Starting November 5, 2025, the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship and a residence permit changed for certain foreign men. These changes are established by Presidential Decree No. 821.
The new requirements apply to men aged 18 to 65 who apply for Russian citizenship or a residence permit on certain grounds.
What Has Changed?
Previously, if a foreign citizen had a legal basis for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship, they could collect the required documents and submit an application.
Now, men who fall under Decree No. 821 must include one of the documents related to military service in their application package.
This may be a contract for military service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or other military formations.
If a foreign citizen is already performing military service, they must provide documents confirming this.
Another option is available for those who have been declared medically unfit for military service. In this case, an appropriate conclusion from a military medical commission must be provided.
Who Do the New Requirements Apply To?
In particular, the changes should be taken into account by men aged 18 to 65 who plan to obtain Russian citizenship after residing in Russia with a residence permit, as well as certain foreign citizens who have obtained a residence permit based on a close family relationship with a Russian citizen.
The requirements may also apply to those who previously held Russian citizenship, later lost it, and are now applying for citizenship again.
However, the specific procedure depends on the legal grounds under which a person is applying for a residence permit or citizenship. Therefore, before submitting your documents, it is important to check whether Decree No. 821 applies specifically to your situation.
Who Is Not Affected by the Changes?
The Decree does not apply to women or to men under the age of 18 or over the age of 65.
Certain categories of foreign citizens are also exempt. In particular, according to the available information, exceptions apply to citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Ukraine.
Another important point is that Decree No. 821 does not regulate the procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit (RVP). If a foreign citizen is applying specifically for an RVP, the additional military service-related requirements established by Decree No. 821 do not apply to this procedure.
What Should You Do Before Submitting Your Application?
You should not rely solely on your age or the fact that you have a residence permit. First, determine the legal grounds under which you are applying for a residence permit or citizenship, and then check the list of required documents for your specific category.
If you are a man between the ages of 18 and 65 and plan to apply for one of these statuses, it is best to check the requirements in advance.
This will help you determine whether Decree No. 821 applies to you and which additional documents you will need to submit.
