The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed adopting a bill stipulating penalties for failure to declare a second citizenship or a residence permit abroad (residence permit).
It was clarified that the bill was drawn up as part of the action plan for implementing the Concept of State Migration Policy of the Russian Federation for 2019 – 2025.
Citizens of the Russian Federation will have to report, regardless of their place of residence, in Russia or another country, within 60 days from the date of receipt of documents confirming foreign nationality or residence permit. Otherwise, they will face criminal liability: in the form of a fine of up to 200 thousand rubles or in the amount of salary or other income for a period of up to one year. The bill also provides for mandatory work assignments of up to 400 hours under Article 330.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
Notification of second citizenship or residence permit must be submitted to Russian diplomatic missions or consulates abroad. Currently, notification of Russian diplomatic missions abroad is optional. The proposal sets a “comfortable period” of one year for submitting notifications after the law comes into effect. The Russian Foreign Ministry clarified that such a long period of time is due to the vast geography of Russians living abroad, including areas far from foreign institutions.
The decision to send such a notice takes effect in 2023, but there are currently no criminal or administrative penalties for choosing not to send such a notice abroad. If the bill passes, it will take effect on January 1, 2028.
The Russian Foreign Ministry derives from the fact that this measure “will improve the effectiveness of foreign organizations' activities to ensure the rights, interests and security of citizens.”
