A new requirement has been introduced to the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship. This was reported by Zamon.uz reported.
Now, foreign citizens and stateless persons applying for citizenship will be required to provide a certificate confirming the absence of a criminal record.
The relevant decree was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the document, the certificate must be issued by the authorized body of the state of which the applicant is a citizen, or by the state that issued the identity document to a stateless person.
Furthermore, this document must be obtained no more than three months before the date of applying for Russian citizenship.
The decree also provides for exceptions for certain categories. In particular, citizens of Ukraine who moved to Russian territory before January 1, 2028, and stateless persons who permanently resided in Ukraine will be exempt from this requirement.
According to Russian legislation, a serious or unexpunged criminal record, as well as criminal prosecution, may be grounds for refusing an application for citizenship.
In addition, the Russian government also plans to increase the state fee charged for obtaining citizenship. According to the proposed draft law, the fee may increase from the current 4,200 rubles to 50,000 rubles.
