The International Athletics Federation (World Athletics) has approved the action plan developed for Russia to be able to return as a member of the global athletics family.
Russia has been suspended since the end of 2015 due to serious doping offenses.
It is now believed that the conditions exist for a profound change in the Russian doping culture, something that has been in demand for the past five years.
"I do not think it has been a week during my presidency where I have not answered questions about Russia and our sport," said World Athletics chairman Sebastian Coe in a press release.
He would like to thank the association's appointed special group, their experts and the Russian Athletics Federation for "creating a detailed roadmap for rebuilding trust".
The change will not happen overnight.
In a couple of weeks, a decision will be made whether Russian athletes will for the time being be allowed to compete under a neutral flag in major international championships, including this summer's Olympics in Tokyo.