Russian Citizenship
by repatriation

The new “Repatriant” immigration program.

     This program consist in allowing to russian compatriots living abroad to return to Russia and obtain Russian citizenship through a simplified process. This program is a sort of hybrid of the now-defunct “Russian Language Speaker” program and the state program for the resettlement of compatriots. For many years now, Russia’s migration policy has been aimed at encouraging the return of our compatriots living abroad. New programs and conditions are being created to facilitate the return of those who embody our culture and language to the places from which they or their ancestors were once forced to leave. 

Recognition as a Repatriate.

Given that most of the former Soviet Union speaks Russian, and nearly half consider it their native language—with many identifying as Russian—the Russian Federation’s Citizenship Law nonetheless imposes certain restrictions on those wishing to become repatriates. Unlike all other programs, a repatriate does not need to prove knowledge of the Russian language, since the current descendants of “those” emigrants may not even know it anymore. First and foremost, one must prove one’s historical connection to Russia.  If a foreign citizen can prove that his or her mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great-grandmother, great-grandfather, or other more distant relatives in the ascending line were born in Russia, the RSFSR, or even the Russian Empire; graduated from an educational institution or vocational school; or worked or served in the military, then that foreign national is entitled to be recognized as a repatriate. In this case, the most difficult part of the process of being recognized as a repatriate is proving one’s family ties and connections to Russia. Civil registry offices and archives are the only sources of such information, but unfortunately, even they cannot always help. Throughout the 20th century—a period full of upheavals—Russia’s borders were redrawn time and again. The destruction of churches and archives from 1917 through the 1930s, the Great Patriotic War, the liberal 1990s. They have left their mark not only on our history, but also on the database of information about each of us and our ancestors, which is currently held by our civil registry offices and archives. That is why our company’s lawyers are always ready to provide you with comprehensive support.

According to statistics, most repatriates move to Russia from Germany, the United States, Australia, Israel, the United Kingdom, France, and the Baltic states.

Areas of Settlement.

While the Compatriot Resettlement Program restricts resettlers to a specific list of areas where they may settle, the Repatriate Program places no such restrictions on Moscow or St. Petersburg. Repatriates are free to register in any region of Russia and obtain a residence permit and citizenship in any region.

The Difference Between the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots and the Repatriate Program.

The main difference between these two programs is that the State Resettlement Program offers resettlement opportunities to all former compatriots from the former USSR, while the Repatriate Program is specifically for those who had ties to the RSFSR and the Russian Empire, as well as their descendants. Under both programs, participants may bring personal property into the country without paying customs duties. Compatriots must demonstrate proficiency in the Russian language, while repatriates do not. Unlike repatriates, compatriots do not have the right to settle in any region, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Crimea, Krasnodar Krai, etc.

Steps to Take After Being Recognized as a Repatriate.

Once a foreign national has proven that he or she is a repatriate, he or she becomes eligible to begin the process of applying for Russian citizenship. The applicant has the option to obtain a residence permit based on repatriation or, if desired, may apply directly for citizenship. As described in the previous article, obtaining a residence permit for a repatriate is a special status granted to an applicant seeking Russian citizenship without first obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). 

If you have any questions during the application process or are unsure whether you qualify as a repatriate,
you can always consult our attorneys for clarification on the relevant laws.