Russian passport acquisition process has been streamlined for residents of South Ossetia and Abkhazia
In a significant development, citizens of Abkhazia and South Ossetia who have obtained Russian citizenship can now apply for a Russian passport on the territory of these republics. This change was facilitated by a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin, which allows them to apply for or replace Russian passports at their place of residence until August 1, 2028 [1][2][5].
The decree has also simplified the process of acquiring Russian citizenship. Interested individuals should contact the Russian diplomatic mission in their country or the Interior Ministry if they are already in Russia [1].
However, specific details on driver's license procedures for citizens of Abkhazia and South Ossetia with Russian citizenship or residence permits in Russia are not available at present. Generally, to obtain a driver's license in Russia, one needs to pass a driving test and provide necessary documentation, such as a valid visa or residence permit.
The general requirements and restrictions for Russian citizenship and residency in Abkhazia and South Ossetia are as follows:
- **Russian Citizenship and Residency in Abkhazia and South Ossetia:** - **Passport Application:** Possible on the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia until August 1, 2028. - **Citizenship Acquisition:** Simplified process through contacting Russian diplomatic missions or the Interior Ministry.
- **Russian Residency Permits:** - Requirements for obtaining a residency permit in Russia include having a valid reason for residency, such as work, study, or family ties. - Once a residency permit is obtained, it may be possible to apply for a driver's license by fulfilling standard requirements (e.g., passing a driving test).
For international travel, adherence to biometric passport requirements is crucial. For instance, the Czech Republic has ceased recognizing non-biometric Russian passports since September 15, 2024 [3].
It is important to note that the decree does not provide information on who is responsible for establishing the procedure for issuing and replacing passports for individuals covered by the decree. Additionally, the decree does not mention any changes to the procedure for issuing and replacing passports for these individuals.
Until the relevant legislation in Russia is fully adjusted, Abkhazian citizens with Russian citizenship or a residence permit in Russia can drive using their national licenses. An application can be submitted for passport replacement if it was not obtained by the date the decree came into force. However, the decree does not state any new provisions regarding the application for passport replacement if it was not obtained by the date the decree came into force.
The decree does not apply to Russian citizens who acquired Russian citizenship in accordance with the presidential decree of May 17, 2025. Currently, citizens of Abkhazia with Russian citizenship or a residence permit in Russia can obtain driver's licenses based on valid Abkhazian driver's licenses in a simplified manner.
Lastly, the decree does not provide information on whether the procedure for issuing and replacing passports may include authorizing officials to complete the process on the territories of the republics. The Russian government is responsible for establishing this procedure.
Policy-and-legislation: The decree does not mention any changes to the procedure for issuing and replacing passports for citizens of Abkhazia and South Ossetia with Russian citizenship or residence permits in Russia.
General-news: The Russian government is responsible for establishing the procedure for issuing and replacing passports for individuals covered by the decree, but it does not state whether the procedure may include authorizing officials to complete the process on the territories of the republics.
