Article: Once you’ve obtained permanent resident status, you’ll need to live in Russia for 5 years. You can live outside of the country during that time, but for no more than 3 months each year.  If you have entered Russia on a Highly Qualified Person visa or as a refugee, the permanent residency requirement can be reduced to 1 year instead of 5. If you have connections to Russian citizens already, you might also be able to apply for Russian citizenship immediately after becoming a permanent resident – called the simplified process. The local OVIR office can give you a list of the qualifying relationships that let you apply through the simplified process without waiting 5 years. As part of the citizenship process, you’ll need to agree to abide by the Russian constitution. This usually means filling out legal paperwork through the OVIR where you agree to do so. If you’re unmarried and without dependents, you’ll only need to provide proof of legal means for subsistence for yourself. If you are married or have dependents, you’ll have to prove you can support them as well. The accepted proof for legal subsistence varies – you can find out what counts from your local OVIR. Pay stubs and bank statements might be required. Unless Russia has a dual citizenship treaty with your home country, you’ll need to renounce your previous citizenship. This includes filling out paperwork from the OVIR saying you renounce your citizenship and forfeiting your old passport. If you were previously a US citizen, you might be able to maintain dual citizenship. You’ll have to claim your US passport so Russian officials know you have one, but you won’t be required to give it up. How you’ll demonstrate this will vary – it may be a written or oral test. You might also be able to obtain paperwork from someone who is in a position to know about your command of the Russian language – like a language teacher. You’ll have to demonstrate basic command to get citizenship. The Office of the President of the Russian Federation (GUVM) will process your application. You should submit your completed application – available at your local GUVM – plus proof of income, proof of Russian language capability, and application to renounce citizenship (if necessary) to your local GUVM. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to wait up to a year for a decision. You can appeal a rejection through the courts. Your local GUVM office will have information on how to do so. If you’ve applied for citizenship through the simplified naturalization process, it will take up to 6 months for a decision.

What is a summary?
Live in Russia as a permanent resident for 5 years. Agree to abide by the Russian constitution. Provide proof of legal means for subsistence. Renounce previous citizenship. Demonstrate basic command of Russian. Submit your application to the Office of the President of the Russian Federation. Wait up to 1 year for a decision.