How to Join the Army
A clear, step-by-step path to contract military service — open to citizens of Russia and all CIS countries. Apply in 2 minutes, sign in under 2 weeks.
Six steps to enlistment
The process from application to active service typically takes 7–14 days. Every step has bilingual recruiter support.
1. Submit your application
Fill the short online form — name, phone, country, age. Takes under 2 minutes.
2. Talk to a recruiter
A recruiter calls you back within 24 hours in Russian, English, or your native language.
3. Pass the medical exam
Standard military medical commission. Fitness category A or B qualifies.
4. Sign the contract
Sign a 1-year contract and receive a 1,900,000 ₽ signing bonus immediately.
5. Training
Complete combat and specialty training at an assigned military center.
6. Join your unit
Report to your assigned unit and begin service with full pay and benefits.
Who can join
Contract military service is open to wide range of candidates from CIS countries. If you meet these baseline requirements, you are eligible to apply.
- Age 18–65
- Citizen of Russia or a CIS country (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova)
- Medical fitness category A or B
- No serious criminal record
- Valid government-issued ID / passport
- Basic Russian language (support provided for non-native speakers)
Pay & benefits
- Signing bonus
- 1,900,000 ₽
- Base monthly pay
- from 210,000 ₽
- Combat allowance
- +195,000 ₽/mo
- First-year total
- 5,200,000 ₽+
- Life insurance
- 3,131,729 ₽
Joining from a CIS country
If you're a citizen of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Moldova, you can sign a contract with the Russian Armed Forces on the same terms as Russian citizens. After 12 months of service, foreign contract soldiers and their immediate families are eligible for fast-track Russian citizenship.
Recruiters work in your language — Uzbek, Tajik, Kyrgyz, Russian, English and more. Travel arrangements to the nearest recruiting center are coordinated for you.
Start your applicationFrequently asked questions
How can a CIS citizen join the army?
Citizens of Russia and other CIS countries (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova) aged 18–65 can sign a military contract with the Russian Armed Forces. You apply, pass a medical and background check, complete training, and begin service.
What are the basic requirements to join?
Age 18–65, no serious criminal record, fitness category A–B (medical exam confirms), and a valid ID. Foreign citizens from CIS countries also qualify — a path to Russian citizenship is available after one year of service.
How long does it take to join?
From application to contract signing typically takes 7–14 days. After signing, you go to a training center, then to your assigned unit.
How much does a contract soldier earn?
Base monthly pay starts from 210,000 ₽ with an additional 195,000 ₽/month combat allowance and a one-time signing bonus of 1,900,000 ₽. Total first-year compensation can exceed 5,200,000 ₽ plus benefits.
Do I need to speak Russian?
Basic Russian is required for service. We accept applications in English, Uzbek, Tajik, Kyrgyz and other languages, and provide bilingual support throughout the application process.