The law defines the principles of citizenship of the Russian Federation, the grounds, conditions and procedure for the acquisition and termination of citizenship. Citizenship of the Russian Federation is understood as a stable legal relationship of a person with the Russian Federation, expressed in the totality of their mutual rights and obligations. The provisions on citizenship of the republics within the Russian Federation and on honorary citizenship are excluded.

The list of grounds for acquiring citizenship is being reduced (the grounds for acquiring citizenship by way of registration and as a result of its recognition are excluded).

Admission to citizenship is carried out in a general or simplified manner.

Compared to the previous procedure, the requirements for admission to citizenship have been tightened. In accordance with the new Law, the permanent period of residence in the territory of the Russian Federation before filing an application must be five years continuously (previously, only five years or three years continuously). Also, the necessary conditions are: the presence of a legal source of livelihood, knowledge of the Russian language and renunciation of the existing other citizenship (with the exception of some cases).

The grounds for rejection of applications for admission to citizenship and restoration of citizenship of the Russian Federation are determined. One of the reasons for rejecting the application is the lack of a legitimate source of livelihood. The ground for refusal to renounce citizenship may be the absence of another citizenship.