The State Duma has passed in the first reading a draft law that may tighten the rules for obtaining temporary residence permits (RVP), residence permits (VNZh), and Russian citizenship for foreign citizens.
Currently, a refusal to issue or a cancellation of documents may occur in cases of an outstanding or unexpunged criminal conviction for serious or especially serious crimes.
Under the new draft law, any outstanding or unexpunged criminal conviction may become a ground for refusal, regardless of the severity of the crime.
What is proposed to change:
1. When applying for an RVP, an RVP for study, or a residence permit (VNZh), foreign citizens over the age of 14 will be required to provide either a certificate of no criminal record or a document containing information about any committed offenses.
2. The existence of any outstanding or unexpunged criminal conviction may become a reason for refusing to issue an RVP or VNZh.
3. The same rule is planned to apply when considering applications for Russian citizenship.
Important to understand: At this stage, this is only a draft law that has passed the first reading. For the new rules to take effect, the document must undergo further consideration and be officially adopted.
The draft law also states that the new requirements will not apply to foreign citizens who received an RVP, VNZh, or other residence documents before the law comes into force.
Those planning to apply for an RVP, VNZh, or citizenship should closely follow legislative changes and prepare the necessary documents in advance.
