Can you have a second or dual citizenship in Russia?

Second or dual citizenship?

First, let's clarify the terms: dual citizenship means that both countries recognize a person as 

a citizen of both nations simultaneously. For example, if both countries require compulsory military service and the person has already completed it, the second country "credits" that period. Or you choose which country to pay taxes in (usually where you live and work). Dual citizenship only arises when there is a special international treaty between the countries. By law, this means that one country recognizes the legal validity of the other's citizenship.

However, having a second (or subsequent) citizenship implies that each state considers the person exclusively as its own citizen. This means that the person has obligations in every country where they hold citizenship.

Currently, Russia only has dual citizenship agreements with Tajikistan, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. For citizens of all other countries, it is correct to speak of "second citizenship" (or multiple citizenship), not dual citizenship.

Is second citizenship allowed in Russia?

Having a second passport is not prohibited for Russian citizens nor for those who are just about to obtain Russian citizenship. Law No. 138-FZ ‘On Citizenship of the Russian Federation’ (as of 2023) contains no such restrictions. 

You only need to renounce your original citizenship in favor of Russian citizenship if the laws of your first country require it.

However, Russian citizens are required to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs of having a second passport (or a residence permit in another country) within 60 days of obtaining it (this is usually done through the "Gosuslugi" portal). This also applies to Russian citizens who live permanently abroad.

Failure to comply with this requirement can result in a large fine – up to 200,000 rubles (approx. $2,600). But, that's not all: the penalty may also include compulsory community service of up to 400 hours.

What else do second passport holders in Russia need to know?

When you receive your second passport, you must understand that you are now subject to the laws of each country separately.

Regarding taxes, it’s important in which country you will be a tax resident of (i.e., where you live for more than 183 days in any 12 consecutive calendar months). You can be a tax resident in only one country. In Russia, residents pay 13%-15% of their income, while non-residents pay 30%.

But, there are also advantages: For example, when buying real estate in Russia, you can claim a tax deduction and, when selling, you pay 13% as a Russian citizen rather than 30% as a foreigner.

It’s also worth remembering the conscription service that men aged 18-30 in Russia must undergo. If a Russian citizen lives abroad for more than six months, they must file an application with the military enlistment office to be removed from the register (via the ‘Gosuslugi’ portal). However, if you reside in Russia, men must register for military service within two weeks of obtaining a passport. Men over 30 are not subject to conscription, but are placed in the reserves.