Russian Citizenship for
Ukrainian Citizens in 2026

Russian citizenship for citizens of Ukraine, Moldova, and Kazakhstan.

    Citizens of Ukraine, Moldova, and Kazakhstan who wish to obtain Russian citizenship in 2025 are now entitled to apply for it without having to go through a lot of red tape or meet specific eligibility requirements. The main benefit for this category of foreign nationals is the ability to obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP) without being subject to quotas. In other words, any Ukrainian, Moldovan, or Kazakh national is now eligible to receive a residence permit (PRP) without having to provide specific grounds. The mere fact of holding citizenship of Ukraine, Moldova, or Kazakhstan serves as sufficient grounds. When applying for citizenship directly, the income requirements have been waived for this category of foreign nationals. Only Moldovans and Kazakhs are required to demonstrate proficiency in the Russian language.

Ukrainian citizens residing in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as of April 7, 2014, are eligible to obtain Russian citizenship within two weeks. Proof of residence may be provided in the form of an LNR/DNR passport with the appropriate registration, an extract from the housing register, or a standard Ukrainian passport. Applications are accepted in the LPR/DPR, as well as in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. These citizens receive a Russian internal passport and are registered at their place of residence in the DPR or LPR, or in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. It is now also possible to apply for citizenship in other regions of Russia without a temporary residence permit (TRP) or permanent residence permit (PTP). Foreign nationals in these categories are eligible to apply for a Russian passport at any Russian Multifunctional Center (MFC).

- The next category eligible for Russian citizenship through a simplified procedure for Ukrainian citizens consists of residents of Crimea and their minor children who were permanently residing on the peninsula but had left before the referendum took place.

- HQS individuals and their children who were born and residing in Crimea prior to its annexation by Russia.

- Citizens of Ukraine from all other regions are eligible to apply for citizenship and obtain it within three months. They are no longer required to obtain a temporary residence permit or a residence permit.

- Citizens of Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria who were born in the RSFSR and held Soviet citizenship, as well as their spouses, parents, and children, may obtain Russian citizenship through a simplified procedure.

- Foreign citizens and stateless persons who are descendants of those deported from the territory of the Crimean ASSR, as well as their immediate relatives and children.

The documents required under this presidential decree are the subject of the most heated debate. This list varies depending on each individual case and specific category. For example, categories of citizens who are not required to obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP) or a permanent residence permit (PRP) must undergo a medical examination for dangerous infectious diseases. In other cases, however, it is necessary to consult archives and submit requests to them to prove residence in a particular location.

The lawyers at "Vorotagoroda" are ready to provide comprehensive support on all matters. Schedule a consultation.