Czechia may require Russians to renounce citizenship for Czech passport

From January 2025, Russians living in Czechia who apply for Czech citizenship may be required to renounce their Russian citizenship. This proposal, expected to be voted on by the Czech Chamber of Deputies in the coming weeks, is driven by security concerns amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The rule follows a rise in the number of Russians acquiring Czech citizenship. In the first seven months of this year alone, 533 Russians obtained citizenship. Currently, around 40,000 Russians reside long-term in Czechia, according to the Czech Statistical Office. The new requirement is part of the "lex Ukraine VII law" amendment, designed to clarify the involvement of Czechs in military conflicts.

Interior Minister Vít Rakušan explained the rationale, stating that dual citizenship could pose a security risk. "At a time when Russia considers our country an enemy and is waging a hybrid war against us, dual citizenship could represent a security threat," he said.

The new rule will not affect Russians who already hold Czech citizenship. However, and crucially, if the amendment is passed then all citizenship applications (Russians applying for Czech citizenship) will be suspended indefinitely. This could be for years or even decades. A civic organization that is against the initiative, Jsme lidé (We Are People), has said that the Czech government's idea is a breach of EU law.

MP Martin Exner, a key supporter of the proposal, emphasized caution. “Russia is the aggressor in Ukraine and is waging a hybrid war across Europe. We must be cautious. Russians applying for Czech citizenship will have to choose between the two,” he said.

The proposal has gained support from Deputy Speaker Jan Bartošek. He warned that dual citizenship could allow foreign influence to threaten national security, stating, "Once someone acquires Czech citizenship, it cannot be revoked against their will."

However, not all lawmakers agree with the proposal. MP Jiří Mašek, from the opposition ANO party, questioned the threat posed by granting Czech citizenship to Russians. "I don’t understand the threat of giving Czech citizenship to Russian Federation citizens," he said.

Pirate Party MP Olga Richterová has suggested minor adjustments to the proposal, pointing out that some Russians may be unable to renounce their citizenship due to factors beyond their control, such as age or military service requirements.

The House Committee on Security has recommended approving the proposal, but rejected Richterová's suggestion. A vote on the proposal is expected in early December.