Second Citizenship: Who is Not Allowed to Have it if You Have Russian Citizenship

A second country’s passport is a convenient migration solution that provides citizens of two countries with even more opportunities and advantages. According to current Russian legislation, citizens are not prohibited from having a second passport or a residency card. However, there are categories of citizens who are restricted from obtaining a second passport. This overview will explore the differences between second and dual citizenship, the rights, benefits, and obligations of individuals with second citizenship, who is prohibited from having it, and other related aspects.

What Is Second Citizenship?

An individual holding two passports is referred to as a bipartite. With second citizenship, this status is primarily formal, as each state considers such an individual its citizen.

Second citizenship means that a citizen of one country also holds the passport of another. For instance, a Russian citizen may have a passport from Argentina, France, or Grenada. An individual may hold more than two passports, which is termed multiple citizenship.

Difference Between Second and Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship for Russian citizens is only possible with countries that have a specific agreement with Russia. For example, such an agreement exists between Russia and Tajikistan. When a Russian citizen obtains a Tajik passport, they acquire dual citizenship.

With dual citizenship, an individual retains full rights, benefits, and obligations in both countries. However, they pay taxes and fulfill military service requirements in the country of their permanent residence. For instance, if a Tajik citizen receives a Russian passport but has already completed military service in Tajikistan, they will not be conscripted in Russia.

In all other cases, citizenship is considered second, not dual.

Two Citizenships in Russia: Legal Perspective

Under current legislation, Russian citizens are allowed to hold two or more citizenships. Regardless of the number of passports a person possesses, each country will only recognize them as its citizens. For example, a Russian citizen with a Grenadian passport will still be considered a Russian citizen in Russia and a Grenadian citizen in Grenada.

Russia permits second or multiple citizenships with any country, without stripping individuals of their Russian citizenship. However, some countries prohibit multiple or second citizenship. For example, Spain requires individuals to renounce their previous citizenship upon acquiring Spanish nationality.

Advantages and Features of Second Citizenship

A resident with second citizenship gains several benefits along with the second passport:

1. Expanded Visa-Free Travel. A second passport significantly broadens travel options, enabling visits to numerous countries without the need for a visa—for work, leisure, business meetings, and other purposes. To determine which passport offers the most travel freedom, consult specialized rankings. Annual passport indices, calculated by various authorized services, provide insights into visa-free access. Countries like EU nations, the UAE, Singapore, South Korea, and the UK usually rank highest, while Syria, Afghanistan, and Somalia often occupy the lowest positions.
2. Family Citizenship. Often, when obtaining a second passport, applicants can include their spouse and minor children in the application. In many countries, citizenship obtained can be inherited by birthright. If family members cannot obtain the new passport simultaneously, they are usually offered a simplified process for residence permits and, subsequently, citizenship.
3. Access to Quality Healthcare, Benefits, and Education. With a second passport, individuals can study abroad under the same conditions as local citizens, work without additional permits, and apply for state benefits. In some cases, second passport holders can receive pensions in another country, provided it has a social security agreement with Russia (e.g., Czech Republic, Belarus, Estonia, Tajikistan).
4. Business Opportunities. Citizens can register a company in another country, expand their business reach, find new partners, and choose a more favorable tax regime. Second citizenship allows the selection of a country with advantageous tax obligations.
5. Backup Location. Citizens can reside in the second country indefinitely and leave whenever they choose.

It is important to realize that two citizenships have not only several advantages but also several obligations. A person with two passports must take into account and comply with the laws of the countries whose citizenship he or she holds.

Rights and Obligations of Individuals with Dual or Multiple Citizenship

Holders of a second passport have the same rights and responsibilities as native citizens of that country:

• Compliance with Laws. Laws and regulations vary between countries. For instance, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in Russia, while in some countries, this restriction applies only to strong alcohol, permitting beer consumption.
• Military Service. Many countries require men to serve in the military, while others, like Israel, include women. For example, women aged 18–26 who acquire Israeli citizenship may be conscripted.
• Tax Obligations. To avoid double taxation, individuals must familiarize themselves with tax treaties and conventions between the countries of their citizenship.

Having issued a second, third, or any other passport, it is necessary to remember that if you have foreign citizenship/residency, it is necessary to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs promptly. When obtaining any document /permit/visa allowing long-term residence in another country, it is necessary to inform the authorized bodies.  

Restrictions on Russian Citizens with Second Citizenship

Russian citizens with a second passport face certain limitations due to their dual status:

• Employment in Government. Such individuals cannot work in government institutions or hold public service positions. This includes judges, prosecutors, officials, and the president. Exceptions exist for those who cannot renounce second citizenship due to external factors, allowing them to work in public service for up to three years without access to state secrets.
• Political Rights. Citizens with foreign citizenship cannot serve as deputies in federal bodies or electoral commissions but may hold municipal positions if permitted by international agreements.
• Economic Rights. Dual citizens cannot work in security services, customs, or aviation positions tied to state and military operations. They are also restricted from establishing media organizations that broadcast across significant portions of Russia.

Obtaining Certification of No Dual Citizenship

Before employment in government roles, candidates must provide proof of single citizenship. The certificate can be obtained from the Ministry of Internal Affairs by submitting a domestic and foreign passport and a completed application. Processing takes five days, and the service is free.

Conclusion

If you are considering acquiring a second passport or residency, consult a licensed agency like GARANT.in. Professional lawyers will guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and efficient migration journey.