How to get Russian citizenship in 2026

We’ve already explained how to move to Russia, so now let’s look at all the stages of obtaining Russian citizenship.

There are three main steps you need to take to get a Russian passport. In some cases, you can speed up a particular stage or even skip it. But, in general, the steps are as follows:

1. Temporary Residence Permit (‘TRP’ or ‘РВП’ in Russian - ‘Razreshenie na vremennoe prozhivanie’)

2. Residence Permit (‘RP’, or ‘ВНЖ’ in Russian - ‘Vid na zhitelstvo’)

3. Citizenship (‘Grazhdanstvo’)

It's important to remember that, at all stages, you will have to take exams in the Russian language (we hope our Russian course will be helpful!), in history and in the basics of Russian legislation (examples of these tests can be found here). In all cases, you will also need to undergo a medical examination at an authorized organization and provide biometric data. And, of course, you must be law abiding and not have a criminal record.

Temporary Residence Permit 

The first step is the TRP. It’s essentially a stamp placed in your passport.
In addition to the exams mentioned above, you’ll need to be included in the annual quota, which sets the maximum number of TRPs for each region. For instance, in 2026, only 3,802 permits will be issued nationwide.

You can get a TRP without needing the quota in several cases, for example:

• When relocating under Decree 702 "on traditional values". In this case, you will also not need to take the exams. 
• When relocating under Decree 883 (for scientists, athletes, prominent cultural figures) starting from April 2026. Also without exams.   
• If you have been married to a Russian citizen for at least three years.  

A TRP grants you the right to live and work only in the Russian region where it was issued. Along with this stamp, you can also obtain a multiple-entry temporary resident visa. A TRP can be issued for a period of up to three years.

There is also a TRP for educational purposes (TRP for the purpose of obtaining an education), which is valid for the entire period of study and for an additional 180 days after graduation.

For more details on the required documents, visit the ‘Gosuslugi’ website. 

Residence Permit 

You can apply for a Residence Permit no earlier than after eight months of residence in Russia with a RVP. Holders of a student RVP can apply for an RP within three years of completing their studies.

An RP gives you the right to cross the Russian border without a visa, receive free medical care and live and work in any region of the country.

You can obtain an RP without going through the TRP stage if you are:

• A Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) and their family members (work permits are issued by the inviting organization).
• A citizen of "interest" to Russia (Presidential Decree 883 comes into effect in April 2026). This includes scientists, athletes, prominent cultural figures and entrepreneurs.
• An IT-specialist, among others.
• A graduate with honors (‘red’ diploma) from a Russian university.

You can apply for an RP on the ‘Gosuslugi’ website or at a local Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) office.

Since November 2025, a temporary procedure (Decree 821) has been in effect for obtaining an RP and citizenship for men aged 18-65: to obtain an RP and then citizenship, you must either sign a contract for military service or service with the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) in Russia or have a document proving you are unfit for service, due to health reasons. However, this decree is temporary and does not apply to everyone; it essentially simplifies the process for foreigners serving in Russia.

This decree does not apply to those receiving a residence permit based on a temporary military-specialist status, such as a highly qualified specialist (HQS), under Decree 883, and so on.

Citizenship

The final stage is applying for a Russian passport. Russian citizenship grants you the right not only to freely live and work in any region, but also to participate in elections and receive social benefits.

In general, you must:

• Have lived continuously in Russia for five years from the date of obtaining your RP.
• Have a legal source of income.
• Have no legal problems.

There are also other grounds, besides having an RP, that allow you to apply for citizenship:

• You have signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense or EMERCOM for a period of at least one year. You can apply for citizenship after signing the contract.
• You have graduated with honors (red diploma) from a Russian university with state accreditation (full-time study) and have at least one year of confirmed work experience in Russia in your field of study.
• You are participating in the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots (if you have Russian roots).
• You have been married to a citizen of Russia for at least three years and have a child together.

To obtain citizenship, according to Decree 821, men aged 18-65 must now sign a one-year contract with the Ministry of Defense. The decree applies to those applying for citizenship on the following grounds:

• Holding an RP and having lived in Russia for at least five years.
• Through marriage.
• Through family ties.

The decree does not apply to those obtaining citizenship through education nor to citizens of Belarus.