Russian Citizenship for Citizens of Kazakhstan: How to Get a Russian Passport in 2026

Simplified Russian Citizenship for Citizens of Kazakhstan

For citizens of Kazakhstan in 2026, special conditions apply for obtaining Russian Federation citizenship, significantly simplifying this process compared to the general procedure. These concessions are due to Kazakhstan’s membership in the EAEU and a number of bilateral agreements. The main change is the abolition of the mandatory five-year residency requirement with a permanent residence permit (PRP) before applying for citizenship, according to Russian Presidential Decree No. 962 of December 18, 2023. This makes the process of obtaining Russian citizenship for citizens of Kazakhstan much faster and more accessible.

To apply for Russian citizenship, the applicant must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old and have full legal capacity.
• Hold a valid permanent residence permit (PRP) in Russia with registration.
• Proficiency in the Russian language, confirmed by one of the following: a Russian-standard diploma, a certificate or diploma issued before 1991, or a certificate of proficiency in the Russian language, knowledge of Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian legislation.
• Commitment to uphold the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
• Take the Oath of a Citizen of the Russian Federation.

It is important to note that the decision to grant citizenship is now made by the federal executive body in the field of internal affairs (MIA) or its territorial body, rather than the President, which speeds up the process.

Main Pathways to Obtaining Russian Citizenship for Citizens of Kazakhstan

1. Simplified Procedure under Presidential Decree No. 962

This pathway is the primary one for most citizens of Kazakhstan wishing to obtain Russian citizenship. As mentioned, the key advantage is the abolition of the five-year PRP residency requirement. After obtaining a PRP and fulfilling all other conditions, one can immediately apply for citizenship. The application review period is approximately three months but may be extended to six months in case of additional verification.

2. Simplified (Registration) Procedure under the Quadripartite Agreement (1999)

This pathway is available to citizens of Kazakhstan if they have certain grounds related to historical ties or kinship. The agreement between Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia dated February 26, 1999, provides for an expedited procedure if the applicant:

• Was born or resided in Russia (RSFSR) before December 21, 1991.
• Has close relatives who are Russian citizens permanently residing in Russia (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild).

This is one of the fastest routes, with a review period of approximately 3 months.

Dual Citizenship Kazakhstan-Russia and Renouncing Kazakhstan Citizenship

One of the most important aspects that citizens of Kazakhstan need to consider is the issue of dual citizenship. The Russian Federation, according to federal law, allows its citizens to hold foreign citizenship and does not require them to renounce it. However, the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan strictly prohibits dual citizenship. This means that upon obtaining foreign citizenship, Kazakhstani citizenship is automatically considered to be lost.

In practice, this leads to the following consequences:

• Upon obtaining a Russian passport, under Kazakhstani law, you lose your Kazakhstani citizenship.
• You are obliged to notify the Kazakhstani authorities within 30 calendar days and surrender your Kazakhstani passport/identity card.
• It is not legally possible to retain both citizenships – this will be considered a violation of Kazakhstani law, entailing sanctions.

Thus, the decision to obtain a Russian passport for a citizen of Kazakhstan is always a choice: Russian citizenship in exchange for Kazakhstan citizenship. This point requires careful planning.

Required Documents for Obtaining Russian Citizenship

The full list of documents may vary depending on the chosen grounds and specific situation, but the basic package includes:

• Application for citizenship in the prescribed form.
• Passport of a citizen of Kazakhstan and its notarized translation.
• Valid permanent residence permit (PRP) in the Russian Federation.
• Documents confirming Russian language proficiency (diploma, certificate, or certificate of proficiency in the Russian language, knowledge of Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian legislation).
• Proof of income (e.g., 2-NDFL certificate, confirmation of income from professional or entrepreneurial activity).
• Three 3×4 cm photographs.
• Receipt for payment of the state fee. As of July 27, 2026, the state fee for obtaining citizenship is 50,000 ₽. For applications submitted before this date, it was 4,200 ₽. It is important to consider the current amount on the date of application.
• Documents confirming the existence of established grounds for acquiring citizenship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, documents confirming kinship with Russian citizens).

All documents (except the application) drawn up in a foreign language must be translated into Russian and notarized. The application and documents are submitted to the territorial department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of residence or stay.

Military Registration and the Oath of a Citizen of the Russian Federation

For men obtaining Russian citizenship, military registration is mandatory. Also, all persons acquiring Russian citizenship are required to take the Oath of a Citizen of the Russian Federation, with the exception of certain categories of persons provided for by law. The oath is an important step in the process of obtaining Russian citizenship.

Conclusion

Obtaining Russian citizenship for citizens of Kazakhstan in 2026 has become more accessible thanks to a simplified procedure that abolishes the requirement for long-term residency with a permanent residence permit. However, a key point is the need for a conscious choice between Kazakhstan and Russian citizenship due to the prohibition of dual citizenship in Kazakhstan. Thorough preparation of documents and understanding all legal nuances will help make this process as smooth as possible. If you are a citizen of Kazakhstan and plan to obtain Russian citizenship, it is important to consider all these aspects.

FAQ: How to Get Russian Citizenship for Citizens of Kazakhstan

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about how to get Russian citizenship for citizens of Kazakhstan.

• Can I get Russian citizenship without renouncing Kazakhstan citizenship?
  No, the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan prohibits dual citizenship. Upon obtaining Russian citizenship, Kazakhstani citizenship is automatically considered lost. You are obliged to notify the Kazakhstani authorities and surrender your Kazakhstani passport.
• What is the processing time for a Russian citizenship application for citizens of Kazakhstan?
  Under the simplified procedure, the processing time is approximately three months but may be extended to six months.
• Do I need to confirm Russian language proficiency?
  Yes, Russian language proficiency is a mandatory condition. This can be confirmed by a diploma, certificate, or a certificate of proficiency in the Russian language, knowledge of Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian legislation.
• What are the main changes in the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for citizens of Kazakhstan that occurred in 2023-2026?
  The main change is the abolition of the mandatory five-year residency requirement with a permanent residence permit before applying for citizenship, according to Russian Presidential Decree No. 962 of December 18, 2023. This significantly simplifies and accelerates the process of obtaining Russian citizenship for citizens of Kazakhstan.
• What is the state fee for obtaining Russian citizenship for citizens of Kazakhstan?
  As of July 27, 2026, the state fee is 50,000 ₽. Before this date, it was 4,200 ₽. It is important to clarify the current amount at the time of application.

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