Second Citizenship for Russians: What Changed in 2026?

New Rules for Notification of Second Citizenship in Russia

The obligation to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs about having second citizenship or a residence permit (VNZh) in another country continues to apply to Russian citizens. This requirement is enshrined in Article 11 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ of April 28, 2023, “On the Citizenship of the Russian Federation.” It is important to note that the Russian Federation considers its citizens solely as citizens of the Russian Federation, regardless of whether they hold foreign citizenship, except in cases provided for by federal law or international treaty.

According to the law, 60 calendar days are allotted for submitting the notification. If the citizen was in Russia at the time of receiving the foreign document, the period is counted from the date of acquiring citizenship or the right to permanent residence. If the citizen was abroad, the 60 days begin from the date of the first return to the Russian Federation.

The notification of second citizenship for Russians can be submitted in several ways: in person at a migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, through a representative with a notarized power of attorney, or via the Gosuslugi portal. Citizens located outside Russia can contact a diplomatic mission or consular office of the Russian Federation. For minors and incapacitated persons, documents are submitted by their legal representatives.

Failure to comply with the procedure or deadline for submitting the notification incurs administrative liability under Article 19.8.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation — a fine of 500 to 1000 rubles. In case of deliberate evasion of the obligation, criminal liability arises under Article 330.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation: a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or an amount equal to income for a period of up to one year, or compulsory labor for up to 400 hours. Experts recommend not delaying the submission of the notification and retaining proof of its acceptance to avoid contentious situations.

Changes in Consular Fees and Procedures

As of August 1, 2026, new consular fee tariffs will be established for processing citizenship applications. For naturalization into Russian citizenship, the fee will be 600 US dollars for each person listed in the application. Renouncing citizenship will cost 1200 US dollars for each person. These changes came into effect in accordance with Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 925 of July 22, 2026.

An important innovation, effective July 26, 2026, concerns the abolition of the consular fee for processing applications to verify the presence of Russian citizenship. This became possible due to amendments to Federal Law No. 138-FZ of April 28, 2023, “On the Citizenship of the Russian Federation,” which eliminated the legal grounds for collecting this fee.

Also, on January 9, 2026, Federal Law No. 538-FZ of December 29, 2025, “On Amendments to Articles 21 and 37 of the Federal Law ‘On the Citizenship of the Russian Federation'” came into force. According to these changes, upon naturalization into Russian citizenship, individuals aged 14 and older who acquire citizenship through reception, optation, or an international treaty, are required to take the Oath of a Citizen of the Russian Federation.

Where to Get a Second Passport for Russians in 2026: Available Countries

In 2026, the choice of programs for obtaining second citizenship for Russians continues to evolve. Many countries are tightening migration legislation, especially regarding “golden visas” and citizenship by investment. Caribbean citizenship programs (Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Saint Lucia) remain closed to citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus as of July 2026.

Second Citizenship for Russians: Which Countries Allow It and Where is it Easier?

• Turkey: Turkish citizenship can be obtained by investment from 400,000 US dollars (real estate purchase with ownership for 3 years). The processing time is 9–12 months. This is one of the few options that provides a G20 country passport and a potential path to a US E-2 investor visa.
• Vanuatu: The Vanuatu citizenship program offers a passport from 130,000 US dollars with a processing time of 2–3 months. This remains the fastest passport in the world available to Russians.
• Sao Tome and Principe: Citizenship in this country is available from 90,000 US dollars, with a processing time of 4–5 months. This is a niche, but accessible option where it’s easier to get citizenship.
• Cyprus Permanent Residency: The Cyprus permanent residency program is available from 300,000 euros, with a processing time of 3–6 months. This provides indefinite status in the EU.

It is important to remember that the “from” price is only the contribution, and the real budget for a family of four can be significantly higher. Furthermore, second citizenship does not automatically change tax residency and does not negate the obligation to notify Russian authorities about it.

If you are interested in how to get second citizenship, we recommend exploring current programs and consulting with specialists.

Changes in Residence Permit by Investment Programs

The situation with residence permits by investment has also undergone changes:

• Greece (“Golden Visa”): The program is available from 250,000 euros, providing a Schengen residence permit for the whole family. However, for citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus, it is only available with a second (non-sanctioned) passport.
• Latvia: The residence permit program for real estate purchase closed on September 15, 2026. Both options — for housing or subordinated bank investments — are now unavailable for new applications.
• Portugal: The Portuguese residence permit program underwent significant changes in 2023 and became substantially more complex. The time to citizenship doubled to 10 years for most categories, although for EU citizens it remains 5 years,. A detailed budget calculation for moving to this country can be found in the article Portugal Residence Permit 2026: Full Budget Calculation for Russians.
• Spain: In spring 2025, the Spanish residence permit by investment program closed.

These changes reflect the general trend of the European Union to tighten migration legislation and demand the closure of “golden visa” programs.

Other Important Changes in Migration Policy

• Montenegro: As of November 1, 2026, a visa is required for citizens of Russia and Belarus to enter. Previously, visa-free entry for 30 days was possible. Now, entry is by visa or residence permit card.
• Argentina: A citizenship by contribution program has been announced. Applications are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The contribution will be 350,000 US dollars or an 800,000 US dollar bond.
• USA: As of August 6, 2026, decrees against “birth tourism” have been signed. Previously, giving birth on a tourist visa granted the child a US passport. Now, visas for travel for childbirth are annulled, and for paid births, citizenship may not be recognized. A court partially suspended this rule. If you are interested in business immigration to this country, we recommend familiarizing yourself with new risks.
• Australia: As of July 1, 2026, the minimum salary for obtaining a 482 work visa increased from ~54,000 to ~56,000 dollars per year.

These changes show that the migration policies of many countries are becoming more dynamic and require constant monitoring of current information. When planning to obtain second citizenship for Russians, it is necessary to consider not only the cost and timeframes but also the constantly changing conditions of various programs.

Pros and Cons of Second Citizenship for Russians

Obtaining second citizenship for Russians has both significant advantages and certain disadvantages. Among the benefits are expanded opportunities for visa-free travel, access to higher quality education and healthcare abroad, diversification of assets and capital protection, and the ability to live and work in another country. It can also provide a backup plan in case of political or economic instability.

However, there are also drawbacks. These include financial costs for obtaining and maintaining citizenship, the need to comply with the tax laws of two countries, and potential difficulties with notifying Russian authorities about holding a second passport. It is important to carefully weigh all the pros and cons before deciding on obtaining second citizenship or dual citizenship.

FAQ: All About Second Citizenship for Russians in 2026

Is second citizenship for Russians allowed in 2026?

Yes, having second citizenship or multiple citizenships for a citizen of the Russian Federation is permitted by Russian law. However, according to Federal Law No. 138-FZ of April 28, 2023, the Russian Federation considers such an individual solely as a citizen of the Russian Federation, except in cases provided for by federal law or international treaty.

Which countries offer second citizenship for Russians in 2026?

As of October 2026, citizenship by investment programs are available for Russian citizens in Turkey (from 400,000 USD), Vanuatu (from 130,000 USD), and Sao Tome and Principe (from 90,000 USD). These countries are among those where it is easier and cheaper to obtain a second passport. Caribbean programs (Grenada, Antigua, Saint Kitts, Dominica, Saint Lucia) remain closed to citizens of Russia and Belarus.

Is it mandatory to notify about second citizenship in Russia?

Yes, a citizen of the Russian Federation is obliged to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs of every instance of acquiring foreign citizenship or obtaining a residence permit or other document confirming the right to permanent residence. This must be done within 60 calendar days from the date of receiving the document or from the date of first entry into the Russian Federation if the document was obtained abroad,.

What happens if you don’t notify about second citizenship?

Failure to comply with the procedure or deadline for submitting the notification incurs administrative liability in the form of a fine of 500 to 1000 rubles. In case of deliberate evasion of the obligation, criminal liability arises: a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or compulsory labor for up to 400 hours. This is an important aspect to consider when obtaining second citizenship for Russians..

What changes have occurred in consular fees for Russian citizenship?

As of August 1, 2026, new tariffs have been established: naturalization into Russian citizenship — 600 USD, renouncing citizenship — 1200 USD for each person. As of July 26, 2026, the consular fee for processing applications to verify the presence of Russian citizenship has been abolished.

Is second citizenship for Russians possible in Belarus?

Second citizenship for Russians in Belarus is not provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Belarus. Belarus does not recognize dual citizenship. Citizens who acquire citizenship of another country are generally required to renounce their Belarusian citizenship. However, for citizens of the Russian Federation, this issue is interpreted within the framework of the Union State, but there is no official recognition of second citizenship for Russians in Belarus, and upon obtaining Belarusian citizenship, renunciation of Russian citizenship is usually required.

What are the pros and cons of second citizenship for Russians?

Pros include freedom of movement, access to international financial services, quality education and healthcare, and the ability to choose a place of residence and work. Cons include financial costs for obtaining and maintaining citizenship, complexity of tax residency, and the obligation to notify Russian authorities and potential legal nuances associated with dual citizenship.

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