Be eligible under Russian citizenship law
Choose the applicable route
Apply by birth if at least one parent is a Russian citizen or if born in Russia under qualifying conditions
Apply by naturalization after meeting residence and legal requirements
Apply through simplified procedures if you qualify by family ties, marriage, profession, language status, or other special grounds
Obtain a legal residence permit if required
Maintain lawful residence in Russia for the required period
Demonstrate Russian language proficiency if required
Prove knowledge of Russian history and law if required
Show lawful income or means of support if required
Renounce previous citizenship if required by the route
Prepare required documents
Submit the application to the competent Russian authority
Pay the required state fee
Complete any interviews, checks, or additional requests
Wait for the decision
Receive the citizenship decision and complete passport registration steps
Follow any military, registration, or administrative obligations after citizenship is granted