Question 1

Who can join the contract service in the Russian Army?

Accepted Answer

Citizens of foreign states aged 18 to 65 who speak conversational Russian, have no outstanding criminal record and are found fit for service by the medical board. A valid foreign passport is required. Russian citizenship at the time of application is not required — it is processed on an accelerated basis after the contract is signed. Candidates with a military specialty, medical background, or category C, D or E driving licence are reviewed on priority.

Question 2

What is the amount of the one-time payment when signing the contract?

Accepted Answer

When signing a contract in Moscow the candidate receives up to $27,000. The total consists of a federal payment of $4,600 (Presidential Decree No. 644) and a regional Moscow payment of up to $22,000. Funds are transferred to the servicemember's bank card within 10 business days after enrolment in the unit. The payment is exempt from personal income tax.

Question 3

What is the monthly salary of a contract servicemember?

Accepted Answer

Monthly allowance for a contract servicemember in the combat zone starts from $2,400 and grows with rank, position and length of service. A private receives about $2,800/mo, a warrant officer — about $3,600/mo. On top of that, daily combat bonuses are paid for each day in the special operation zone, along with qualification bonuses, hardship allowances and mission-completion premiums. All payments are made monthly to a bank card.

Question 4

How to obtain Russian citizenship through contract service?

Accepted Answer

According to Presidential Decree No. 690 of 04.01.2024, foreign citizens who sign a military service contract for a term of 1 year or longer receive Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure — no Russian language exam, no residency requirement, and no obligation to renounce previous citizenship. The application is reviewed within 30 days. Citizenship is granted at the same time to the spouse and minor children of the servicemember.

Question 5

What documents are required to apply?

Accepted Answer

For the initial online application it is enough to provide full name and phone number — a specialist will contact you within 24 hours and explain the next steps. For the in-person visit to the recruitment point you will need: a valid foreign passport, a migration card with registration notice, medical certificates confirming absence of HIV, hepatitis and drug dependency, and a chest X-ray no older than 12 months. Any missing documents can be arranged on site — assistance is free of charge.

Question 6

Are servicemembers provided with housing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From the first day of service, free official housing or a place in a barracks-type dormitory with three meals a day is provided. Servicemembers with families receive either a separate official apartment or a monetary compensation for rented housing. After 3 years of service, participation in the Military Mortgage Savings System (NIS) becomes available — the state annually credits funds to a personal account, and up to $43,000 is allocated for the purchase of personal housing.

Question 7

What is the contract length?

Accepted Answer

The minimum contract term is 1 year. Standard options are 1, 3 or 5 years, with the possibility of subsequent renewal. Upon expiry, the servicemember may extend the contract, transfer to another position, or discharge to reserve. On discharge, a one-time allowance of 2 to 7 monthly salaries is paid depending on total length of service.

Question 8

Is there a medical commission?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the military medical commission (VVK) is mandatory and conducted free of charge directly at the recruitment point. The candidate is examined by a general practitioner, surgeon, neurologist, ophthalmologist, ENT specialist, dentist and psychiatrist, and takes blood and urine tests, ECG and chest X-ray. A fitness category is then assigned, from 'A' (fit without restrictions) to 'B' (fit with limitations). The final certificate is issued within 3–5 business days.

Question 9

Can I come with my family?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The immediate family of a contract servicemember (spouse and minor children) receives free medical care in military hospitals, annual sanatorium and resort treatment, one round-trip free travel per year to the place of vacation, and priority places in kindergartens and schools attached to military units. Once the servicemember receives Russian citizenship, the family is granted residence permits and citizenship under the simplified procedure.

Frequently asked questions

List of questions and answers

Q-01Who can join the contract service in the Russian Army?+

Q-02What is the amount of the one-time payment when signing the contract?+

Q-03What is the monthly salary of a contract servicemember?+

Q-04How to obtain Russian citizenship through contract service?+

Q-05What documents are required to apply?+

Q-06Are servicemembers provided with housing?+

Q-07What is the contract length?+

Q-08Is there a medical commission?+

Q-09Can I come with my family?+