Putin signs decree that eases naturalisation for foreigners contracted with Russian military

Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that allows foreign nationals who signed contracts with the Russian military during the Ukraine war to become citizens of Russia in a fast-track procedure. The decree was published on a government website.

The decree says members of contracted soldiers’ families are also granted this right. According to the new rules, foreigners who “signed contracts for military service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or military formations for a period of one year” during the “special military operation” are entitled to apply for citizenship in a simplified manner.

Last September, Putin signed a bill to make it easier for foreigners to obtain Russian citizenship. According to the document, “foreign citizens who have entered into a contract for service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other troops or military formations for a period of at least one year” will be able to obtain Russian citizenship in a simplified manner, without the need to obtain a residence permit.

Previously, it was required to serve for at least three years under a contract for a simplified acquisition of Russian citizenship.

The initiator of the change in the legislation was, in particular, the chairman of the Defence Committee Andrey Kartapolov.

Last November, Putin signed a decree allowing conscription service in the Russian Armed Forces for persons with foreign citizenship. Previously, only citizens of the Russian Federation could serve on conscription, foreigners could serve as contracted fighters.

Last May, Putin signed a decree that abolished the upper age limit for signing a contract with the Russian Armed Forces for both Russian citizens and foreigners.