Russian Citizenship Through Military Service
Serve in Russia’s military and fast-track your citizenship!
Why Earn Citizenship Through Russian Military Service?
Russia offers a streamlined path to citizenship for foreigners willing to serve in its Armed Forces or military formations. Under decrees signed by President Vladimir Putin, notably Decree No. 10 (January 2024), you can apply for citizenship after just one year of service during the "special military operation" in Ukraine—or even faster if discharged or wounded. Curious about this bold route? Let’s break it down!
Eligibility & Requirements
Who Can Apply?
- Foreign nationals (no residency required)
- Those signing a 1-year contract with the Russian Armed Forces
- Spouses, children, and parents of eligible service members
Key Requirements
- 1-year military contract during the Ukraine operation
- OR discharged due to health, age, or contract end
- Proof of service (contract or discharge papers)
- No Russian language or residency prerequisites
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Sign a Contract
Enlist with the Russian Armed Forces or formations for at least 1 year—contact a local enlistment office.
Serve or Discharge
Complete your service or get discharged (e.g., due to injury or contract end).
Gather Documents
Prepare your contract, discharge papers (if applicable), passport, and family docs if including them.
Submit Application
File at the territorial Ministry of Internal Affairs—processed in just 1 month!
Take the Oath
Swear allegiance and receive your Russian passport—welcome to Russia!
Benefits of Russian Military Citizenship
Lightning Fast
Citizenship in as little as 1 month after applying!
No Residency
Skip the 5-year residency requirement.
Family Included
Spouses, kids, and parents can join you.
Cost of Russian Military Citizenship
What’s the cost to join Russia’s ranks? Here’s the breakdown for 2025:
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | RUB 3,500 (~$35) | Standard citizenship fee, payable to the Ministry. |
| Travel to Russia | $100–$1,500 | Varies by origin to reach an enlistment office. |
| Additional Costs | $50–$200 | Document prep, translations, photos. |
| Total Estimate | $185–$1,735 | Affordable for a powerful passport! |
*Note: Costs vary by exchange rates and travel distance—no service fees required!
Latest Updates (Feb 2025)
- Decree No. 10 (Jan 2024) still active as of Feb 28, 2025—1-month processing intact.
- Over 486,000 new soldiers signed contracts in 2023; 2024 figures pending but recruitment ongoing.
- State Duma (July 2024) ties citizenship to military registration—evasion risks revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to live in Russia first?
No—sign up from anywhere!
2. What if I’m injured?
Eligible for citizenship even if discharged early due to health.
3. Can my family join?
Yes—spouses, kids, and parents can apply too.
4. Do I need to speak Russian?
No language test required for this path!
5. What’s the catch?
Register for military service or risk losing citizenship.
References
- Kremlin: Decree No. 10 (Jan 2024)
- State Duma: Military Registration Amendments (July 2024)
- Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs: Citizenship Process
- AP News: Putin’s Citizenship Decrees (Jan 2024)