Citizenship application and renunciation

Belarusian legislation does not recognize dual citizenship with Russia. To acquire Belarusian citizenship, an applicant must formally renounce their Russian citizenship. For specific procedures and guidance, contact the local Department of Citizenship and Migration (OGIM).

Marriage to a Belarusian citizen for a Russian national does not automatically eliminate all immigration complexities regarding legal residence in Belarus. While marriage can facilitate the process, it does not bypass the need for migration registration, residence permits, or other necessary documentation to live permanently and legally in Belarus. Without proper documentation, a Russian spouse might still be limited to a maximum stay of 90 days per year.

To obtain Belarusian citizenship, renunciation of existing citizenship (e.g., Russian) is typically required. This is a standard procedure for acquiring citizenship in many countries to avoid dual nationality, unless specific bilateral agreements exist. If you are considering applying for Belarusian citizenship, it's essential to consult the official migration or citizenship services of Belarus for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.

Regarding children born in Belarus to Russian parents and eligibility for Russian maternity capital: If a child automatically acquires Belarusian citizenship at birth, obtaining Russian citizenship may require a formal application process. This can potentially affect maternity capital eligibility, as the primary condition is often the child's acquisition of Russian citizenship by birthright. The exact process and requirements should be verified with the Russian consulate or relevant migration authorities, as procedures and interpretations can vary.

Russian citizenship is a valid basis for applying for a VNJ (Temporary Residence Permit) in Belarus. Combined with secured accommodation (rented apartment with a contract and, ideally, a permanent registration), it forms a sufficient basis for the application. Specify Russian citizenship as the grounds when filling out the application form.

Belarus does not officially recognize dual citizenship in all cases. While a Belarusian citizen can obtain a second citizenship if the laws of the other country do not require renunciation of Belarusian citizenship (e.g., Israel), acquiring Belarusian citizenship generally requires renouncing the applicant's existing foreign citizenship. This is stipulated in Article 14 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Citizenship of the Republic of Belarus" (dated August 1, 2002, No. 136-Z), which states that an applicant must either not possess foreign citizenship, lose it upon acquiring Belarusian citizenship, or apply to the competent authority of the foreign state to terminate it, unless termination is impossible due to reasons beyond the person's control.

For a child born in Belarus to Russian parents, obtaining Russian citizenship and eligibility for Russian maternity capital involves specific procedures. If the child automatically acquires Belarusian citizenship at birth (common when born in Belarus to Belarusian parentage, but rules can vary), obtaining Russian citizenship may require a formal application process rather than automatic acquisition by birthright. To be eligible for Russian maternity capital, the child must primarily acquire Russian citizenship. There's a debate among users whether Russian citizenship must be obtained first, or if the order is flexible. It's recommended to consult official Russian consulates or migration authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding citizenship acquisition and maternity capital eligibility for children born abroad.

Acquiring Belarusian citizenship solely based on property ownership is not directly possible. To obtain citizenship, one typically must reside in Belarus for five years on a permanent residency permit (VNZh/RPP). A VNZh can be acquired based on Russian citizenship or other grounds like family reunification. Property ownership can facilitate obtaining a temporary residence permit (RVP - one-year permit) or an ID card for permanent residency if you are a Russian citizen and own property, allowing you to register there. However, the path to full citizenship requires a longer period of residency and potentially renouncing your current citizenship.

For Romanian citizenship applications (ANC), regarding birth certificates from the RSFSR, Russia, and Belarus, note that these countries are not part of the convention for multilingual documents. Therefore, apostille and notarized translation are likely required. Moldovan citizens can use a re-registered Moldovan civil status extract, but may still need the original Russian birth certificate for transcription. Birth certificates from Transnistria require legalization, possibly in Romania, and should be issued within the last two years. Consultancies like 'Just Consult' can provide specific guidance.