The Embassy of Russia in Germany has announced an updated schedule of consular fees. The new schedule was approved by Embassy Order No. 178 of 27 July 2026 and applies from 1 August 2026. It concerns people applying to the Embassy for Russian consular services, including services connected with Russian citizenship.

Who is affected by the updated fees

The change affects applicants who apply for consular services at the Embassy of Russia in Germany. A consular service is an official action handled by a Russian diplomatic mission abroad. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, this may include a service related to Russian citizenship or another consular matter listed by the Embassy.

This announcement is about fees charged for consular actions in Germany. It does not, by itself, set out new visa rules, Russian border-entry requirements, migration registration rules after arrival in Russia, or the documents required for a particular application. If you need a visa, invitation, electronic visa information or entry guidance, check the relevant rules separately with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, or the Russian consulate handling your case.

What changed on 1 August 2026

The Embassy stated that most consular services became less expensive under the updated schedule. However, applications for admission to Russian citizenship and applications to renounce Russian citizenship are identified as exceptions to the general reduction in fees.

Do not rely on a previous amount, even if you have applied for a similar service before. Before submitting an application, find the exact consular action in the Embassy’s official fee list and check the fee currently shown for that action. The source material does not specify the individual amounts, so applicants should consult the official list rather than assume that a lower fee applies.

Payment: German EC card only

According to the Embassy’s announcement, the consular fee can be paid only with a German EC card. An EC card is a German bank payment card used for electronic card payments. Applicants should ensure that they have an eligible German EC card available before attending their appointment or presenting their documents.

The announcement does not state what happens if an applicant arrives without such a card, attempts to use another payment method, or pays an outdated amount. It also does not explain whether any particular bank, card type or payment condition applies beyond the stated requirement. Confirm payment arrangements directly with the Embassy before filing if anything is unclear.

What to check before you apply

First identify the precise service you need. This is particularly important for citizenship matters: admission to Russian citizenship and renunciation of Russian citizenship are specifically mentioned as exceptions to the overall fee decrease. Check the current charge for the exact procedure, not simply for the general topic of citizenship.

Then review the Embassy’s current application instructions for that service. The published fee notice does not list required forms, supporting documents, appointment rules, processing times, application channels or eligibility conditions. These details must be checked with the Embassy of Russia in Germany or the relevant Russian authority before submission. If your case concerns travel to Russia, verify visa and entry requirements separately before departure.

Что проверить

  • Confirm that your application will be handled by the Embassy of Russia in Germany.
  • Find the exact consular action in the Embassy’s official fee schedule.
  • Use the fee schedule effective from 1 August 2026, approved by Order No. 178 of 27 July 2026.
  • Do not assume that every service is cheaper; citizenship admission and renunciation are exceptions to the general reduction.
  • Prepare a German EC card, as the Embassy states that this is the only payment method for the consular fee.
  • Check the Embassy’s current instructions for documents, appointments, forms and submission procedures.
  • For visas, electronic visas, invitations, border documents or post-arrival registration, verify the applicable rules separately with the Russian MFA, Russian MIA or the relevant consulate.