The State Duma ratified the agreement with South Ossetia on dual citizenship

The State Duma at a meeting on Thursday ratified an agreement on simplifying the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for citizens of South Ossetia.

This is an agreement on dual citizenship signed by Russia and South Ossetia in 2021. The document provides that citizens will be able to acquire citizenship of another country without renouncing the existing one.

Any capable citizen of the republic over 18 years of age can apply for citizenship of the Russian Federation in a simplified manner. Children under 14 will receive the same citizenship as their parents. Until the child reaches the age of 18, the parents will be able to choose his citizenship on the basis of a written application.

According to the document, persons who have received dual citizenship will receive the right to social security, education, and medical care in accordance with the legislation of the country in whose territory they are permanently reside. This rule also applies to military service.

The Agreement will enter into force on the date of the exchange of instruments of ratification. It will remain in effect for five years and automatically renew for the same period unless either party notifies the other in writing six months prior to the expiration of the next five year period of its intention to terminate it.