If you are a Russian citizen and have obtained citizenship of another country, a foreign permanent residence permit (PR), or another document confirming a right to live abroad permanently, Russia’s notification rules may apply to you. The obligation is set out in Article 11 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ of 28 April 2023, “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation.” A reminder was published by the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Germany. This is not a new rule announced by the source, but a clarification of an existing legal duty.

Who must notify the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs

The rule concerns citizens of the Russian Federation who obtain foreign citizenship, a foreign residence permit that grants permanent residence, or another document giving them the right to reside permanently outside Russia. It can therefore affect dual nationals as well as Russian citizens who retain only Russian citizenship but later receive permanent-residence status abroad.

For a minor or a legally incapacitated Russian citizen, the notification is submitted by a legal representative. The supplied information does not specify which foreign documents qualify in every situation. If your document is not clearly described as permanent residence, check the current guidance of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation (МВД России) and the text of the law before submitting anything.

The 60-calendar-day deadline depends on where you were

If you were in Russia when you acquired the foreign citizenship or permanent-residence status, the notification must be submitted within 60 calendar days from the date you acquired that status. Keep evidence of the relevant date, such as the date shown on the foreign citizenship or residence document, where applicable.

A different timing rule applies if you acquired the status while staying outside Russia. In that case, the notification must be sent within 60 calendar days after your return to Russia. The provided source does not give further detail on how the start of the period is calculated in complex cases, so confirm this directly with МВД Russia or through the official text of Federal Law No. 138-FZ.

How to submit the notification

The notification may be filed by the Russian citizen personally. It may also be filed through a representative, but the representative must have a notarised power of attorney. A power of attorney is a document authorising another person to act on your behalf; “notarised” means that its formal execution has been certified by a notary.

The notification is directed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. The supplied material does not state the exact submission location, filing channel, notification form, document list, or whether a filing is possible from abroad. Before filing, verify the current procedure and form in official МВД materials. If you are outside Russia, you may also ask the relevant Russian consulate what official information is available, but do not assume that a consulate can accept the notification unless it confirms this.

Keep this obligation separate from travel and border steps

This notification requirement is about a Russian citizen’s foreign citizenship or permanent-residence status. It is separate from entry permission, a Russian visa, migration registration after arrival, and documents that a foreign national may need at the Russian border. Holding another citizenship or a foreign PR document does not, by itself, answer questions about travel documents or entry rules.

Before travelling to Russia, check which passport you will use and whether you are travelling as a Russian citizen, a foreign national, or a person with more than one nationality. The supplied source does not state how a dual national should cross the border, whether a visa is required in a particular case, or which documents border officers may request. Check those questions with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (МИД России), МВД Russia, or the specific Russian consulate responsible for your place of application.

What to verify before you act

Start by identifying the exact status you received and the date it was acquired. Then establish whether you were physically in Russia or abroad at that time, as this determines which 60-day rule applies. If you returned to Russia after obtaining the status abroad, retain reliable information showing your return date.

The provided material does not state the consequences of failing to notify, nor does it provide a fee, a nationality-specific rule, a country-specific filing route, or a list of supporting documents. Do not rely on assumptions or unofficial templates. Check the latest official guidance before filing, particularly if your foreign document has been renewed, replaced, or issued under a status that is not clearly permanent residence.

Что проверить

  • Confirm that you are a citizen of the Russian Federation.
  • Identify whether you received foreign citizenship, permanent residence, or another right to live abroad permanently.
  • Record the date on which the relevant status was acquired.
  • Establish whether you were in Russia or abroad when you acquired it.
  • If you were in Russia, calculate 60 calendar days from the acquisition date.
  • If you acquired the status abroad, calculate 60 calendar days from your return to Russia.
  • If using a representative, arrange a notarised power of attorney.
  • Check the current notification form, filing method and supporting-document requirements with МВД Russia before submission.
  • For border, passport or visa questions, check with МИД Russia or the relevant Russian consulate separately.