Notification of residence permit and second citizenship in 2026: the new foreign ministry draft law and what it means for Russians living abroad

At the end of December 2025, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a draft law that could significantly change the rules for all Russian citizens who have obtained a residence permit or citizenship in another country. The core idea is simple: whereas currently notification is required only upon entering Russia, under the new rules it would become mandatory even for those who live abroad permanently. Failure to comply could result in criminal liability.

For Visa Dan clients applying for EU residence permits, citizenship by repatriation, a U.S. green card, or long-term visas, this issue is directly relevant. Below is a detailed breakdown of what may change, when it could come into force, and what you should do now.

The obligation to notify the Russian authorities about foreign citizenship or a residence permit has existed since 2014. It is established under Article 11 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation.”

Current Rules

If you are in Russia:
You must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) within 60 days of obtaining foreign citizenship or a residence permit. Notification can be submitted in person at a local MVD office, through the Gosuslugi portal, or by mail.
If you live abroad:
The obligation arises within 60 days from your first entry into Russia after obtaining the foreign status. If you do not enter Russia, there is formally no obligation. Since 2023, it has been possible to voluntarily notify through a Russian consulate or embassy abroad — but this is a right, not an obligation.

Current Liability for Violations

Russian law provides for two types of liability:
Administrative (Article 19.8.3 of the Administrative Code)
For late submission, incomplete information, or errors.
Fine: 500–1,000 rubles.
In 2023, 4,585 cases were initiated under this article — nearly twice as many as in 2022.
Criminal (Article 330.2 of the Criminal Code)
For deliberate failure to submit notification.
Penalty:

• Fine up to 200,000 rubles or income for up to one year, or
• Up to 400 hours of community service.

From 2022 through the first half of 2025, 52 people were convicted under this article. In practice, courts most often impose fines ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 rubles.

Which Documents Must Be Reported

The law requires notification of:

• Foreign citizenship
• A residence permit
• “Any other valid document confirming the right of permanent residence in a foreign state”

In practice:

• Permanent residence permits (PR) and foreign citizenship must be reported.
• Temporary residence permits are legally debated. Some court decisions suggest short-term permits do not qualify as “permanent residence.” However, most lawyers recommend notifying if the permit is issued for one year or more.

On December 30, 2025, a draft federal law prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was published on the federal legislative portal. Public discussion ended on January 14, 2026.

Key Change
Notification would become mandatory for all Russian citizens — regardless of where they reside.
Currently, the obligation arises only upon entering Russia. Under the draft, any Russian citizen who obtains foreign citizenship or a residence permit would be required to notify a Russian diplomatic mission or consulate within 60 days — even if they do not plan to return to Russia.

New Legal Definition: “Permanently Residing Abroad”
The draft introduces a legal definition of a Russian citizen permanently residing outside Russia. It would include those who:

• Have foreign citizenship, a residence permit, or another document confirming permanent residence abroad and have no registered residence in Russia;
• Or have Russian registration but physically reside outside Russia for at least 183 calendar days per year.

Some experts suggest that holders of temporary residence permits and national category D visas abroad might also fall under the definition — though this requires clarification in the final version of the law.

Liability Under the Draft Law
Failure to notify would remain punishable under Article 330.2 of the Criminal Code:

• Fine up to 200,000 rubles, or
• Up to 400 hours of community service.

Where and How to Notify
Under the draft law:

• Notification must be submitted to a Russian diplomatic mission or consulate in the country of residence.
• The current MVD procedure (for those physically present in Russia) would remain in place.

Proposed Effective Date
The draft proposes that the law enter into force on January 1, 2028.
For those who already hold foreign citizenship or a residence permit at that time, a one-year transitional period would apply. This means notification would need to be submitted by January 1, 2029.

Current Status of the Draft
As of February 2026, the draft law has not yet been submitted to the State Duma. It has only completed the public discussion stage. Further revisions, inter-agency coordination, parliamentary submission, and voting remain ahead.
Nevertheless, the direction is clear: the state seeks more comprehensive accounting of Russian citizens residing abroad. As of early 2025, 2.2 million Russians were registered with consulates — a figure the MFA considers understated.

Residence Permit or Only Citizenship?
Some legal publications note that in certain sections of the draft, only foreign citizenship — not residence permits — is explicitly mentioned in the consular notification requirement. It remains unclear whether this is intentional or a technical omission.

Enforcement Mechanism
How compliance would be monitored remains unclear. Russian consulates do not have direct access to foreign migration databases. Information may come through border checks, intergovernmental requests, or open sources, but systematic enforcement may be difficult.

Refugee Status
According to some lawyers, refugees may not fall under the new rules, but the draft does not explicitly state this.

This Is Not a Ban
Russian law does not prohibit holding a residence permit or foreign citizenship. The obligation to notify is administrative — not a restriction.
Obtaining residence in Germany, Spain, Portugal, citizenship of Romania, Israel, Mexico, or a U.S. green card remains fully legal.

Notify on Time — It’s Simple
Even under current rules, notification is straightforward:

• Through Gosuslugi
• In person at the MVD
• Voluntarily via consulate

The key is to submit accurate information on time.

Checklist: What to Notify
It is recommended to notify regarding:

• Foreign citizenship (mandatory)
• Permanent residence permit (mandatory)
• Temporary residence permit issued for one year or more (recommended)
• U.S. green card (mandatory — considered permanent residence)

Short-term visas and visa-free stays do not require notification.

I obtained a Spanish residence permit and do not plan to return to Russia. Do I need to notify?
Under current rules, only within 60 days of entering Russia. Under the draft law — notification would be mandatory via consulate
.
Can I face criminal charges?
Currently, only if you enter Russia and fail to notify within 60 days. Courts usually impose modest fines. However, stricter enforcement could increase risks in the future.

Do I need to notify about Romanian citizenship obtained through repatriation?
Yes, absolutely.

Does a U.S. green card count?
Yes. It confirms permanent residence and must be reported.

Does this apply to Schengen or UK visas?
No. Short-term and long-term visas (including national category D visas) are not considered permanent residence documents — although future amendments could clarify this further.

Can I notify without traveling to Russia?
Currently — voluntarily through a consulate. After the new law is adopted — notification through a consulate would become mandatory for those living abroad.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!