Foreign Contract Soldiers in the Russian Army to Receive Simplified Citizenship

The State Duma representatives have approved amendments regarding the simplification of citizenship acquisition for foreigners in second and third readings. The authors of the amendment include members from all factions, including the chairman of the relevant defense committee, Andrey Kartapolov.

According to the document, “foreign citizens who have signed a contract to serve in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other troops, or military formations for at least one year” will be able to obtain Russian citizenship in a simplified manner without needing to secure a residence permit.

The current law requires military contract service for at least three years. Additionally, the amendments propose to shorten the duration of the initial contract from five years to one year, under which military service is contracted with a foreign citizen who is to serve as a soldier, sailor, sergeant, or master.