one year.
• Be discharged from military service on grounds provided for by the law on military duty.
• Be declared unfit for military service upon entering military service under contract.

It is important to note that these requirements do not apply to citizens of the Republic of Belarus.

The decree also specifies that foreign citizens applying for a residence permit must provide additional documents for their family members. These may include documents confirming family relationships and other required certificates.

The application review period is up to 1 month and may be extended by no more than 3 months.

Entered into force on 5.11.2025

Decree No. 10 of the President of the Russian Federation dated January 4, 2024

Decree No. 534 of the President of the Russian Federation dated July 31, 2025 — repealed

In addition to issuing residence permits, the decree also regulates the process of admitting foreign citizens to Russian citizenship. The following conditions must be met:

1. Permanent residence under a residence permit: The foreign citizen must have permanently resided in Russia on the basis of a residence permit for five years.
2. Family ties to Russian citizens: Having at least one parent (adoptive parent) or children who are citizens of the Russian Federation and live in the country.
3. Marriage to a Russian citizen: The applicant must be married to a Russian citizen and have a child together (including an adopted child).
4. Termination of citizenship: Russian citizenship must be terminated at the request of legal representatives within five years of the person reaching the age of eighteen.

To apply for citizenship, one of the following documents must be submitted:

• An extract from the order discharging the person from military service.
• A decision of the joint commission for selection for military service under contract.
• An extract from the minutes of a military unit's certification commission meeting declaring the person unfit for military service.

As with residence permits, these requirements do not apply to citizens of the Republic of Belarus.

Applications for citizenship without first obtaining a temporary residence permit and residence permit, and without taking the exam on knowledge of the Russian language, history, and legislation of the Russian Federation, may also be submitted by:

• foreign citizens and stateless persons who entered into a contract after 24.02.2022 for a term of at least one year
• foreign citizens and stateless persons discharged from military service after 24.02.2022 on certain grounds (see the law)
• spouses, children (including adopted children), and parents of the foreign citizens and stateless persons named above, including those killed (deceased)
• spouses, children (including adopted children), and parents of Russian citizens who are or have been involved in the special military operation, including those killed (deceased), except those discharged on certain grounds (see the law)

The application review period is up to 1 month and may, if necessary, be extended by no more than 3 months.

Entered into force on 5.11.2025

Decree No. 10 of the President of the Russian Federation dated January 4, 2024

Decree No. 534 of the President of the Russian Federation dated July 31, 2025 — repealed