Putin Signs Decree Creating Temporary Citizenship Path for Foreign SVO Personnel
Applications will open under a temporary pathway for eligible SVO foreign personnel once service‑certification forms are approved.
Overview
- The decree, published on the official legal portal, approves temporary regulations for granting Russian citizenship and residence permits to specified foreign nationals and stateless persons.
- Eligibility covers foreigners who served in the Russian Armed Forces or EMERCOM rescue formations during the SVO, including those who signed contracts or were discharged after February 24, 2022, as well as their spouses, children and parents.
- The Defense Ministry and EMERCOM, in coordination with the Interior Ministry, must finalize standard certificates confirming service during the SVO.
- Applicants must submit identity and citizenship or statelessness proof, a military service contract, an extract from a discharge order or commission decision where applicable, service confirmation in certain cases, and three photographs, with additional documents required for children or incapacitated persons.
- Belarusian citizens are exempt from some documentary requirements, including the need to provide a discharge-order extract.