Russian State Duma lowers age for citizenship oath from 18 to 14

The Russian State Duma has passed a bill in its final reading, reducing the age at which individuals are required to take the citizenship oath from 18 to 14.

According to the lower chamber’s electronic database, the amendments affect the Law on Citizenship of the Russian Federation, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Legislation deems a citizenship grant invalid if the individual refuses or fails to take the oath.

The bill was first approved on February 13 and was proposed by State Duma deputies led by the Committee on Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs Chair Leonid Kalashnikov.

The explanatory note states that lowering the age aims to enhance the patriotic spirit and ensure a conscious commitment to uphold the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

All foreign citizens and stateless persons acquiring Russian citizenship through the general or simplified procedure are required to take the oath, except for children under 18, those legally incapacitated, and individuals unable to read or speak due to health reasons; since 2023, this has become a mandatory condition.

Failure or refusal to take the oath within a year leads to the termination of citizenship.

Earlier, the State Duma proposed requiring athletes to know the Russian national anthem and take the oath.

By Jeyhun Aghazada