Renouncing Russian citizenship abroad now costs almost 10 times more
Since August 2026, giving up Russian citizenship from abroad has become nearly ten times more expensive, though it remains the only way to permanently end military service obligations.
A new Russian government decree has sharply raised the fees for renouncing Russian citizenship from abroad. Russian consulates now charge $1,200 for processing an application, on top of which applicants must cover actual administrative costs such as document handling and certificate issuance.
Total costs vary by country: in most EU states, the UK, and the US the process runs about $2,640; in Kazakhstan and Armenia it costs $1,560; in Serbia, $1,920. After publication, Meduza readers noted that under Russian law consulates are not supposed to charge applicants for their "actual costs," and recommended checking with the relevant consulate before filing.
Inside Russia, the fee also rose, from 4,200 to 50,000 rubles (roughly $50 to $600) — still far cheaper, though processing can take up to six months.
Why people renounce citizenship
The main driver is that some countries require giving up a previous passport when granting a new one — including Kazakhstan, and, under standard naturalization rules, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Lawyer Anastasia Burakova, founder of the rights group Kovcheg, says most ordinary people face no real risk from keeping Russian citizenship, but it can complicate dealings with banks and other institutions wary of Russian passport holders, and raises sanctions exposure for business owners and investors.
The most significant reason, however, relates to the war: renouncing citizenship is the only way to permanently cancel conscription and mobilization obligations, along with restrictions such as travel bans and frozen accounts that accompany a draft summons. It also protects against extradition to Russia, a particular concern in CIS countries.
Applicants must show they have no outstanding tax debts, fines, criminal cases, or court-ordered obligations, and must provide proof of another country's citizenship or a guarantee that one will be granted.
