Citizens of Kazakhstan and several other states will no longer have to confirm knowledge of the Russian language when applying for Russia’s state resettlement programme. The change follows an amendment signed by President Vladimir Putin.
The exemption applies to former nationals of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. Applicants from these countries will not need to submit education certificates or undergo interviews to prove language skills.
Russia introduced the resettlement programme in 2006 to assist compatriots living abroad after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The initiative provides simplified conditions for relocation and citizenship.
In 2022, authorities proposed stricter language checks for applicants from CIS countries. The rule came into force on January 1, 2024, requiring proof of Russian language competence for those seeking citizenship under the programme.
The latest decree now removes these requirements for the five specified countries, easing procedures for potential resettlers, including those residing in Central Asia.
