Russian citizenship for a child as a result of “grant of citizenship”

The article about a child obtaining Russian citizenship on the grounds of birth describes cases when a child is not a citizen of a foreign country at the time of application for Russian citizenship.

This article lists the grounds for obtaining Russian citizenship by grant of citizenship, i.e. cases when a child already is a citizen of a foreign country when applying for Russian citizenship.

Our practice shows that when one of the child’s married parents is a foreign national, parents would usually try to ensure two citizenships for the child. This is necessary at the very least to be able to be with the child not only in Russia, but also in the foreign country of which one of the parents is a national and have no problems with crossing the border. 

• A child may be granted Russian citizenship provided that one of his or her parents is a Russian citizen (previously, consent of the other parent, who was a citizen of another country, was also required)

• A child may be granted Russian citizenship provided that his or her only parent is a Russian citizen

• A child* may be granted Russian citizenship provided he or she is subject to foster care

* – this condition also applies to legally incapacitated foreign nationals.