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Vladimir Putin signs new laws to restrict Russians living abroad and tighten foreign residency requirements

President Vladimir Putin signed a series of laws aimed at expanding state oversight and regulating the movement of citizens and foreign nationals. A primary measure imposes sweeping financial, property, and consular restrictions on Russians living abroad who have been convicted in absentia. These individuals, often political opponents or anti-war activists, will be added to an official register and face frozen assets, blocked real estate transactions, and a ban on most official documents, including new passports. Legal experts describe the scope of these restrictions as an effective deprivation of citizenship while the state retains jurisdiction. Additionally, the administration announced new regulations for foreign nationals, requiring those with unexpunged criminal records to provide a criminal record certificate from their home country to obtain or maintain Russian citizenship and residency permits. The law also doubles the list of administrative offenses that can lead to the expulsion of foreigners, including participation in unauthorized protests and actions discrediting the Russian Armed Forces. Separate legislation also legalizes cryptocurrency trading under Central Bank oversight and grants government agencies access to confidential food supply chain data.

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