The State Program for Assisting the Voluntary Resettlement of Compatriots Living Abroad to the Russian Federation was approved by Presidential Decree of the Russian Federation on June 22, 2006. Since its implementation, over one million compatriots from various countries have returned to their historical homeland.
Purpose of the Resettlement Program
The resettlement program is designed to organize the return of foreign nationals with Russian roots to their homeland — that is, those who share the culture, language, and traditions of Russia. The main goal of the program is to improve demographic and socio-economic conditions by encouraging employable compatriots to move to Russia for permanent residence.
Additional measures are provided to help with integration and adaptation. For example, a wide range of benefits is available to compatriots (see below).
Who Can Participate in the Program in 2025
In 2025, the following categories are eligible to participate:
- Russian citizens who permanently reside outside the Russian Federation;
- Individuals and their descendants belonging to the historical peoples of Russia and residing abroad who share Russia’s spiritual, cultural, and legal values;
- Foreign citizens who have direct-line relatives who previously resided within the Russian Federation, including:
- Former USSR citizens residing in former Soviet republics who are either nationals of those states or stateless persons;
- Individuals who formerly held citizenship of the Russian state, Russian republic, RSFSR, USSR, or the Russian Federation and are now foreign nationals or stateless persons residing in Russia.
Family members are also eligible to move to Russia with the main applicant:
- Spouse;
- Children (including adopted children);
- Parents of the applicant and spouse;
- Legally incapacitated or minor close relatives of the applicant and spouse;
- Grandparents of the applicant and spouse;
- Underage grandchildren.
Key Requirements for Applicants
Participation requires careful compliance with all terms and deadlines during the citizenship process. To join the program, the applicant must:
- Be legally competent and of adult age;
- Be of working age (over 18 and under 55 for women, under 60 for men);
- Reside abroad or hold foreign citizenship;
- Have basic proficiency in the Russian language, including oral and written communication;
- Have no rulings of undesirability, deportation, or administrative expulsion from Russia in the last five years.
Required Documents for Future Participants
To participate in the state program and obtain status, it is important to prepare the following documents. Properly prepared documents improve the chances of a positive decision:
- Application form, completed in Russian using printed letters. No corrections or errors are allowed;
- Identity documents of the applicant and listed family members (originals and copies);
- Marital status documents of the applicant and listed family members (originals and copies);
- Education documents, professional qualifications, employment history, academic degrees/titles, and character references of the applicant and listed family members (originals and copies);
- Two color or black-and-white photographs (35 x 45 mm).
Experts at CMA (Central Migration Agency) provide full assistance with document preparation and guidance through every stage of the program. CMA minimizes errors and speeds up the process of obtaining Russian citizenship.
The Process of obtaining the Russian Citizenship
The citizenship process for program participants includes several steps:
- Initial Application
Submit an application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs or a Russian consulate abroad. The application is reviewed within two months. If approved, the applicant receives a participation certificate confirming their status. - Arrival in Russia
Upon arrival, the participant must register with the local MVD office in the selected region. Before applying for citizenship, a Temporary Residence Permit is required. The application must be submitted within 30 days of entry. - Final Step — Citizenship Application
If approved, the participant takes an oath. Afterwards, they receive their Russian internal passport and officially begin their life in the selected region.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Citizenship?
On average, the full process takes about one year if all documents are prepared correctly and deadlines are met:
- Document preparation and submission: a few weeks to several months;
- Program participation review: up to 2 months;
- TRP application and review: up to 4 months;
- Citizenship application review: 3 months;
- Internal passport issuance: around 5 days.
All timeframes are individual and may vary.
What are some reasons why someone might be denied from participating in a resettlement program?
Refusal to participate in the program of resettlement of compatriots is possible in case of violation of the program requirements or submission of incorrect data.
Common reasons for refusal include:
- Incomplete or incorrectly prepared documents (e.g., missing translations or apostilles);
- Criminal record or open criminal proceedings (a clean criminal background certificate is mandatory);
- Falsification of information or discrepancies in documentation;
- Lack of evidence confirming compatriot status (e.g., no documents proving Russian heritage);
- Failure to fulfill obligations (e.g., not living in the selected region or providing false family information).
Timely legal support significantly reduces the risk of rejection. CMA experts provide guidance at every stage to help ensure a successful outcome.
State Guarantees and Social Support for Repatriates in 2025
The program offers state guarantees and social support mechanisms to help compatriots and their families adapt, access financial aid, and settle comfortably.
Participants are entitled to:
Social Guarantees:
- Education: Free tuition in secondary vocational and higher educational institutions;
- Healthcare: Free treatment within the national health insurance system (OMS);
- Social Services: Placement assistance for children, elderly, and persons with disabilities;
- Employment Support: Help finding jobs through public employment services;
- Welfare Payments: Benefits and payments based on family status and needs.
Benefits and Allowances:
- Relocation cost compensation and one-time settlement payments;
- Customs exemptions: unlimited duty-free import of personal belongings and vehicles;
- Unemployment benefits;
- Reimbursement of state fees;
- Housing subsidies;
- One-time financial support.
These supports make relocation more affordable and help newcomers integrate into Russian society.
Regions Participating in the Program
In 2025, over 70 Russian regions are participating, including the Far Eastern, Siberian, Central, and Southern federal districts.
Special focus is given to priority regions with low population density and economic development needs. It is important to study the conditions of each region before choosing a destination.
Priority Resettlement Regions:
- Republic of Buryatia
- Zabaykalsky Krai
- Kamchatka Krai
- Primorsky Krai
- Khabarovsk Krai
- Amur Oblast
- Irkutsk Oblast
- Magadan Oblast
- Sakhalin Oblast
- Jewish Autonomous Oblast
Each region defines its own participation conditions and level of support, including payments, compensation, and integration programs. The decision to relocate should consider both support measures and opportunities for professional growth, quality of life, and climate.
Entrust your repatriation to the professionals at CMA.
The Central Migration Agency (CMA) offers expert assistance at every stage of the resettlement process.
Our experts will help:
- Choose the right region for relocation;
- Prepare the required documents;
- Accurately fill out the application;
- Successfully pass all stages of obtaining resettlement status.
We provide complete guidance and support to help you relocate quickly and with minimal stress.
Contact us to schedule a consultation!