Putin allowed to receive Russian passports in South Ossetia and Abkhazia until 2028

Citizens of Abkhazia and South Ossetia who have Russian citizenship will be able to obtain a Russian passport on the territory of these republics until August 1, 2028. The relevant decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin was published on July 17 on the official Internet portal of legal information.

The document notes that citizens of Abkhazia and South Ossetia who have already acquired Russian citizenship and permanently reside in these republics have the right to apply for a Russian passport on their territory. In addition, they will be able to apply for a replacement passport at their place of residence.

The document will be valid until August 1, 2028 inclusive. The procedure for issuing and replacing passports is to be approved by the Government of the Russian Federation.

However, it is clarified that the decree does not apply to Russian citizens who acquired Russian citizenship in accordance with the presidential decree of May 17, 2025 "On the admission to citizenship of the Russian Federation of citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia."

On May 17, Putin signed a decree on the simplification of obtaining Russian citizenship for Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Those wishing to obtain a Russian passport should contact the Russian diplomatic mission in their country, and if they are in Russia, then the Interior Ministry.