Leaving Russia: exit, military service, second citizenship

What the Federal Foreign Office says on exit and dual nationals, and what is not confirmed here.

What the Federal Foreign Office states

The travel advice for the Russian Federation (auswaertiges-amt.de) says:

• A partial mobilisation was ordered in September 2022 and has not been officially ended.
• Exit from Russia can be refused if liabilities exist, for example taxes, fines, maintenance or loans.
• Russian authorities regard dual German-Russian nationals exclusively as Russian citizens, including for possible conscription. German missions cannot give them consular protection. They can leave only with a valid Russian foreign passport.
• Since 1 January 2026 Russians generally need a biometric Russian foreign passport to enter Germany; non-biometric passports can no longer be used unless they contain a valid German visa (Embassy Moscow).

Electronic summons and exit restrictions

Reported: a Russian law of April 2023 made electronic call-up notices equivalent to paper ones, created a register of persons liable for military service, and links a summons to a ban on leaving the country. How strictly this is applied was reported differently in 2025 and 2026 (EUAA, Novaya Gazeta Europe). We did not check the statute text itself. See the EUAA overview on euaa.europa.eu for the situation of those liable for service.

Second citizenship and residence permits

Russian law reportedly obliges Russian citizens to notify the authorities (the Interior Ministry, MVD) of a second citizenship or of a residence permit in another state. The exact deadline, form and consequences are not confirmed here; read the current Russian statute or ask a lawyer.

Germany: from 27 June 2024 German law accepts multiple citizenship, see Already in Berlin?. Whether Russia treats a German citizenship acquired later as valid next to the Russian one is not confirmed: the Foreign Office says dual nationals are treated only as Russians.

Practical points

• Check passport validity and its biometric type before you book appointments: Visa application.
• Money, cards and cash: Money and EU sanctions.
• Other countries have also changed border rules for Russians (the Foreign Office reports that Finland has closed all crossings until further notice). Check the current travel advice before any trip.