Immigration to Russia for Ukrainian citizens is one of the most popular destinations. The citizens of these countries have many things in common - a common historical past, the absence of a language barrier, similar mentalities, etc. In 2017, growth rates in the number of Ukrainian migrants are at high levels. Obtaining Russian citizenship represents an opportunity for Ukrainians to improve their lives, provide comfortable conditions for work and living, education, receive quality medical care, social support, etc.


Registration of Russian citizenship, like any legal procedure, is characterized by numerous rules, criteria and norms. The introduction of new bills and acts significantly simplifies the process of integration of Ukrainian citizens into Russian society. Today, there are various programs and schemes for obtaining a Russian citizen passport. Qualified lawyers will help citizens from a neighboring country choose the optimal solution and simplify the procedure for integrating Russians into society as much as possible. Specialists in the field of international law and immigration will help you understand all the intricacies and pitfalls of the migration code.

Expert consultations will allow you to obtain the status of a citizen of the Russian Federation, and will also become necessary assistance in preparing documents at different stages of the migration process.

In addition to commercial legal organizations, Ukrainians can take advantage of online recommendations from lawyers. The Internet will help immigrants get advice at any time and absolutely free.

Obtaining Russian citizenship for Ukrainians can be carried out on a general basis or according to a simplified scheme. The simplified program manifests itself in the form of a reduction in the period of residence, a minimum package of documents when applying for status, etc. Immigrants from Ukraine who:

  • have registered an official marriage with one of the citizens of the Russian Federation and have been married for at least 3 years;
  • have a diploma of education from any Russian university, college, vocational school, etc. after 2002;
  • have relatives who are Russian citizens living on the territory of the federation;
  • were born within the Russian Federation.

There are also other reasons for using the simplified procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship.

To become citizens of the Russian Federation, Ukrainians, like other migrants, must meet a number of criteria and requirements, namely:

  • know Russian;
  • reside in the country legally, i.e. with a residence permit for at least 5 years;
  • have a legal source of stable income;
  • have no criminal record.

In order for residents of Ukraine to become citizens of Russia, they need to renounce their original citizenship. Dual citizenship is prohibited in the Russian Federation. However, today there are quite common cases when the Ukrainian authorities find a reason to refuse applicants exemption from Ukrainian citizenship. To avoid bureaucratic procedures and complex legal proceedings, a bill was submitted for consideration in the Russian State Duma. According to this document, citizens of Ukraine do not have to obtain the consent of the Ukrainian government. A copy of the statement that the person wishes to renounce a Ukrainian passport, sent to the migration service of Ukraine, will be quite sufficient.

Also in 2014, a simplified citizenship program was introduced for persons recognized as native speakers of the Russian language.

Stages on the path to Russian citizenship

Since 2017, citizens of Ukraine need a foreign passport to visit Russia. After crossing the Russian border, if a foreigner subsequently wishes to obtain a Russian passport, it is important to comply with all registration rules and procedures. The main stages on the path to Russian citizenship are:

  • Migration registration and registration at the place of stay. These procedures should be carried out as quickly as possible. Foreigners face a fine for delaying the registration period. Registration at a residential address can only be obtained with the consent of the owner of the living space.
  • Obtaining a temporary residence permit. RVP is issued on the basis of a quota. The permissible number of foreigners with temporary resident status is established by the government of the country. The temporary residence permit is issued for 3 years without the right of extension.
  • Registration of a residence permit. Residence permits for foreign citizens are issued by the local branch of the migration service. The document is valid for 5 years with the right to extend for a similar period. Permanent residents of Russia have broad rights and prospects, in addition to the right to vote and the opportunity to occupy high government positions.
  • Obtaining citizen status. A minimum of 5 years with a permanent residence permit allows Ukrainians to apply for a Russian identity card.

Compliance with all deadlines and requirements of Russian legislation will make it possible to simplify the procedure for integrating Russians into society as much as possible.

Neglect of rules and procedures threatens Ukrainian citizens with administrative, civil and criminal liability. Foreigners can also be deported to their homeland with a temporary ban on entry into the Russian Federation.

The State Services portal provides a wide range of functions and services. Through the Internet resource, you can remotely submit documents to the Federal Migration Service and other authorities. This will save time, effort and money for applicants.

Preparation of documents and procedure for obtaining a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation

In order for the process of acquiring Russian citizenship for Ukrainian citizens to proceed as quickly and legally as possible, it is important to prepare a complete list of documents for submission to the territorial office of the Federal Migration Service.

The list may vary depending on each individual case, but the standard set includes:

  • statement;
  • international passport;
  • certificate of birth, marriage or divorce, death of a spouse, etc.;
  • passport photo – 4 pcs.;
  • information about children and relatives;
  • education document;
  • certificate of completion of a medical examination;
  • receipt for payment of state duty.

Many citizens do not know that documents should be prepared not only in their original form, but also their copies. Also, all papers must be written in Russian without errors or corrections. Foreign certificates and documents are subject to official translation and certification by a notary. The process of acquiring citizenship often depends on literacy and truthfulness of information.

In order to be able to work in Russia, Ukrainians are required to obtain a patent. It is issued for a year with the right to extend for another 12 months.