The fee for renouncing citizenship has been increased ninefold for Russians
9 August 07:15
The cost of renouncing Russian citizenship abroad has increased more than ninefold and is now several times more expensive than the same procedure for U.S. citizens. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing Russian propaganda media.
According to a Russian government decree, starting August 1, 2026, the consular fee for Russian passport holders who wish to apply for renunciation of citizenship outside Russia will be $1,200 instead of $130. Obtaining such a document outside the country will cost $600 (compared to the previous $65).
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In addition, applicants must cover the consulates’ actual expenses. For example, renouncing a Russian passport in EU countries or the U.S. will cost $2,640 for the entire procedure, while in Kazakhstan it will cost $1,560. As a result, it is now more expensive for Russians to renounce their citizenship outside the country than in other developed nations. For example, the consular fee for issuing a certificate of loss of U.S. citizenship is $450 (it was $2,350 until April). In Italy, the fee for renouncing citizenship does not exceed 300 euros. In Germany, this procedure is free of charge.
In June 2026, the State Duma passed a law that increased the state fee for acquiring Russian citizenship and renouncing it within Russia by a factor of 12. Instead of the previous 4,200 rubles, applicants will now have to pay 50,000 rubles.
According to official statistics, in the year the war against Ukraine began, 4,306 people renounced their Russian citizenship, while in 2021, that figure stood at 4,055. In 2020, there were 3,877 such cases. Data on who renounced Russian citizenship in subsequent years has not been officially published.
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