Russia (RU)
The world's largest country, spanning Europe and Asia, with deep cultural institutions, large cities, strong public transport, complex bureaucracy, sanctions-affected banking, strict migration registration, and a demanding but sometimes affordable expat experience.
Capital: Moscow
Region: Europe
Language: Russian
Currency: RUB (₽)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 38)
Emergency: 112
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Citizenship & Permanent Residency
Long-term settlement options in Russia.
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Permanent Residency
Name
Permanent Residence Permit (Вид на жительство — ВНЖ)
Eligibility
Foreign nationals who have held a valid Temporary Residence Permit (RVP/ВРЖ) for at least 1 year are eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (VNZh/ВНЖ). Applications may be submitted approximately 8 months into the TRP period, with processing taking approximately 4 months. Some categories — including qualified specialists, graduates of Russian universities, stateless persons and certain family categories — have expedited access.
Duration
Issued for 5 years initially; can be renewed indefinitely; certain categories receive permanent indefinite VNZh
Requirements
- ✓At least 1 year of valid temporary residence permit (TRP/ВРЖ)
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Proof of stable income or financial self-sufficiency
- ✓Registered address (propiska) in Russia
- ✓Medical certificate (HIV-negative, no dangerous diseases, no drug dependency)
- ✓Russian language, history and law test (unless exempt by age, disability or nationality)
- ✓No serious criminal convictions
- ✓Application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD/МВД) at the migration department
VNZh gives the right to live, work and move freely within Russia without employer-tied sponsorship. It can be cancelled for prolonged absence (more than 6 months outside Russia in a year), providing false information or serious legal violations. Given Russia's current international sanctions and travel restrictions, prospective applicants should seek specialist legal advice before committing to long-term residence in Russia.
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Citizenship
Name
Russian Citizenship by Naturalisation
Eligibility
Foreign nationals who have held a Permanent Residence Permit (VNZh) continuously for at least 5 years may apply for Russian citizenship. Simplified routes with shorter waiting periods exist for: qualified specialists and in-demand professionals; graduates of Russian universities who work in Russia; participants in the State Programme for the Voluntary Resettlement of Compatriots; and certain family relationships with Russian citizens (subject to the 2025 marriage-route tightening — see notes).
Duration
Permanent Russian citizenship once granted
Requirements
- ✓5 years of continuous VNZh (standard route)
- ✓Renunciation of prior citizenship (Russia requires applicants to undertake renunciation of foreign citizenship, with proof to follow)
- ✓Russian language proficiency unless exempt by age or disability
- ✓Legal, stable income in Russia
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✓Oath of loyalty to the Russian Federation
- ✓Application to the MVD migration department
2025 marriage-rule change: effective 25 January 2025, TRP by marriage requires at least 3 years of marriage. November 2025: Decree No. 821 significantly restricted the ability of most foreign nationals to obtain citizenship or residence permits — clarifications on humanitarian, family and investment routes were pending. From 2026, qualified foreign specialists may obtain TRP and VNZh under a simplified procedure without mandatory Russian language/history exams (Decree No. 883, December 2025). Naturalisation rules have changed repeatedly — always verify the current law before relying on any specific route. Acquiring Russian citizenship may have significant consequences for EU/UK/US-aligned nationals given the sanctions environment.
Other Routes to Residency & Citizenship
Simplified Routes — Qualified Specialists and Compatriots
Eligibility
Several simplified citizenship routes exist without the standard 5-year VNZh wait: (1) Qualified specialists working in Russia in in-demand professions may qualify after 1 year of employment. (2) Graduates of recognised Russian universities who subsequently work in Russia have an expedited path. (3) Participants in the State Programme for the Voluntary Resettlement of Compatriots — foreign nationals of Russian ethnic heritage or former Soviet citizens — have a direct simplified route. (4) Former Soviet citizens and stateless persons may have specific provisions.
Duration / Outcome
Permanent citizenship once approved
Requirements
- ✓Evidence of qualification, employment or heritage as applicable to the specific route
- ✓Valid VNZh or qualifying residence status
- ✓Russian language proficiency
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✓Application to the MVD migration department
These routes are politically and administratively sensitive, particularly for nationals of Ukraine and Western countries given the current geopolitical situation. Route availability and conditions change frequently — use a specialist Russian immigration lawyer.
Family-Based Residence and Citizenship
Eligibility
Spouses, parents, children and certain other family members of Russian citizens may qualify for simplified TRP issuance and eventually citizenship. Under rules effective from January 25, 2025, a TRP on the basis of marriage now requires the marriage to have been in place for at least 3 years before the TRP application. Direct citizenship through marriage without the residence requirements is no longer available.
Duration / Outcome
TRP first; VNZh after 1 year; citizenship after 5 years of VNZh (unless a simplified route applies)
Requirements
- ✓Valid marriage certificate with a Russian citizen (minimum 3 years of marriage for TRP on marriage basis from January 2025)
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Proof of financial means and registered address
- ✓Medical certificate and language/law test
- ✓Application to the MVD
The January 2025 reform significantly tightened the marriage-based TRP route. Earlier advice about fast-track marriage routes to Russian residency is now outdated.
🌍 Dual Citizenship
✓
Dual citizenship is allowed — Russia officially tolerates dual citizenship but imposes notification duties. Russian citizens who acquire foreign citizenship or foreign permanent residence are required to formally notify the Russian migration authorities (MVD) within 60 days of the acquisition (if residing in Russia) or within 30 days of next entry to Russia (if residing abroad). Failure to notify is an administrative offence. Russia does require applicants for Russian citizenship to undertake renunciation of foreign citizenship, though the practical enforcement of this abroad varies. Your home country's rules on dual citizenship also apply independently.
Citizenship & Permanent Residency
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