Tvoy Raschet

Admission to Russian citizenship: what it is

A foreigner becoming a Russian citizen: usually after 5 years of living on a residence permit, with a language exam and an oath. Some groups have a simplified procedure.

In Russian: Приём в гражданство России·Priyom v grazhdanstvo Rossii

Moving to Russia Checked by the editorial team Checked: September 2026

Key rules

Russia

The procedure is set by Federal Law No. 138-FZ (in force since 26 October 2023). You apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (МВД, MVD); the state fee for applications from 26 July 2026 is 50,000 ₽ (previously 4,200 ₽). Citizens of Belarus and Kazakhstan, as a rule, can use a simplified procedure without 5 years on a residence permit (ВНЖ, VNZh). The rules change, so check the MVD website and Gosuslugi (Госуслуги).

Sources: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia («МВД России», мвд.рф): migration services, Gosuslugi («Госуслуги»)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Prepared by our editorial team, last checked: September 2026. Found an error? Write to us.

Related terms

Residence permit (VNZh)A document that gives a foreigner the right to live in Russia permanently, work without a patent and enter and leave freely. It is usually a step before applying for citizenship.Exam in Russian language, history and lawA test for foreigners who want a patent, a work permit, an RVP or a VNZh. It checks knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and the basics of the law.Compatriots resettlement programmeA state programme for people connected to Russia by language and culture: participants and their families get an RVP without a quota, simplified citizenship and help moving to the chosen region.Temporary residence permit (RVP)A document that lets a foreigner live in Russia for up to 3 years, work in their region without a patent and later apply for a residence permit (VNZh). It is usually issued within a quota.Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (GUVM)The Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. It issues patents, RVPs and VNZhs, keeps migration records and the register of controlled persons. Until 2016 the FMS did this.

More in “Moving to Russia”

Work patentMigration registrationRegistration of residence (place of stay and place of residence)Migration cardSNILS (pension insurance number)Gosuslugi (government services portal)Compulsory health insurance policy (OMS)Medical examination and fingerprinting for foreignersNotarised translation of documentsApostille and legalisationVisaNotice of a foreigner's employmentWorkers from EAEU countriesRegister of controlled personsWork for foreign studentsMFC (multifunctional public services centre)

Full glossary

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