How to Get Russian Citizenship for Kazakh Citizens: A Detailed Guide

General Provisions and Legal Basis for Obtaining Russian Citizenship

The question of how to get Russian citizenship in Kazakhstan continues to be relevant for many residents of the republic in 2024. The Russian Federation is actively developing its citizenship legislation, aiming to simplify the procedure for certain categories of foreign citizens. For Kazakh citizens, both general and simplified procedures exist for obtaining RF citizenship, regulated by Federal Law No. 138-FZ of April 28, 2023, “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation” and a number of Presidential Decrees. For those interested in other options, exploring Mauritius Residence Permit Programs may also be beneficial.

The main legal acts governing the process of obtaining russian citizenship for kazakh citizens are:

• Federal Law No. 138-FZ of April 28, 2023, “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation”.
• Presidential Decree No. 962 of December 18, 2023, “On Admission to Citizenship of the Russian Federation of Citizens of Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Belarus”.
• Agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation on a simplified procedure for acquiring citizenship (previously in force, but with changes in Russian legislation, its application is now governed by new acts).

It is important to note that the Russian Federation considers its citizens who hold dual or multiple citizenships solely as citizens of the Russian Federation, unless otherwise provided by federal law or an international treaty.

Simplified Procedure for Obtaining Russian Citizenship for Kazakh Citizens

For citizens of Kazakhstan in 2024, there are several grounds for obtaining RF citizenship through a simplified procedure. This significantly reduces both the processing time and the number of required steps compared to the general procedure.

Grounds for Simplified RF Citizenship Acquisition

According to Presidential Decree No. 962 of December 18, 2023, citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan have the right to apply for admission to the citizenship of the Russian Federation without observing some requirements of the general procedure.

Key categories of Kazakh citizens who can use the simplified procedure to change citizenship Kazakhstan to Russian:

• Kazakh Citizens under Decree No. 962: This is one of the most significant categories, allowing for the acquisition of russian citizenship for kazakhs without the mandatory five-year permanent residency period with a residence permit.
• Family ties with RF citizens: Having a parent or child who is an RF citizen and permanently resides in Russia.
• Marriage to an RF citizen: Provided there is a common child.
• Participation in the Compatriots Resettlement Program: The state program to assist the voluntary resettlement of compatriots living abroad to the Russian Federation also simplifies obtaining russian citizenship in kazakhstan.
• Birth or Residence in the RSFSR: Persons born or who resided in the RSFSR, or their direct descendants who were citizens of the former USSR.
• Four-Party Agreement: Despite new decrees, some provisions of previous agreements may be relevant within the framework of new legislative acts.

Special Conditions for Kazakh Citizens under Decree No. 962

Presidential Decree No. 962 of December 18, 2023, provides Kazakh citizens with special conditions for obtaining RF citizenship. They are not required to comply with the requirement of permanent residence in the Russian Federation for five years with a residence permit. However, unlike Belarusian citizens, Kazakh citizens are obliged to confirm their proficiency in the Russian language, unless they are exempt from this requirement (for example, if they have an education diploma obtained in the USSR before 1991),.

Russian Citizenship Application Process: Where to Start

The process of obtaining a Russian passport for Kazakh citizens involves several stages, even with a simplified procedure. Let’s look at how to get russian citizenship in kazakhstan.

Main Stages of Obtaining RF Citizenship

1. Migration Registration: Initial registration at the place of stay in the Russian Federation.
2. Collection of documents, medical examination, fingerprinting, and photography: Preparation of the necessary package of documents, undergoing all mandatory procedures.
3. Submission of documents for a Residence Permit (if necessary): In some cases, even with a simplified procedure, obtaining a residence permit (VNZh) may be a necessary step, for example, for those who do not fall under the most preferential conditions of Decree No. 962 but want to acquire russian citizenship in kazakhstan 2026. The application is submitted to the territorial department of the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or a multifunctional migration center.
4. Obtaining a Residence Permit and Registration at the Place of Residence: After approval of the Residence Permit, it is necessary to register at the place of residence.
5. Collection and Submission of Documents for Citizenship: The application for admission to RF citizenship is submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation or its territorial body,.
6. Waiting for Decision and Taking the Oath: The review of applications takes a certain amount of time. After approval of the citizenship petition, it is necessary to take the Oath of a Citizen of the Russian Federation,.
7. Obtaining an RF Passport.

Required Documents for Obtaining Russian Citizenship

To apply for admission to RF citizenship, a citizen of Kazakhstan must provide the following main documents:

• Application in the prescribed form.
• Identity and citizenship document (passport).
• Birth certificate.
• Residence permit (if applicable).
• 3 photos sized 3×4 cm.
• Marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable).
• Receipt for payment of the state duty.
• Document confirming proficiency in the Russian language: an education diploma issued in the Russian Federation or the USSR (before 1991), or a certificate of Russian language proficiency obtained after passing an exam,.

The full list of documents may vary depending on the specific grounds for obtaining citizenship and current requirements. It is recommended to clarify the list with the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to successfully get russian citizenship in kazakhstan.

Document Processing Times

Processing times for Residence Permit and RF citizenship applications:

• Residence Permit application: up to 4 months.
• RF citizenship application: up to 3 months.

General Procedure for Obtaining RF Citizenship

If a citizen of Kazakhstan does not fall under the conditions of the simplified procedure, they can obtain russian citizenship for kazakhs through the general procedure. This path is longer and includes the following main requirements:

• Permanent Residence in the Russian Federation: At least five years from the date of obtaining a residence permit.
• Proficiency in the Russian Language: Confirmed by a relevant document.
• Knowledge of Russian History and Fundamentals of RF Legislation: Confirmed by a relevant document.
• Absence of Circumstances Preventing Citizenship Acquisition: For example, convictions for serious, particularly serious crimes, or crimes related to drug trafficking, or threats to RF security.

The general procedure can begin with obtaining a temporary residence permit (RVP), then a residence permit (VNZh), and only then applying for citizenship. It is important to note that a residence permit is indefinite and grants foreigners almost the same rights as RF citizens, with the exception of electoral rights and the ability to hold certain positions.

Possible Reasons for Refusal of RF Citizenship

Refusal to grant RF citizenship may be caused by a number of reasons, including:

• Presence of an outstanding conviction for serious, particularly serious crimes, as well as crimes related to drug trafficking.
• Participation in activities posing a threat to the security of the Russian Federation, or related to extremism and terrorism.
• Participation in international military conflicts or actions directed against Russian peacekeeping forces.
• Providing knowingly false information or forged documents.
• Presence of an unremoved or unexpunged conviction in any country.

It is important to carefully check and prepare all documents, and also to comply with RF legislation throughout the entire application process to obtain russian citizenship in kazakhstan without problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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