Four ways to obtain Russian citizenship for Ukrainians
In 2021, the Russian authorities have significantly simplified the process of obtaining citizenship for Ukrainians with LPR and DPR passports. And in 2020, benefits in obtaining a Russian passport were made available to all citizens of Ukraine . Now they can apply for citizenship in a simplified manner simply on the basis of having a Ukrainian passport .
Let's consider all the ways to obtain citizenship for Ukrainians:
- Through the Russian consulate in Ukraine. The simplest option, but it can only be used in exceptional cases.
- In general order. The most difficult and longest path, taking, at best, 7 - 8 years. Considering that now all Ukrainians can apply for citizenship through a simplified scheme, the general procedure is no longer needed for them, but we will still tell you about it.
- In a simplified manner, if there is a reason. The law provides for more than ten options, thanks to which you can simplify the path to a Russian passport and become a citizen of the Russian Federation in a few years.
- Through programs. For 2021, there are two projects that will facilitate the process of becoming Russians. Both may be suitable for Ukrainians. This is a program for Russian speakers and a program for the resettlement of compatriots.
Let's look at all four options in more detail.
Application forms and samples
Application form for citizenship of the Russian Federation (5029 Downloads) Application form for citizenship of the Russian Federation (new from 07.24.2020) (One Download) Application form for citizenship of the Russian Federation for a child (1699 Downloads) Application form for citizenship of the Russian Federation according to the NRN (966 Downloads) Application form for citizenship Russian Federation in a simplified manner (2659 Downloads) Application form for Russian citizenship for the LDPR according to Decree No. 187 (4463 Downloads)
Sample application for citizenship of the Russian Federation (3509 Downloads) Sample application for citizenship of the Russian Federation for a child (770 Downloads) Sample application for citizenship of the Russian Federation according to NRN (887 Downloads) Sample application for citizenship of the Russian Federation in a simplified manner (5438 Downloads) Sample application for citizenship of the Russian Federation by marriage ( 2569 Downloads) Sample application for Russian citizenship for the LDPR according to Decree No. 187 (2882 Downloads) Sample application for Russian citizenship for the LDNR according to Decree No. 187 (submission by “trailer”) (2096 Downloads)
Application form for participation in the resettlement program for compatriots (1866 Downloads) Sample application for participation in the resettlement program for compatriots (1176 Downloads) Notification of dual citizenship (597 Downloads) Notification of dual citizenship through a representative (210 Downloads) Application for Russian citizenship by birth ( 353 Downloads) Application for renunciation of Russian citizenship in the general manner (136 Downloads) Application for renunciation of Russian citizenship in a simplified manner (140 Downloads)
Autobiography template for Russian citizenship (698 Downloads) Sample of filling out an autobiography for Russian citizenship (One Download)
Simplified Russian citizenship for all Ukrainians without renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship
On July 24, 2021, changes to the law “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation” came into force. Thanks to these innovations, all visitors from Ukraine have the opportunity to apply for citizenship using a simplified procedure. The basis will be the presence of a Ukrainian passport. In this case, obtaining citizenship will occur without renouncing Ukrainian citizenship and without the need to confirm income.
But such benefits do not mean that upon arrival in Russia, any Ukrainian will be given a Russian passport upon request. You must first go through the mandatory stages of legalization: obtain a temporary residence permit and a residence permit. Without a residence permit, it is impossible for Ukrainians to obtain Russian citizenship even in a simplified manner.
What advantages can Russian citizenship provide?
Before a Ukrainian obtains Russian citizenship, it would not hurt him to understand all the advantages of such a decision. First, it’s worth understanding the advantages that can be gained when moving for permanent residence (permanent residence) to Russia.
- You are allowed to hold public office, participate in voting, elections, and be elected yourself.
- When entering the country, you can join various social programs and receive additional benefits from the state.
- An immigrant chooses any city to live in and subsequently moves throughout the territory of the Russian Federation without hindrance.
- In other countries, visitors are often subject to customs inspection and additional registration. This is not required in Russia.
- A large selection of vacancies facilitates employment immediately after arrival. Any Russian company cannot restrict the actions of an applicant. Applications can be submitted anywhere, taking into account only your personal level of education.
- If you obtain residency, some privileges will become available: free medical care, free education (for preschoolers, schoolchildren and students) and some social benefits.
Obtaining Russian citizenship for Ukrainians using a Ukrainian passport: stages
Obtaining Russian citizenship based on a Ukrainian passport looks like this:
- Obtaining a temporary residence permit (TRP). The first step on the path to a Russian passport will be the registration of a temporary residence permit. However, in some cases this status may not be made. For example, if you have a child or parent with Russian citizenship. In such situations, a Ukrainian has the right to immediately apply for a residence permit. In another article, find out about all the reasons for making a residence permit without a temporary residence permit.
- Registration of a residence permit (residence permit). This is the second stage and is required if you want to obtain Russian citizenship on the basis of a Ukrainian passport.
- Registration at place of residence. After receiving a residence permit, a Ukrainian needs to register in Russia. Using a residence permit, you can make migration registration or registration at your place of residence. But if you plan to apply for citizenship, then only the second option will do.
- Applying for citizenship. Having received a residence permit, a Ukrainian can collect documents and begin the procedure for obtaining the status of a citizen of the Russian Federation. You do not need to live under a residence permit for five years or any other period.
What is a residence permit in Russia and what does it mean for Ukrainians?
Dear citizens of Ukraine! We have already written in detail about what a residence permit is in our special article.
Legal issues related to obtaining a residence permit for citizens of Ukraine are regulated in the Federal Law “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation” dated July 25, 2002 No. 115-FZ (hereinafter referred to as the Law). Article 8 of this act establishes what a residence permit in Russia is and defines it as confirmation of the right to legal permanent residence in the territory of the Russian Federation.
The question of what gives a residence permit in Russia to citizens of Ukraine is answered by both the above Law and other legislative acts regulating relations in the social sphere, issues of electoral law, labor and economic activity, migration law, etc.
Persons with a residence permit receive:
- the right to a Russian old-age pension;
- the right to receive preschool, basic secondary, secondary vocational and higher education in a manner similar to the procedure provided for citizens of the Russian Federation;
- the possibility of obtaining health insurance, i.e. participation in the compulsory health insurance program (CHI), use of the services of state and municipal medical organizations on the basis of such a policy.
In addition, a Ukrainian with a Russian residence permit can freely carry out labor activities throughout the Russian Federation, engage in entrepreneurial activities, freely move around Russia (and travel beyond its borders), invite foreign citizens to the country, participate in local elections (both to elect and and be elected), etc.
Registration of a residence permit in Russia by a citizen of Ukraine gives him the right to subsequently obtain Russian citizenship and acquire the same rights and obligations as native citizens of the country.
Documents for simplified acquisition of Russian citizenship based on a Ukrainian passport
The list of documents is small, but it is worth considering that the lists of documents for citizenship may differ in different cities. One region may require certificates that are not required in another. Here is a list of documents for Russian citizenship for Ukrainians, which is currently being collected by applicants applying in Moscow:
- Statement. The questionnaire is quite lengthy and the inspector may have a lot of quibbles about how to fill it out. The application must be prepared in two copies.
- Ukrainian passport. It is necessary to make a translation of the document and have it certified by a notary. When submitting, both the original and a notarized translation must be presented.
- Resident card. You will also need to make a copy of the document.
- Three photographs. Photos should be 3x4 cm in size and should be taken on matte paper. There is no need to cut and paste photographs into the application.
- Receipt for payment of state duty. Review of documents for citizenship will cost 3,500 rubles.
- Document on knowledge of the Russian language. If a Ukrainian graduated from a university, school, or college in Russia In other cases, you need to pass a simple citizenship exam.
- A document confirming the change of name (if changed).
The application and papers are considered for three months . After this, the applicant is sent a notification of admission to Russian citizenship or refusal. If the decision is positive, the newly minted Russian will need to take an oath and receive a Russian passport. After acquiring a passport, a Ukrainian retains his previous citizenship.
Other options for simplified acquisition of Russian citizenship for Ukraine
Most Ukrainians use the scheme for obtaining citizenship described above, that is, on the basis of having Ukrainian citizenship. But we will also tell you about other options for purchasing a Russian passport, which Ukrainians can still use.
The main difference between simplified acquisition of citizenship and general citizenship is that immediately after you are issued a residence permit, you can submit papers for citizenship.
You do not need to previously reside under a residence permit for either a year or five years. Submit your application at least the next day after registering for a residence permit.
The legislation provides many options to simplify the procedure. Here are the most popular options for obtaining Russian citizenship for Ukrainians in a simplified manner:
- According to the passport of Ukraine (clause “l” of part 2 of article 14 of the Federal Law-62 “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation”) - we talked about this basis above;
- For marriage with a Russian (clause “b” of Part 2 of Article 14 of Federal Law No. 62 “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation”) - but you need to wait until the marriage is three years old;
- For marriage and common child (Part 2.2. Article 14 of Federal Law-62) - if there is not only a husband or wife with Russian citizenship, but also a common child, then you can apply for citizenship in a simplified manner, without waiting for the marriage to be three years old. On this basis, you can apply for both a residence permit and a temporary residence permit alone;
- For an adult son/daughter - citizens of the Russian Federation (clause “c” of Part 2 of Article 14 of the Federal Law-62) - that is, a Ukrainian whose child is a Russian can obtain citizenship on this basis;
- For work in Russia (clauses “e”, “i” of Part 2 of Article 14 of the Federal Law-62) - this option is available subject to the conditions specified in the law.
Obtaining Russian citizenship for Ukrainians by marriage
- GCitizenship
Simplified citizenship of the Russian Federation: methods of obtaining
- Elena Voropaeva
- 07.08.2020
Before Russia simplified obtaining citizenship for all Ukrainians, marriage to a Russian man/woman was the most popular reason for acquiring a Russian passport. But even now people from a neighboring state can take advantage of this option. Let's give an example. A Ukrainian has entered into an official union with a citizen of the Russian Federation. Thanks to this, he receives the right to make a Russian passport in a simplified manner. He still needs to receive a temporary residence permit, but also in a simplified manner - without a quota.
You cannot skip a residence permit when applying for a marriage; it is mandatory. After obtaining a residence permit, a Ukrainian married to a Russian woman can apply for citizenship as soon as his marriage turns three years old. If the marriage has already been three years old, then you can immediately, having become the holder of a residence permit, submit papers to acquire Russian citizenship.
Grounds for denying Russian citizenship to Ukrainians
It is very difficult for Ukrainians to identify statistics on refusals, but still, according to available data, several reasons for making a negative decision can be named:
- Non-compliance with the stated requirements;
- Incomplete package of documents;
- Incorrect paperwork;
- Providing knowingly false information;
- Having a criminal record and connections to the criminal world.
Migration services usually give reasons for their refusal, but by law they may not list the reasons for making a particular decision on a candidacy.
Before submitting papers to change your citizenship, you must clearly understand the legal consequences of your actions. And also the fact that they will affect not only the applicant himself, but also his family members.
Registration through the program
A resident of a neighboring state can take advantage of one of the programs if he or she meets the requirements. Today there are two such projects:
- Native Russian speakers (NRN),
- Resettlement program for compatriots.
Native Russian speaker
You fall under the project requirements if you meet two conditions :
- You speak Russian at the native level . You use Russian in your everyday life, you understand proverbs, sayings, phraseological units. In general, if your speech cannot be distinguished from the speech of a Russian, then you pass by this rule.
- The second prerequisite is connection with Russia . The connection is expressed in the fact that the applicant permanently resides or previously resided in Russia. That is, if you have a residence permit, you already meet this requirement. If you previously permanently resided in Russia, the RSFSR, then you also qualify. If a Ukrainian himself has never lived in the Russian Federation, but has relatives who lived on the territory of the modern Russian Federation (the period is unimportant - it could be present-day Russia, the USSR, or Tsarist Russia), then you can apply for a relative. Only the circle of relatives is limited - uncles, aunts, and second cousins are not suitable. These should be parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and further in ascending line.
These are two mandatory conditions of the project. Due to the fact that the majority of Ukrainian residents know Russian well and many have relatives living in Russia, the program is extremely popular among Ukrainians.
By the way, you have advantages. Unlike people from other countries participating in the program, residents of Ukraine do not have to undergo an interview to be recognized as an NP. They receive Russian native speaker status upon application, which is reviewed by a special commission.
Resettlement program
The second project to simplify the path to Russian citizenship is the program for the resettlement of compatriots. It does not operate in all regions, but only in those that require economic development and lack specialists.
- GCitizenship
Documents for Russian citizenship: lists for general and simplified registration
- Elena Voropaeva
- 24.08.2020
Former citizens of the USSR (any republic), as well as their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc. can participate. Again, this is an option that probably every second Ukrainian citizen can take advantage of.
These are all the existing methods for obtaining Russian citizenship for Ukrainians in 2021. Before you start applying for citizenship, study Federal Law-62 “On Citizenship”. Article 14 of this law contains all the grounds for simplified registration. Article 13 is devoted to the general procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship.
Learn more about how to obtain simplified citizenship for Ukrainians.
Which Ukrainians can obtain Russian citizenship through the consulate?
Russia allows some migrants to obtain citizenship through a representative office or consulate. This means that a resident of Ukraine should not come to the Russian Federation. The entire registration process takes place on the territory of the Ukrainian state. You also do not have to obtain a temporary residence permit or residence permit. In general, this is the most simplified option of all possible.
But this method is available only to some citizens of Ukraine. The following can go through the entire procedure through the consulate of the Russian Federation:
- A stateless person. The basis is designed only for those people who in the past were citizens of the USSR, and now live in Ukraine, but never became citizens of the country, remaining stateless. To obtain Russian citizenship from the territory of Ukraine, such an applicant must have a residence permit in Ukraine. the documents on the website of the Russian Embassy in Ukraine .
- Child under 18 years of age. Children can go through the procedure in a simplified manner without coming to the Russian Federation. The main condition is that a minor Ukrainian must have a parent or guardian with the citizenship of the Russian Federation. Link to the list of documents provided on the website of the Russian Embassy .
For the reasons listed above, you can also apply from the territory of Russia using a simplified procedure. But in this case you will have to obtain a temporary residence permit and residence permit.
Other options for acquiring Russian citizenship for Ukrainians require mandatory residence in Russia.
Previously, a Ukrainian who had a Russian parent could obtain a Russian passport by contacting the consulate. But from July 24, 2020, it is possible to obtain citizenship on this basis only in Russia, which means that you must first obtain a Russian residence permit and only then apply for citizenship.
Russian citizenship for Ukrainians in general
Considering that citizens of Ukraine can register in a simplified manner, the general procedure for acquiring a Russian passport is no longer relevant for them. But we will leave information about this method of obtaining citizenship in the article in case you want to know about all the schemes by which foreign citizens become Russians.
In theory, any foreigner can try to get a Russian passport in the general manner. Let us note right away: the method is long and difficult. According to migrants, inspectors are extremely reluctant to accept applications from applicants in the general manner. Many come to submit more than once or twice.
To obtain the right to apply for Russian citizenship in the general manner , the applicant must:
- obtain a temporary residence permit. Making a status is not easy. In addition, there are quite strict rules for migrants living under temporary residence permits. Read more. However, some may skip this stage and immediately apply for a residence permit.
- Next, you must go through the process of obtaining a residence permit;
- With a residence permit, a Ukrainian must stay in the Russian Federation for five years. Previously, an application for citizenship under the general scheme would simply not be accepted. Plus, the law requires that during all five years a person must not leave the territory of the Russian Federation for more than three months a year. You also need to take care of your income - when receiving Russian status, you need to prove that you are able to support yourself.
Only after going through all the stages and fulfilling the requirements of the law, a citizen of Ukraine gets the opportunity to become a Russian citizen.
Obtaining Russian citizenship by citizens of Ukraine in a simplified manner on the territory of Russia
After the previously mentioned Federal Law No. 134-FZ of April 24, 2021 came into force, i.e., from July 24, 2021, all citizens of Ukraine (along with citizens of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Moldova) had the opportunity to acquire Russian citizenship in a simplified manner in accordance with paragraph “L” of Part 2 of Article 14 of the Federal Law “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation”.
Thus, all citizens of Ukraine were given the right to apply for Russian citizenship in a simplified manner immediately after they received the right of permanent residence in our country, i.e., immediately after receiving a residence permit, as well as registration at the place of residence residence according to this document.
The basis for filing this application is the citizenship of the applicant. No additional grounds are now required for admitting a Ukrainian citizen to Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure.
In addition, when submitting an application for admission to Russian citizenship in this manner, it is not required to document that the applicant has a legal source of livelihood, as well as the fact of applying to renounce Ukrainian citizenship.
Based on the above, we can draw a very obvious conclusion - the procedure for acquiring Russian citizenship by Ukrainian citizens has been significantly simplified. And this despite the fact that all other grounds provided for in Article 14 of the Federal Law “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation” for admitting foreign citizens to the citizenship of our country in a simplified manner are fully applicable to citizens of this state.
Read the article for details:
Russian citizenship in a simplified manner
Deadlines for obtaining Russian citizenship
For example, there are two grounds for admission to citizenship of our country in a simplified manner, which facilitate the corresponding procedure even in comparison with the one we discussed earlier.
We are talking about citizens of Ukraine who are recognized in the prescribed manner as native speakers of the Russian language, as well as who have formalized participation in the state program to assist the voluntary resettlement to Russia of compatriots living abroad and their family members.
Let's talk about this further.
Obtaining Russian citizenship as native speakers of Russian
Due to the fact that for a significant part of the population of Ukraine Russian is the native language, the procedure for acquiring Russian citizenship by citizens of this state in a simplified manner as native speakers of the Russian language has received particular relevance and demand in practice.
Citizens of Ukraine who are duly recognized as native speakers of the Russian language have the opportunity to acquire citizenship of our country in a simplified manner in accordance with Part 2.1. Article 14 of the Federal Law “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation”, i.e., as native speakers of the Russian language.
Read all the details:
Citizenship for Russian speakers
The right to apply for Russian citizenship in the specified manner, just as in previously considered cases, appears immediately after receiving a residence permit in Russia and registering under this document at the place of residence.
An important advantage of this procedure for acquiring citizenship of our country is the fact that a residence permit in Russia is issued within two months and without first obtaining a temporary residence permit, and therefore without fulfilling the requirement to reside in our country under the said permit for one year .
Read all the details:
Residence permit for Russian speakers
When submitting an application for admission to Russian citizenship in this manner, you do not need to document the presence of a legal source of livelihood, the fact of an application to renounce Ukrainian citizenship, and also, of course, knowledge of the Russian language.
We strongly recommend that citizens of Ukraine wishing to acquire Russian citizenship carefully read the relevant provisions regarding the possibility of recognizing them as native speakers of the Russian language, as well as the procedure for admission to Russian citizenship in a simplified manner as such.
Obtaining Russian citizenship as participants in the resettlement program for compatriots
Citizens of Ukraine should also not forget that there is currently a state program to assist the voluntary resettlement of compatriots living abroad to the Russian Federation.
Indeed, in most cases, they have grounds for recognition as compatriots in the prescribed manner, and therefore for registration of participation in the State program for subsequent admission to Russian citizenship in a simplified manner.
Citizens of Ukraine who have registered for participation in the state program to assist the voluntary resettlement of compatriots living abroad to the Russian Federation, as well as their family members, have the opportunity to acquire citizenship of our country in a simplified manner in accordance with Part 7 of Article 14 of the Federal Law “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation” "
Read all the details:
Citizenship under the compatriot resettlement program
The undeniable advantage of this category of Ukrainian citizens acquiring Russian citizenship is the fact that they have the right to apply with the corresponding application immediately after receiving a temporary residence permit in Russia and registering at the place of residence in our country, and also, if necessary, after registration at the place of stay on the territory of the constituent entity of Russia chosen for permanent residence.
That is, unlike the options we discussed earlier in the article, in this case it is not necessary to obtain a residence permit in our country.
It is also important that participants of the State program and their family members apply for a temporary residence permit in Russia without taking into account the quota approved by the Russian Government.