The Federation Council has approved a law that changes the rules for obtaining Russian citizenship and residence rights.
Once the new provisions come into force, any outstanding or unexpunged criminal conviction will become grounds for refusal. It will not matter how serious the offense was or whether it was committed in Russia or in another country.
Currently, this restriction mainly applies to convictions for serious and especially serious crimes when applying for migration documents. The new law expands the grounds for refusal.
The changes will affect foreign citizens and stateless persons applying for:
- a temporary residence permit (RVP);
- an RVP for educational purposes;
- a residence permit (VNZh);
- Russian citizenship.
Foreign citizens over the age of 14 will be required to provide a paper certificate confirming that they have no criminal convictions for crimes committed outside Russia. If they do have a criminal record, they must provide a document containing information about the offense.
The new rules will apply not only to first-time applicants. Previously issued RVPs and residence permits may also be canceled if it is discovered that the holder has an outstanding or unexpunged criminal conviction.
Exceptions are предусмотрены for certain categories. Children under the age of 14, certain refugees, foreign citizens with temporary or political asylum, and some foreign nationals serving under military contracts will not be required to provide the certificate.
The law is not yet in force. It was approved by the Federation Council on July 24, 2026. The document must now be signed by the President and officially published. The new requirements will take effect 180 days after the date of official publication.
If you plan to apply for an RVP, a residence permit (VNZh), or Russian citizenship, make sure to check in advance which documents you will need under the new requirements.
