Russian citizens living abroad who plan to relocate to the Russian Federation will be required to prove their command of the state language. A decision issued by the country’s Council of Ministers and published on the legal information portal outlines this rule. (Source: Council of Ministers of the Russian Federation)
The document states that the language verification will take effect on January 1, 2024. Applicants may demonstrate their proficiency by presenting a document or its copy showing that they received education on the territory of the Russian Federation after September 1, 1991. (Source: Government portal)
Furthermore, the competent authorities will also accept an education certificate issued in a foreign country, provided that Russian is one of the official languages there. If such documents are unavailable, applicants may be required to attend a private interview to assess language skills. (Source: Council of Ministers of the Russian Federation)
The decision specifies that the application review will include a determination of whether the applicant can communicate effectively in Russian, both orally and in writing, within a Russian-language environment. (Source: Government portal)
Importantly, the document notes that this requirement does not apply to holders of Russian passports. It also clarifies that the rule does not apply to citizens of Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Moldova. (Source: Council of Ministers of the Russian Federation)
Earlier, the Ombudsman provided context on the number of foreigners entering the territory of the Russian Federation during the first quarter of 2023. (Source: Ombudsman’s office)