All the 614 delegates from United Russia and Putin's All-Russia People's Front movement, who took part in the vote, supported Putin's candidacy.
"My entire life, without exaggeration, has been aimed at serving our fatherland," Putin told his supporters after his nomination was announced. "Our motto is 'Never look back!' Thank you... We will win together".
The congress took place a week before parliamentary elections due Dec 4.
The presidential election campaign officially started in Russia Saturday, with the polls scheduled to take place March 4, 2012.
Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev announced their plans in mid-October to swap jobs. Medvedev, who will lead United Russia in parliamentary polls Dec 4, is expected to become Russia's new prime minister after his presidential term expires.
Published 27 November 2011, 12:35 IST