September 19, 2019 Russian President has signed an Order “On amendment of Regulations for review of applications for obtaining citizenship of Russian Federation, approved by Presidential Order from the 14th of November 2002, N 1325″.
Order has been issued following the reforms of citizenship application procedure which allowed certain categories of foreign citizens to get Russian citizenship in a simplified manner.
Firstly,
Order specifies the place for filing of the citizenship application:
Foreign citizens and stateless persons who are participants of the Government program for relocation of compatriots living abroad and their family members can apply for citizenship of Russian Federation to the nearest territorial office of the Internal Affairs Ministry depending on their residence or place of stay.
Amendment came into force: 19 September 2019.
Secondly,
Foreign citizens and stateless persons, who perform work activities in Russia as qualified specialists, will be able to apply for Russian citizenship following a simplified procedure after just a year after start of their work activities, instead of three years as it was previously.
In order to benefit from the amendment, it is necessary that:
- Foreign citizen performed work activities according to a specified job position (list of professions is determined by the Ministry for Labour and Social Development of Russian Federation – Ministry for Labour and Social Development Order, 13.07.2015, №446н “List of professions (job positions) of foreign citizens and stateless persons – qualified specialists, who have right to apply for citizenship following a simplified procedure”);
- Employers have paid to the Russian Federation Pension Fund for such employee for the period of 1 year.
Amendment will come into force: 2 October 2019.
Thirdly,
Decision on the citizenship application (irrespective of the procedure: simplified or standard), will have to be communicated to the applicant within 10 business days instead of 1 month as it was previously.
Amendment came into force: 19 September 2019.
Presidential Order, 19.09.2019, N 464 “On amendment of Regulations for review of applications for obtaining citizenship of Russian Federation, approved by Presidential Order from the 14th of November 2002, N 1325”.
We will keep you posted on the developments. Meanwhile, should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Best Regards,
VFBS
Migration Law Department