Russian Citizenship Cost to Increase 12-Fold Under New Migration Law Passed by State Duma

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The State Duma has passed a law significantly increasing state fees associated with the processing of migration documents and obtaining Russian citizenship. The new rates will affect both foreign citizens planning to legalize their stay in the country and employers hiring foreign specialists.

The most notable change is the increase in the fee for naturalization in Russia. The amount will rise almost 12-fold from the current 4,200 rubles ($55) to 50,000 rubles ($650).

Expenses for obtaining documents allowing foreigners to reside in Russia will also increase significantly. The fee for issuing a temporary residence permit will grow eightfold from 1,920 rubles ($25) to 15,000 rubles ($200).

For foreign citizens applying for a residence permit, the cost of the procedure will also rise substantially. The state fee will increase fivefold from 6,000 rubles ($80) to 30,000 rubles ($400).

Employers using foreign labor will also be affected. The law introduces a new fee for obtaining a permit to attract and use foreign workers. Employers will now have to pay 15,000 rubles ($200) per each foreign specialist.

The authors of the initiative expect that the revision of fee sizes will help offset state expenses for administering migration processes and enhance control in the area of labor migration and the provision of migration statuses.

Once the law comes into force, the new tariffs will apply to the processing of relevant documents for foreign citizens who wish to obtain the right to reside in Russia or those intending to acquire Russian citizenship.