Starting from 29 March 2019, the new simplified procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship came into force for select categories of foreign nationals.

According to the amendments, the Russian President can determine on humanitarian grounds categories of foreign nationals who can obtain citizenship status through the simplified procedure.

The amendments also provide for a simplified procedure for foreigners who participate in the State programme for facilitating the voluntary resettlement in the Russian Federation of ethnic Russians living abroad.

These individuals have the right to apply for Russian citizenship under the simplified procedure; in particular, if they have a temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit and they are registered at a place of residence or place of stay in a Russian region included in the State programme.