On June 22, 2006, by Presidential Decree of the Russian Federation (No. 637), the “State Program to Assist the Voluntary Resettlement of Compatriots Living Abroad to the Russian Federation”was approved.

Its foundation lies in the organization and practical implementation of the return process of foreign citizens with Russian roots to their homeland for permanent residence, with the goal of improving the demographic and socio-economic situation in Russia.

Organizational Framework

The main organizational and administrative provisions for the implementation of the State Program were fully outlined in the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated November 16, 2022 on the

“Action Plan for the Implementation of the State Program to Assist the Voluntary Resettlement of Compatriots Living Abroad to the Russian Federation for 2023–2025” (No. 3491-r).

As the program was implemented in practice, some provisions were repealed, amended, or clarified.

Specifically, according to the Presidential Decrees of the Russian Federation:

• No. 219 of 30.03.2023,

• No. 872 of 22.11.2023,

changes were introduced in the procedure of participation in the program: on a general basis or as repatriates.

Participation in the Program on a General Basis (currently valid)

A compatriot must submit the following documents to the Russian consular office in the country of their citizenship or permanent residence:

1. Proof of proficiency in Russian, presented by one of the following documents (this requirement does not apply to compatriots who are citizens of the Russian Federation, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine, or to repatriates):

    

   • a) an official certificate (or duplicate) confirming the completion of education (at least general education) on the territory of the USSR before September 1, 1991, or a certificate of education obtained in the Russian Federation after September 1, 1991;

   • b) a certificate of education issued in a country where Russian is one of the official state languages (for citizens of that country);

   • c) a decision by a commission recognizing Russian language proficiency after an interview.

     👉 Application for online interview

    

2. Completed application form for participation in the program (legibly filled out in Russian, either by hand or electronically).

3. Identity documents of the applicant and family members listed in the application.

4. Birth certificates of the applicant and family members.

5. Documents on marital status.

6. Educational and/or professional qualifications, employment history, academic titles and degrees, as well as documents describing professional skills (if available).

7. Two personal photographs (35×45 mm, color or black-and-white, full face without head covering).

⚠️ Important: All documents in foreign languages must be legalized (apostille required for German documents, except passports and work certificates) and translated into Russian. The accuracy of the translation must be notarized or certified by a consular officer.

Participation in the Program as Repatriates (currently valid)

A compatriot must submit the following documents to the Russian consular office in the country of their citizenship or permanent residence:

1. Completed application form for participation in the program.

   👉 Application form

2. Identity documents of the applicant and family members listed in the application.

3. Birth certificates.

4. Documents on marital status.

5. Educational and professional qualifications (optional).

6. Two personal photographs (35×45 mm, color or black-and-white).

7. One of the following documents proving repatriate status:

    

   • a) residence permit or other document proving permanent residence abroad (as of 24.02.2022);

   • b) certificate of renunciation of Russian citizenship;

   • c) birth certificate, household registration, or military service documents proving birth/residence in the RSFSR or USSR;

   • d) documents proving direct lineage to relatives born or permanently residing in the RSFSR, Russian Empire, or USSR within today’s borders of the Russian Federation.

    

⚠️ If such documents are missing, archive certificates or extracts from archival records must be submitted.

⚠️ All documents in foreign languages must be legalized (apostille required for German documents, except passports and work certificates) and translated into Russian. Translations must be notarized or certified by a consular officer.

Additional Information on the State Program

• Portal “Russkiy Vek”: ruvek.mid.ru

• AIS “Sootechestvenniki”: aiss.gov.ru

• Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD): official page

Phone numbers:

+7 (495) 184-02-25,

+7 (495) 917-52-62,

+7 (495) 917-56-06

Email: sootech@mvd.ru

Working hours: Mon–Fri, 08:00–20:00 (Moscow time)

Embassy of Russia in Berlin:

Consular page

📩 Questions: pereselenie1@mail.ru (please include full name, address, and contact phone).

Useful Links

• Procedure and list of documents

• Appointment booking

• Additional information