How to obtain Russian citizenship through education
Are you pursuing a higher education degree in Russia and planning to stay after? You may be eligible for Russian citizenship through a simplified procedure – especially if you graduate with honors.
The main advantage for graduates of Russian educational institutions is that they can apply for citizenship without waiting for the mandatory five-year residency period with a temporary residence permit (TRP) or permanent residence permit (PRP). Let’s break down what you need to do.
Standard diploma vs. diploma with honors
Under Federal Law No. 138, foreign nationals are eligible to apply for Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure if:
- They have obtained a higher education diploma with honors at a Russian university (a ‘krasny diplom’ aka ‘red diploma’, named after its color).
- They have obtained a diploma of secondary vocational education or higher education and have at least one year of verified work experience in Russia in their field of study (as of the date of the citizenship application). Any level of higher education counts, from bachelor's to postgraduate studies. A regular diploma in Russia is called a "blue diploma" (the document is actually blue).
Citizenship via a red diploma (honors degree)
Key advantage of a ‘red diploma’: you don’t need any work experience; you can apply for citizenship immediately after receiving your diploma.
Additionally, you do not need to prove knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history or the fundamentals of Russian legislation.
Important: Your studies must be full-time (in-person, not online – meaning physically present in Russia) and only at a state-accredited university. The university itself may be private.
Legal basis for citizenship: Paragraph 6, Part 2, Article 16 of Federal Law No. 138.
Citizenship via a blue diploma (regular degree)
In this case, you also do not need to prove knowledge of the Russian language, history or fundamentals of legislation. However, you must prove at least one year of work experience in Russia in the field specified on your diploma.
Legal basis for citizenship: Paragraph 7, Part 2, Article 16 of Federal Law No. 138.
Step-by-step guide
The process of obtaining citizenship through education includes several key stages.
- Successfully complete your education in Russia.
- Accumulate the required work experience (for holders of a blue diploma).
- Obtain a permanent residence permit (PRP / Vid na Zhitelstvo – VNZh).
An important point to note: Although you are exempt from the mandatory five-year residence period on a PRP, you must still hold a valid PRP document. Holders of a red diploma can obtain a PRP without first obtaining a temporary residence permit (TRP).
However, students can also obtain a temporary residence permit for education (TRP-E / RVPO) while still studying – this document allows you to obtain a PRP within three years after graduating from university. It sort of serves as a safety net in case you don't get a red diploma.
- Gather the required documents
To submit your application, you will need:
- Application for citizenship (two copies)
- Three photographs sized 3×4 cm
- Permanent residence permit (PRP/VNZh)
- Passport with a notarized translation into Russian
- Birth certificate with a notarized translation
- Original diploma with supplements (transcript) and a copy
- Documents confirming employment history (for holders of a blue diploma)
- Receipt for payment of the state fee
- Submit the application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
On the MVD website, choose the migration department in your region or contact the Migration Center.
You will also need to undergo fingerprinting (dactyloscopy) there.
Once your application is approved, you must take the Oath of a Citizen of the Russian Federation and receive your Russian passport. The application processing time takes up to three months.
Please note: Graduates of Russian educational institutions are not required to take an exam on the Russian language, history or fundamentals of legislation.
In addition, an applicant in this case must be over 18 years old. They must also be legally competent and have no criminal record, either in Russia or abroad.
Furthermore, those obtaining citizenship through education are not subject to Presidential Decree No. 821 (more details here).
