Tajik citizens will now be able to undergo medical examinations in their own country before entering Russia for work purposes. The law ratifying the intergovernmental agreement necessary for this was signed by President Vladimir Putin.

The document was signed in Dushanbe in October 2024 during President Putin’s state visit to the republic.

Medical examinations will be conducted in Russian medical institutions according to Russian legislation. Based on the results, a certificate will be issued, which will be recognized within Russia.

“Allowing Tajik citizens to undergo medical examinations before entering the Russian Federation will reduce the risk of refusal for medical reasons when obtaining documents necessary for stay and work in Russia,” noted Vladimir Dzhabarov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs.

The State Duma of Russia has approved changes in migration legislation in the first reading that would require children of labor migrants to leave the country within 30 days after turning 18 if they have no legal grounds to remain. This information was published on the official parliamentary website.

The bill proposes amendments to Federal Law No. 115‑FZ governing the legal status of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation. Under the draft law, migrant children who have reached adulthood and do not have their own patent must either exit Russia or apply for a work patent of their own within the specified deadline.

The proposal also includes enhanced controls on fixed advance tax payments, income requirements, and other conditions related to the issuance and renewal of work patents for migrants and their families.

A foreign citizen wishing to obtain a residence permit (VNZh) in Russia must have an official income sufficient to support themselves and their family. This was reported in the official Telegram channel of the Main Directorate for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
Such income cannot be lower than the subsistence minimum established in the region where the application for VNZh is submitted. This serves as a guarantee that the migrant will not become an additional burden on the state’s social system.
Who needs to confirm income:

Foreigners applying for a residence permit for the first time;
Foreign citizens who already have VNZh status in the Russian Federation (annual confirmation of residence).

How to confirm income:
A migrant can provide one of the following documents:

Certificate from the place of work (Appendix No. 1 to the 6-NDFL calculation);
Tax declaration 3-NDFL + document confirming tax payment;
Confirmation of receiving alimony;
Certificate of income and tax withheld from a family member (if the migrant is a dependent);
Certificate of a bank deposit indicating the account number and amount;
Pension certificate;
Other documents confirming income from activities not prohibited by law (service contracts, royalty payments, etc.).

Important consequences:

Without confirmation of income, the application for VNZh will not be accepted.
If a VNZh has already been obtained, it may be annulled in the absence of income for any two calendar years after receiving the status (Article 9 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ).

These requirements are established by Federal Law No. 115-FZ of July 25, 2002 “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation” and the Administrative Regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (Order No. 417 dated June 11, 2020).

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The State Duma approved the bill in the first reading on March 18, 2026, amending Federal Law No. 115-FZ of July 25, 2002 “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation.”
Key changes for migrants' children

Upon reaching 18 years of age, children of labor migrants (working on a patent) must leave Russia within 30 days if they have no other legal grounds for stay/residence.
Alternative: apply for their own work patent and pay the fixed advance NDFL payment.

Additional requirements for migrants
The bill tightens family support and income rules:

Foreigners must support themselves and family members (including children) in Russia and pay fixed advance NDFL payments for themselves, spouse, and each child.
Failure to comply → patent revoked or not issued, stay period shortened.
Tax authorities and МВД will verify income levels.
Patent/work permit revoked if income is below the regional subsistence minimum (adjusted by coefficient) per migrant and each family member.
Temporary residence permit revoked/not issued if the migrant worked less than 10 months in a year.
Monthly fixed advance payments increased for some categories of labor migrants.

Income confirmation
To obtain/renew temporary or permanent residence, a foreigner must submit one of the documents (if not provided, data requested from tax authorities):

Certificate of individual income for the reporting period;
Copy of tax declaration confirming income amount and sources for the previous calendar year;
Documents proving payment of fixed advance NDFL (for self and family) in the reporting period;
Documents confirming income from investment or management activities in the past tax period.

The bill passed the first reading; second reading and possible amendments ahead. Sources: official State Duma site, RBC, Vedomosti, RIA Novosti, etc.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law amending the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation (Federal Law No. 50-FZ of March 8, 2026).

The law prohibits the extradition to foreign states of foreign citizens who serve or have served under contract in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and participated in combat operations.

Other initiatives in the State Duma

The lower house is also considering two related bills:

a ban on the deportation of foreign military personnel, which could be replaced by an administrative fine or community service;

a ban on deportation, readmission, shortening of temporary stay, refusal or annulment of temporary residence permits, and a ban on undesirable stay in Russia for this category of citizens.

Who else cannot be extradited

According to part 1 of Article 464 of the Criminal Procedure Code:

persons with Russian citizenship or political asylum due to race, religion, citizenship, nationality, membership in a social group, or political beliefs;

persons who already have a final court sentence for the same act or whose case was terminated;

persons in respect of whom a criminal case cannot be opened or the sentence cannot be enforced;

persons for whom a Russian court has established obstacles to extradition according to Russian law and international treaties;

persons who committed acts that are not crimes under Russian law.

The Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, reported in his MAH messenger about new initiatives regarding foreign citizens in Russia. Since 2024, the lower house of parliament has passed 22 laws aimed at improving migration policy.

New initiatives

In the near future, deputies plan to consider:

Obligation for labor migrants to support themselves and their families at the regional subsistence level;

Eviction of children of foreign citizens working in Russia upon reaching adulthood within 30 days;

Requirement to make fixed advance payments for each family member;

Responsibility of tax authorities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to verify a migrant’s income;

Stricter conditions for migrants with a temporary residence permit or residence status: the permit may not be issued or may be revoked if the migrant worked less than 10 months in a year.

Purpose of the measures

“These measures will expand control over labor migrants, their families, and incomes, which will help combat illegal migration,” Volodin said.

Statistics

In 2025, 2.3 million foreign citizens obtained work patents in Russia (+9% compared to 2024). Total advance NDFL payments amounted to 172 billion rubles.

Additional changes

The Russian government submitted draft laws developed by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to combat fictitious employment and strengthen control over tax obligations.

Also proposed is a significant increase in minimum salaries for highly qualified specialists:

scientific staff and teachers – from 83,500 to 358,500 rubles per month;

other specialists – from 750,000 rubles per quarter to 717,000 rubles per month.

Effective date

If approved, the new rules will take effect next year.

Migrants in Russia have been reminded that their temporary stay period will not be extended if they fail to pay for their work patent on time, according to the official Migration Service channel of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAH messenger).

Payment amounts

From January 1, 2026, fixed advance payments of personal income tax (NDFL) for obtaining a patent have increased.

The base payment is 1,200 rubles, adjusted by the deflator coefficient (2.842 for 2026) and a regional coefficient.

Regional examples:

Moscow and Moscow Region – 10,000 rubles;

Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Region – 8,000 rubles;

Krasnodar Krai – up to 27,200 rubles.

How and when to pay

🔅 The payment date is on the back of the patent. The paid period starts from that date.

🔅 It is recommended to pay 3–4 days before the end of the current period, either monthly or for several months in advance.

Example: If the patent shows January 10, 2026, the next payment should be made by February 9, 2026, preferably between February 5–8.

Consequences of missing a payment

⚠ If payment is missed, the temporary stay period will not be extended, and the migrant will have to leave Russia.

Legal basis

The employment of migrants is regulated by Federal Law No. 115-FZ. According to Article 13:

Foreigners may work without a permit in certain cases:

entering Russia under a visa-free regime;

highly qualified specialists;

family members of such specialists.

How to know the payment date

🔅 The issue date of the patent is written on its back. The paid period starts from this date. Payments must be made before the specified day of each month.

When to pay

🔅 It is recommended to pay in advance, 3–4 days before the end of the current paid period.

Example: If the patent shows 10.01.2026, the next payment should be made by 09.02.2026, i.e., between February 5 and 8.

How to pay

Payments can be made monthly or for several months in advance.

What happens if a payment is missed

🔅 In this case, the temporary stay period will not be extended, and the foreign citizen must leave Russia before the end of the paid period.

Patent cost

🔅 From January 1, 2026, the fixed monthly advance NDFL payments for foreign citizens working under a patent have increased.

Check the current rates here.

Starting February 28, 2026, Russia is updating the tax registration rules for foreign citizens. More categories of migrants will now have to register with the tax authorities.
New groups that must register:

Individuals registered as sole proprietors (IE) in EAEU countries (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan);
Those selling goods or receiving payments in Russia;
Those providing online services to private individuals (freelance, digital services, etc.).

Previously many of these activities did not require registration, but now the requirements are stricter — especially for online work and citizens of EAEU countries.
Also, paper certificates of registration or deregistration are being replaced with a simple extract from the Unified State Register of Taxpayers (EGRN). This makes the process faster and more convenient, often fully digital.
Other grounds for registration remain unchanged: residence registration in Russia, ownership of property or vehicles in Russia, inheritance of such property, status as a lawyer in Russia, etc. Even if you have no property or residence in Russia but have other reasons — registration is still required.
For migrants working on hire (with a patent or permit), the rules for paying personal income tax and reporting remain the same (Article 227.1 of the Tax Code).
These updates aim to better monitor income from online activities and EAEU business, while simplifying document handling. More info is available on the FNS website (nalog.gov.ru) or at your local tax office.

The State Duma of Russia has approved, in the first reading, three bills aimed at tightening the medical examination requirements for foreign citizens regarding HIV, drugs, and dangerous infectious diseases.

What will change

The bills propose:

stricter requirements for medical examinations of migrants for HIV, drugs, and infectious diseases;

mandatory electronic format for medical certificates, which must be uploaded to the Unified State Information System of Healthcare (EGISZ).

What this means for medical organizations

Organizations authorized to conduct these medical examinations will face new restrictions, including a ban on transferring their responsibilities to other institutions.

Expected outcomes

These changes aim to improve control over the health of migrants, enhance public safety, and reduce health risks for Russian citizens.

Foreign nationals working in Russia under a patent must pay advance income tax (NDFL) on time and обязательно keep all payment receipts. These receipts confirm the legality of your employment.

Why it is important to keep receipts

The receipt confirms that:

the patent is paid and valid;

the foreign citizen has the legal right to work in Russia;

there are no grounds for patent cancellation.

Receipts may be required:

during inspections by migration authorities;

when extending the patent;

when applying for a temporary or permanent residence permit;

when getting a job or changing employers.

What happens if payment is missed

If the patent is not paid on time:

⚠ the patent is automatically cancelled;
⚠ the foreign citizen loses the right to work;
⚠ the person may be included in the controlled persons registry;
⚠ fines or entry bans may apply.

Recommendation

After each payment:

✔ keep the paper receipt;
✔ take a photo or screenshot of the receipt;
✔ store receipts until the patent expires.

Russian authorities have proposed a new measure that would ban migrants from working on a patent if they fail to comply with a court decision. This proposal was introduced as part of amendments to the Federal Law No. 115-FZ "On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation".

What will change

If a migrant does not comply with a court decision fully or within the established timeframe, their work patent may be revoked. This applies to cases where a court decision becomes effective within 6 months before the application for a patent or during its validity period.

Reasons for the changes

The draft law was proposed because there is no direct reference to willful non-compliance with court decisions in the current legislation. The State Duma explained that non-fulfillment of court decisions undermines public order and violates the rights and legal interests of individuals and legal entities.

What the changes include

If a migrant does not fulfill a court decision, they will be prohibited from working on a patent.

A deadline for voluntary compliance will be set.

Additional changes

Additionally, if the conditions for obtaining a patent are not met, the following measures will apply:

The patent will not be issued or will be revoked if a court decision has not been complied with.

The patent will not be extended or reissued if there are circumstances that prevent employment (e.g., involvement in illegal activities or staying outside of Russia for more than 6 months).

The Ministry of Finance of Russia has proposed a substantial increase in the minimum salary for highly qualified foreign specialists. Under the proposed changes, the minimum salary will be differentiated based on the category of migrants.

What changes are proposed

For medical, educational, and scientific workers, the minimum salary is proposed to be 358,500 rubles per month.

For other highly qualified specialists, the salary is proposed to be increased to 717,000 rubles per month.

Why this is important

Currently, the minimum salary for highly qualified foreign specialists is 250,000 rubles per month. The proposed changes are aimed at attracting foreign specialists to key industries in Russia, which, according to the Ministry of Finance, will enhance competitiveness and stimulate innovative development.

Russian authorities are preparing changes to the legislation, according to which not only labor migrants working on a patent but also foreign nationals temporarily or permanently residing in Russia, working for individuals, will be required to pay advance income tax (NDFL).

Who will be required to pay NDFL

The new rules apply to:

Foreign nationals working on a patent;

Foreign nationals temporarily or permanently residing in Russia, employed by individuals for personal needs;

Foreign nationals working for individuals without a work permit or patent, such as foreign students, scientific and pedagogical workers, as well as refugees or those with temporary asylum.

What will change

These categories of foreign citizens will now be required to pay advance taxes not only for themselves but also for their children, if they are residing in Russia.

To confirm temporary residence and legal income, foreigners will be required to provide the necessary documents.

Additional requirements

Furthermore, in order to obtain a temporary stay permit or extend it, foreign nationals will need to provide proof of their financial solvency and legal sources of income.

Russian authorities have developed a new package of amendments that will change the procedure for paying income tax (NDFL) for labor migrants. From now on, foreign workers will be required to pay advance NDFL not only for themselves but also for their children.

What will change

Migrants working in Russia will be obligated to pay taxes on the income of their children if they live in the country with them.

To confirm their temporary residence in Russia and legal income, foreign nationals will have to provide relevant documentation.

Additional requirements

Additionally, according to the new rules, in order to obtain a temporary stay permit or extend their visa, migrants will need to demonstrate financial solvency and proof of legal income sources.

Migrants who lose the right to legally stay in Russia can be added to the Controlled Persons Registry (CPR). This registry is updated every 4 hours.

How to get added to the CPR

Foreign nationals may be added to the registry if:

their temporary stay in Russia expires;

they violate the "90/365 rule" (staying in Russia without a visa for more than 90 days within a calendar year);

they enter the country illegally;

their visa, RVP, PRP, or residence permit is annulled;

they are deported, readmitted, or restricted from entering the country.

Restrictions for those in the CPR

Foreign citizens listed in the registry face the following restrictions:

cannot change residence, leave the region, buy or register property, marry, open a business, or even open a bank account.

they cannot drive a vehicle.

Additionally, migrants cannot extend their stay by leaving and re-entering the country.

Fines for business owners

Providing services and employment to migrants listed in the CPR may lead to fines up to 500,000 rubles. The responsibility is outlined in Article 18.9, Part 3 of the Administrative Code of Russia (CoAP).

As part of implementing the Concept of the State Migration Policy of the Russian Federation for 2026-2030, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has prepared legislative changes that establish the responsibility of general contractors in the construction sector for non-compliance with the rules when hiring foreign workers.

What changes

The proposed laws introduce new obligations for general contractors in construction projects:

compliance with restrictions on certain types of activities;

ensuring foreign workers have a valid work patent or permit;

ensuring the foreign worker is not listed in the registry of controlled persons.

Why these changes are necessary

Every year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs detects around 80,000 violations related to the illegal employment of foreign nationals, especially in the construction sector. Business entities often use fictitious schemes, such as hiring foreigners through contractors, subcontractors, or "shell companies".

Consequences for general contractors

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in administrative responsibility, enhancing control over the use of foreign labor.

Comparison with existing legislation

Currently, similar requirements are in place for retail market operators, and applying a similar approach to the construction industry is now being proposed.

A draft law has been introduced to the State Duma that limits the right of foreign citizens with patents to change employers for 12 months after crossing the Russian border.

What the draft law proposes

If the draft law is adopted, a foreign worker will be able to change employers or work part-time only after one year from the date of entry. If the labor contract is signed for less than a year or is terminated earlier, the migrant will have to leave the country.

⚠ If the contract is terminated without a valid reason, the migrant's patent will not be extended or will be revoked.

Valid reasons for terminating the contract

These include:

liquidation of the legal entity or termination of the individual entrepreneur's activity;

extraordinary circumstances (war, disaster, epidemic, etc.);

non-payment or incomplete payment of wages;

violation of labor protection requirements by the employer.

Goals of the amendments

The proposed mechanism is aimed at transforming the patent from a tool for temporary earnings into a tool for stable, targeted, and controlled employment for foreign nationals.

Expected results

reduced employee turnover in critical industries;

improved workforce planning and increased labor productivity;

enhanced control over migration processes, taxes, and labor relations;

reduction of the shadow economy and growth of legal employment of migrants;

more accurate planning of quotas for foreign workers based on actual demand;

decreased social tensions and risks of the exploitation of migrant labor.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has prepared a draft government decree introducing mandatory electronic notification of entry into Russia for foreign workers and students from visa-free countries.

The new rule is planned to take effect from July 1.

What will change

Currently, foreign citizens may submit entry notifications:

electronically, or

on paper — by choice.

After the new rules come into force, paper submissions will be cancelled, and notifications will have to be sent only in digital format.

Experiment extended until 2027

The pilot project testing new entry and exit procedures for foreign citizens is proposed to be extended until December 31, 2027.

Originally, it was scheduled to end on June 30, 2026, but authorities decided to prolong it.

Why the experiment continues

Main reasons include:

📌 positive testing results;
📌 the need to improve biometric identification software;
📌 modernization of border checkpoints across Russia.

Why the digital system is being introduced

The project is part of creating a unified digital profile for foreign citizens, which will allow in the future:

submitting documents online;

interacting with migration authorities remotely;

checking entry bans in advance;

planning trips and departure digitally.

A residence permit confirms a foreign citizen’s right to live and work in Russia. However, if personal data changes, the document must be replaced. This was reported by the Migration Service of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

When a residence permit must be replaced

Reissuance is required if:

the holder’s surname, first name, date or place of birth, or citizenship has changed;

the document has become unusable due to damage or wear;

other grounds предусмотренные by Law No. 115-FZ apply;

the holder reaches the age of 14, 20 or 45.

Where to apply

An application may be submitted to:

the local migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “PVS” of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

the Moscow Migration Center (for residents of Moscow).

Required documents

The application must include:

four photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm);

an identity document;

the current residence permit;

proof of payment of the state fee;

a document confirming the change of personal data (if applicable).

Deadlines

⏱ Within 1 month — when replacing due to age (14, 20, 45), an error, or document damage.
⏱ Within 10 calendar days — when personal data has changed.

Additional information

In most cases, residence permits are issued without an expiration date. They may be obtained after at least one year of residence in Russia based on a temporary residence permit, as well as under simplified procedures, including after graduating from a state educational institution.

A residence permit confirms a foreign citizen’s right to live and work in Russia. However, in certain cases the document must be replaced. This was reported by the Migration Service of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

When a residence permit must be replaced

The document must be reissued if:

the holder’s surname, first name, date or place of birth, or citizenship has changed;

the permit has become unusable due to damage or wear;

other grounds provided by Law No. 115-FZ apply;

the holder reaches the age of 14, 20 or 45.

Where to submit the application

An application can be submitted to:

the local migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “PVS” of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

the Moscow Migration Center (for residents of Moscow).

Required documents

The application must include:

four photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm);

an identity document;

the residence permit to be replaced;

proof of payment of the state fee;

a document confirming the change of personal data (if applicable).

Deadlines

⏱ Within 1 month — when replacing due to age (14, 20, 45), an error, or document damage.
⏱ Within 10 calendar days — when personal data has changed.

Additional information

In most cases, residence permits are issued without an expiration date. They may be obtained after at least one year of residence in Russia on the basis of a temporary residence permit, as well as under simplified procedures, including after graduating from a state university.

From January 20, new rules for crossing the Russian border for minors will come into force.

Previously, in some cases, children under 14 years old were allowed to travel to certain countries and return to Russia using only a birth certificate. This procedure is now отменён.

What will change

The changes are based on amendments to the law on entry to and exit from the Russian Federation (Federal Law No. 257-FZ dated July 23, 2025).

They apply to trips to the following countries:

Abkhazia

Belarus

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

South Ossetia

From January 20, children under 14 will need a foreign (international) passport to travel to these countries and return to Russia.

Important exception

If a child left Russia before January 20 using a birth certificate, they may also return using the same document.

Additional restrictions

From the same date:

❌ Russian consulates in these countries will no longer issue temporary documents for return to Russia to replace a lost or damaged birth certificate;
❌ such a document will also not be issued if the child turns 14 while abroad.

Russia plans to change the procedure for mandatory medical examinations for foreign citizens arriving in the country for work or residence.

A draft law has been submitted to the State Duma proposing to reduce the period for completing the medical examination after entry into Russia from 90 days to 30 days.

What this means in practice

📌 Without completing the medical examination, foreigners will still be unable to obtain:

a work patent;

a work permit;

a temporary residence permit (RVP);

a permanent residence permit (PRP).

📌 Medical services will be paid for by the foreign citizens themselves.

📌 If a foreign citizen stays in Russia for more than 30 days, they may be required to undergo the medical examination annually.

Increased control

Medical institutions will be required to:

send examination results to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia;

notify Rospotrebnadzor if infectious diseases, HIV, or drug use are detected.

New penalties for refusing medical examination

A separate draft law proposes stricter liability for evading the examination:

⚠ fine from 25,000 to 50,000 rubles;
⚠ possible administrative expulsion from Russia;
⚠ if the fine is not paid — double payment and mandatory departure from the country.

Responsibility for clinics

Liability will also be introduced for medical institutions that violate examination procedures (lack of equipment, specialists, incomplete testing, etc.):

individuals — 25,000 to 100,000 rubles;

officials — 100,000 to 200,000 rubles;

organizations — 300,000 to 1,000,000 rubles;

possible suspension of clinic operations from 14 to 90 days.

Foreign citizens who decide to link their lives with Russia based on spiritual and cultural values can benefit from special conditions for obtaining residence status.

1️⃣ RVP without quota and language exam
According to Presidential Decree No. 702, such foreigners receive a temporary residence permit (RVP) without quotas and without confirming knowledge of the Russian language.

2️⃣ Application inside or outside Russia
An application for an RVP can be submitted either in Russia or through Russian diplomatic missions abroad.

3️⃣ Any valid visa is acceptable
Applications may be submitted with any valid visa, without the need to obtain a special category.

4️⃣ Legal stay extension during review
While the application is being processed, the validity of the visa or temporary stay is extended, allowing applicants to prepare for relocation.

5️⃣ Benefits for children entering school
Children of such foreigners take the Russian language test only orally, and may retake it without waiting three months if needed.

The Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, announced the development of several legislative initiatives aimed at improving Russia’s migration policy.

One of the key proposals is to reduce the mandatory medical examination period for foreign citizens arriving in Russia for more than three months. It is planned to shorten this period from 90 days to 30 days, once the relevant laws are adopted.

Medical institutions will be required to transfer information about issued medical certificates to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If an infectious disease is detected, the information will be forwarded to Rospotrebnadzor to take prompt measures, including possible deportation.

⚠ Administrative liability is planned for evading medical examinations, including fines and possible expulsion from Russia by court decision.

In addition, criminal liability will be tightened for forging and distributing official documents confirming the absence of dangerous diseases.

According to the Speaker of the State Duma, these measures are aimed at strengthening control over migration processes and improving public safety in Russia.

The Russian government plans to significantly strengthen liability for the use of illegal migrant labor. The corresponding draft law is to be developed by the summer of 2026.

According to plans published on January 2, the deadline for preparing the amendments is June 10, 2026. The document, in the form of a federal draft law, aims to toughen measures for companies and entrepreneurs who violate migration legislation by attracting or using foreign labor without proper permits.

The work on this initiative is entrusted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and the Federal Security Service (FSB). The main stated goal is to reduce the number of foreign citizens illegally staying in Russia.

These steps are part of a broader migration control reform. As reported last week, in 2026 the authorities plan to launch a biometric identification system for foreigners, and by 2027 — to create a unified information system to monitor their movements. Police officers will also be granted access to airline booking systems and tools for monitoring open-source information will be developed.

From 1 January 2026, several important changes will come into force in Russia that affect foreign nationals’ employment, residence and income confirmation.

📌 Increased financial requirements

In a number of regions, including Moscow, the subsistence minimum has been increased. This affects:
— required deposit and income amounts when applying for a permanent residence permit;
— annual residence confirmation under RVP and PRP;
— calculation of minimum income for certain migrant categories.

📌 Employment restrictions

New limits on the share of foreign workers in certain economic sectors will take effect. Employers must adjust the number of foreign employees to comply with the established percentages. This may affect jobs in construction, catering, trade, transport and services.

📌 Stronger document checks

Control will remain strict regarding:
— registration deadlines;
— timely patent payments;
— compliance between job duties and declared activity;
— availability of employment contracts and notifications to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Violations may lead to fines, patent cancellation or reduction of the permitted stay period.

📌 Patents and payments

In most regions, patent fees are expected to increase. Timely monthly payment remains mandatory for the patent to stay valid.

📌 RVP and permanent residence

Foreign nationals planning long-term residence should take into account updated income and document requirements. Simplified procedures remain in place for certain categories (students, graduates, EAEU citizens).

‼ It is recommended to check documents in advance, clarify regional requirements and avoid delaying renewals or status changes.

Russia continues planned inspections of documents held by foreign nationals staying and working in the country. These checks are carried out in accordance with current migration laws and aim to identify violations of residence and employment rules.

The following documents may be inspected:
📄 migration card;
📄 registration at the place of stay;
📄 work patent or work permit;
📄 employment contract and notification submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
📄 documents confirming legal stay (RVP or residence permit, if applicable).

Special attention is paid to:
— timely payment of the work patent;
— compliance between the place of work and declared type of activity;
— validity of stay periods;
— up-to-date registration.

⚠ If violations are detected, penalties may include fines, cancellation of the patent, reduction of the allowed stay period, or a ban on entry to the Russian Federation.

‼ Please note: responsibility for having valid and correct documents lies with the foreign national. It is recommended to always carry originals or certified copies and to monitor document expiration dates in advance.

The Russian Government has approved new quotas for the share of foreign workers in several economic sectors for the year 2026. These rules are outlined in Resolution No. 1995 dated 5 December 2025, which comes into force on 20 December 2025.

Employers must bring the number of foreign employees into compliance with the new limits by 1 January 2026, following Russian labour legislation.

🔻 Key percentage limits by sector

✔ 40% – vegetable cultivation, forestry and logging, woodworking, wholesale trade of timber and lumber;
✔ 50% – construction and food service;
✔ 24% – passenger road transport and freight trucking;
✔ 70% – real estate management, building and territory maintenance;
✔ 25% – sports activities;
❌ 0% – pharmacies, non-store retail, market trade and certain specialised alcohol and tobacco retail (with Moscow exceptions).

🔻 Regional specifics

Several regions have separate limits. For example:
📌 Moscow – 50% for some sectors; 15% for specialised alcohol and tobacco retail;
📌 Dagestan – construction no higher than 30%;
📌 Udmurtia – several sectors limited to 0%.

🔻 Important for foreign workers

If a company exceeds the allowed percentage of foreign staff, the employer may terminate labour contracts with foreign employees to meet the requirements (as allowed under Article 327.6 of the Labour Code).

Penalties for violations include fines for organisations from RUB 800,000 to 1,000,000, or suspension of activities for up to 90 days.

🔻 Who is not affected?

The limits do not apply to:
— holders of RVP or permanent residence permits,
— citizens of EAEU countries,
— highly qualified specialists (HQS) and their family members.

Foreign citizens working in Russia under a work patent must keep in mind several important rules that affect the validity of their patent and their legal stay in the country.

📌 Please remember that a patent is valid only if advance personal income tax (PIT) payments are made on time. A delay of more than one day may result in the patent being cancelled.

📌 In most Russian regions, the cost of the work patent for 2026 will be indexed. New regional coefficients will be set by local authorities, and in some regions an increase is expected.

📌 A foreign worker holding a valid patent may change employers legally without reissuing the patent, as long as the Ministry of Internal Affairs is notified about the new employment contract.

📌 If a foreign citizen working under a patent obtains an RVP or residence permit, the need to extend the patent disappears — work can continue on the basis of the new status.

📌 It is important to remember: a patent does not automatically extend the period of legal stay. If the legal stay period expires, a travel ban may be imposed.

‼ A foreign national should carefully track payment dates, migration registration deadlines, changes in patent costs and regional requirements.

A temporary residence permit for the purpose of education (RVP for education) has been in effect in Russia for a relatively short time, but it has already become an in-demand option for foreign students.

📌 The possibility to apply for this permit has been available since 1 January 2023.

📊 During this period, 33.6 thousand such permits have been issued. In addition, over nearly two years, about 9 thousand applications for permanent residence permits have been submitted on the basis of this status.

🏠 The permit allows a foreign student to legally reside in Russia for the entire duration of their studies, as well as for 180 days after graduation.

📄 A student holding this permit may apply for a permanent residence permit under a simplified procedure within 3 years after completing their studies.

🩺 An important advantage: foreign students with this permit are not required to undergo annual medical examinations.

‼ Please note: this permit may be obtained only by foreign students enrolled in full-time programs at state universities.

According to the Resolution of the Moscow Government dated 11 November 2025 No. 2665-PP, the city has set updated subsistence minimum amounts for the coming year:

⭐ 28,940 RUB — for working-age adults;
⭐ 18,971 RUB — for pensioners;
⭐ 21,903 RUB — for children.

These indicators affect the amounts required when preparing documents for residence-related applications.

Starting 1 January 2026, the required bank deposit for submitting an application for a residence permit (VNZh) with a 4-month processing period must be at least 115.8 thousand rubles per adult applicant.

⚠ When submitting annual notifications confirming residence under RVP or VNZh, applicants must also take into account the updated income requirements based on the new subsistence minimum levels.

If a decision has been issued against you — a fine and an order for administrative expulsion, you have 10 days to appeal it in court.
(It is recommended to appeal through the court, not through the Ministry of Internal Affairs.)

According to Part 6, Article 32.10 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, a foreign citizen or a stateless person who has been assigned administrative expulsion in the form of a controlled independent departure from Russia is required to:

➡️ Leave the territory of the Russian Federation within five days from the date the court decision enters into legal force.

Failure to comply with this requirement may lead to:

— a long-term ban on entering Russia,
— forced (escorted) deportation,
— additional administrative penalties.

If a ruling has been issued against you, act quickly and seek legal assistance.

President Vladimir Putin has signed Decree No. 883 introducing a new special status for foreigners — “representing interest for the Russian Federation.” This status provides a simplified procedure for obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) and Permanent Residence Permit (PRP).

📅 When can you apply?

Starting April 15, 2026, foreign citizens may submit a petition for receiving this status.

Who can qualify?

Foreigners who:

• have achievements in science, technology, production, sports, creative industries, education, or culture;
• have contributed to Russia’s economy, social development, or national security;
• possess highly demanded professions, skills, or qualifications.

Petitions will be submitted through a special non-profit organization designated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

What benefits does the status provide?

After receiving the status, a foreigner and their family members may apply for:

🔹 TRP (Temporary Residence Permit)
🔹 PRP (Permanent Residence Permit)

And they will:

✔ NOT need a Russian language proficiency certificate;
✔ NOT be subject to quota limits;
✔ be able to obtain a PRP without first obtaining a TRP;
✔ be allowed to work without a patent while their documents are being processed.

Family members include: spouse, children, parents, and children of the spouse.

Deadlines

• You must apply for TRP or PRP within 1 year after receiving the status.
• Processing time is 30 days.

Additional information

The Ministry of Internal Affairs will prepare the necessary regulatory acts by April 15, 2026.
The decree has already come into force.

Dear foreign citizens!

For the correct operation of the Amina application, you must grant all required permissions:

✅ Allow notifications
✅ Allow access to geolocation (we recommend enabling access not only “while using the app” but also in background mode)
✅ Allow access to the camera

Most errors in the app occur because users do not provide all permissions.

📌 Who must use the app?

Starting September 1, 2025, foreign citizens from visa-free countries who come to Moscow or the Moscow Region for work are required to install the Amina mobile application.

❗ Exception:
Foreign citizens who already have RVP (temporary residence permit) or VNZH (residence permit) are not required to use the app.

📅 Important for those with a valid paper registration

If you currently have a regular paper registration, then after it expires:

🔸 you have 30 working days
🔸 to register through the Amina mobile application.

Missing this deadline may lead to problems with migration status.

If you plan to stay in Russia long-term or later apply for a residence permit, it’s important to follow the rules for TRP – Temporary Residence Permit.

Key points:

🎯 TRP is valid for 3 years and cannot be extended. After that, you must apply for a residence permit or leave Russia.

🏠 You must register your place of residence within 7 days after receiving TRP.

📆 Once a year you must confirm your stay in Russia by notifying the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
📍 Missing this may lead to cancellation of TRP.

🚫 TRP may be revoked if you stay outside Russia for more than 6 months, violate migration rules, or work illegally.

📝 Usually TRP is issued under a quota, but in some cases it can be obtained without a quota (e.g., through marriage with a Russian citizen or if you have a child who is a Russian citizen).

Migration authorities remind that late payment of the work patent is considered a violation of migration rules.

📌 Key points:

The patent must be paid monthly, before the due date from the previous payment.

Even a delay of 1 day may lead to cancellation of the patent.

After cancellation, the foreign citizen must leave Russia, otherwise they may be banned from re-entry.

💡 Recommendation:

Pay 3–5 days in advance,

Keep the payment receipt,

If working in another region, check where payment must be made.

The State Duma has approved a new law that changes the requirements for obtaining compulsory medical insurance (OMI) for foreign citizens. Now, migrants will need to work legally in Russia for at least five years to be eligible for free medical care.

📌 What has changed:

Previously, foreign workers could receive an OMI policy if insurance contributions were paid for them for three years.

Now, this period is extended to five full years of legal employment.

Emergency medical care remains available regardless of work duration.

📅 The changes are introduced to the Federal Law No. 326-FZ and will apply after official publication.

📌 Additional updates to the OMI system:

From 1 January 2027, the federal OMI fund will directly determine funding amounts for regional OMI branches.

In the DPR, LPR, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, medical assistance may be financed directly from the federal budget — the Government will approve which medical institutions are eligible.

OMI staff members will be able to receive a one-time housing subsidy (only once during their career).

Contracts with medical institutions may include additional performance evaluation indicators, set by a special commission.

👉 Migrants are advised to verify their legal employment history in advance to avoid losing access to medical insurance.

Starting from March 1, 2026, employers in Russia will have the right to dismiss foreign employees if the number of such workers exceeds the limits established by regional regulations.

This rule is introduced by Federal Law No. 419-FZ of November 17, 2025, amending Article 327.6 of the Labour Code of the Russian Federation.

📌 What this means for foreign workers:

If a region sets restrictions on the maximum number of foreign employees in certain sectors, employers must adjust their staff accordingly.

If the limit is exceeded, an employer may legally terminate the employment contract of a foreign worker on this basis.

This applies only to foreign nationals and stateless persons and does not apply to citizens of the Russian Federation.

📅 Effective from:
➡️ 1 March 2026

👉 Foreign employees are advised to ensure that their employment complies with regional regulations and that their employer observes the quotas.

Starting July 1, 2026, Russia will introduce new rules for submitting information about the registration of foreign citizens at their place of residence.
The Federal Tax Service (FTS) has approved a new form, instructions for filling it out, and an updated electronic format.

📌 What is changing:
— Territorial divisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will continue to send data on the registration of foreign citizens and stateless persons, but now using the new form.
— This form replaces the old RFL-2, which will no longer be used.
— The update aligns the reporting format with Article 85 of the Tax Code, which defines what information must be transmitted to the tax authorities.

📌 Who is affected:
All foreign citizens living in Russia on the basis of registration at their place of residence. These data are used to automatically place individuals on tax records.

📅 Effective date:
The new form comes into force on July 1, 2026 (Order of the Federal Tax Service No. ЕД-7-14/853@).

Starting from January 1, 2026, the monthly cost of a work patent in Moscow will rise from 8,900 RUB to 10,000 RUB.
The increase is due to a higher regional coefficient used to calculate income tax for foreign workers.

📌 What changes:
The new coefficient will be 2.9323 (previously 2.8592), which raises the monthly patent payment by about 1,100 RUB.

📌 Who needs a work patent:
Citizens of:

Azerbaijan

Moldova

Tajikistan

Uzbekistan

Georgia

📌 Deadlines:
A foreign citizen must apply for a patent within 30 days after entering Russia.
Failure to meet the deadline results in a fine of 10,000–15,000 RUB.
If the patent expires or is not paid on time, the person must leave Russia.

📌 Required documents:

application form;

passport;

migration card (purpose of entry: work);

certificate of Russian language, history, and law knowledge;

medical certificates confirming the absence of dangerous diseases and HIV;

voluntary medical insurance (VMI) policy.

The patent is issued at the Migration Center.

A new digital system for testing foreign citizens in Russian language, history, and law has been launched in Russia.

📍 The system was developed by Tomsk State University (TSU) and has already been used by more than 110,000 foreign citizens.

🧠 Starting from 2026, all 92 testing centers in Russia will be required to conduct exams exclusively in electronic format.
The new system ensures:

transparency and fairness,

automatic grading of test parts,

video monitoring during exams,

instant issuance of certificates.

💻 The new platform — Flow-migrant and Odin — integrates the entire process: from registration and scheduling to certification. Candidates register online, choose the exam date, and the system records their camera and screen, preventing any violations.

📊 Over 35 state testing centers are already connected to the system, and the rest are preparing to join.
Next step — artificial intelligence will automatically evaluate the oral part of the exam.

If you live or work in Moscow or the Moscow Region as part of the digital migration registration experiment, make sure you comply with all requirements to avoid being included in the list of controlled persons.

📌 What you need to do:

Make sure you have downloaded and registered in the “Amina” app and confirmed your location if required.

If you change your address, notify the migration service via the app or in person within the set timeframe.

Check that your migration registration and work permit (or patent) are valid and that you are not violating the rules of residence.

❗ Failure to follow the experiment’s rules may lead to serious consequences: inclusion in the Controlled Persons Register, restrictions on rights, or even deportation.

📊 Next year, Russia plans to attract 16% more foreign specialists compared to 2025.
The Ministry of Labor of Russia has prepared a draft decree setting quotas for foreign workers arriving in the country with visas.

📈 According to the document, in 2026 Russia will issue 278,940 work permits and invitations — more than in 2025 (234,958) and 2024 (155,929).

🔹 In-demand professions:
— specialists and technicians in science and technology;
— agricultural and personal service workers;
— construction, engineering, textile, and food industry workers.

The largest quotas are planned for:
🏗 construction workers — 55,000 people;
⚙️ mechanics and engineers — 45,000 people;
🥫 workers in food and textile production — over 70,000 people.

📌 The goal is to fill labor shortages and support key sectors like industry, construction, and agriculture with qualified personnel from abroad.

If you started working in Russia, it’s important to remember — your employer must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) about your employment within 3 working days.

📌 This confirms your legal employment and helps you avoid problems with migration registration.

💬 What you should know:
✅ The employer sends the notification, but you can ask to make sure it was done.
✅ If the notification isn’t sent, you might face fines or problems extending your work patent.
✅ If you quit your job or change employers, a new notification must be submitted.

🟢 Always make sure your documents are correct — this protects your legal status in Russia.

The State Duma has proposed tougher penalties for foreign citizens caught driving under the influence.
The draft law introduces a new ground for refusing or revoking temporary residence permits (RVP) in Russia.

📌 What will change:
Currently, foreigners can lose their RVP for:

repeated administrative violations related to public order or migration rules;

offenses involving illegal drug circulation.

Now, the list will include driving a vehicle while intoxicated — alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
Violations will be considered both inside Russia and abroad.

👁 Taxi drivers will also be affected.
According to Sergey Mironov, leader of the “SRZP” party, taxi work attracts many migrants, and this category most often gets caught driving drunk. The measure aims to reduce road accidents and improve traffic safety.

💬 Purpose of the amendment:
✅ Improve road safety and reduce traffic violations;
✅ Encourage migrants to behave responsibly and follow the law;
✅ Protect public order and prevent potential threats.

In 2025, several major updates were introduced to Russia’s migration legislation. Here are the most important ones:

1️⃣ Since January 25 — to obtain a residence permit (RVP) through marriage, the marriage must last at least 3 years.
2️⃣ Since February 5 — registration of temporarily staying foreigners is limited to one year.
3️⃣ Since February 5 — a new register of “controlled persons” has been introduced. Those included cannot change residence, drive a car, marry, open a business, use banking services, take loans, or get a patent or work permit without notifying the MVD.
4️⃣ Since June 30 — all foreigners entering Russia must submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo). The digital migrant profile system began testing.
5️⃣ Fines increased:

up to ₽50,000 for individuals,

up to ₽250,000 for officials,

up to ₽2,000,000 for companies.
Fake registration now carries fines up to ₽500,000, correctional labor, or imprisonment up to 5 years.
6️⃣ Since January 1 — visa-free foreigners may stay in Russia no more than 90 days per year.
7️⃣ Since September 1 — Moscow and Moscow Region are running a pilot project for digital migration registration via the app “Amina.”

💬 These changes aim to strengthen migration control and improve transparency in the system.

There are two different procedures that are often confused:

Migration registration (notification of arrival), and

Extension of stay period — adding a stamp on the back of the migration card.

⚠️ Without extending the stay period (without the stamp), it is impossible to renew migration registration.

📅 To extend your stay, you must apply to the MVD migration department (OVM) within 90 days after entering Russia.

✅ Grounds for extension:
1️⃣ Studying full-time or part-time;
2️⃣ Employment (for citizens of EAEU countries);
3️⃣ Having a close relative who is a Russian citizen or a permanent resident (with registration);
4️⃣ Participation in the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots (having the “green book”);
5️⃣ Child of a parent holding a valid work patent.

💡 Timely extension of your stay helps avoid fines and possible entry bans in the future.

Foreign citizens can now apply for a work patent regardless of the purpose of entry indicated on their migration card.

📄 If your migration card shows a purpose other than “work,” you just need to submit a written statement when applying — there’s no need to leave Russia to get a new migration card.

✅ Important:
To obtain a patent for work in the Moscow Region, you must, within 30 calendar days from the date of entry into Russia, visit the Multifunctional Migration Center of Moscow with your migration card marked “work.”

💡 This change simplifies the process — no additional trips or new cards are required.

President Vladimir Putin has approved the new State Migration Policy Concept for 2026–2030.
Its main goal is to create conditions for the return of residents of Donbass and Novorossiya who left their homes during the special military operation.

📌 Key points of the concept:
👁 The Russian government will assist foreigners who share traditional values and wish to move to Russia.
👁 The stay of unemployed and non-studying family members of migrants will be limited. The number of children of foreigners not attending Russian schools should be reduced.
👁 Biometric control systems will be further implemented to strengthen migration oversight.
👁 Employers will be responsible for the legal support of migrant workers, including documentation and monitoring of their legal status.

🗓 The concept defines Russia’s migration policy priorities for the next five years and will serve as a foundation for updating migration laws.

Russian law allows foreign citizens to open an LLC (OOO) or register as an individual entrepreneur (IE) even without a residence permit — a valid foreign passport is enough. The main thing is to properly prepare the documents and choose the right legal form.

📄 Basic package for company registration:
• Passport with notarized translation into Russian;
• Company name and activity types (OKVED);
• Legal address;
• Authorized capital — from 10,000 ₽;
• Information about the director and founders;
• Electronic signature (ECP) to submit documents to the tax office.

⚙️ After registration, you must obtain INN, SNILS, and a bank account.
Without these, the company cannot legally operate.

💡 In practice, foreigners should consider the nuances of document translation, apostille, taxation, and director registration. Mistakes in these steps can cost time, money, and lead to a tax rejection.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia has published a draft decree that introduces a new document requirement for obtaining Russian citizenship — a certificate of no criminal record from the applicant’s country of origin.

The certificate must specify:
→ whether the applicant has a criminal record and for what crimes;
→ the form of guilt (intent or negligence);
→ confirmation that the applicant is not under criminal investigation.

⚠️ The document must be issued no earlier than 3 months before the application is submitted.

In other words, the list of documents now includes one more confirmation of a “clean record” — but this time from foreign authorities, not Russian ones.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has published Order No. 659 dated September 5, 2025, introducing significant updates to the rules governing the stay of foreign citizens and stateless persons in Russia.

📌 Key changes:

The Main Directorate for Migration (GUVM) is abolished.
A new structure is being created — the Service for Citizenship and Registration of Foreign Citizens (Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs).

The Ministry and its regional migration departments will now be supported by the Passport and Visa Service and the Moscow Migration Center.

The regulations have been updated regarding:
→ suspension of work patent issuance in regions;
→ repatriation of foreign seafarers;
→ submission of medical examination documents.

📅 The new rules take effect on October 11, 2025.

Starting January 1, 2026, the Russian Government will reduce the number of temporary residence permits (RVP) issued to foreign citizens.

📉 The new quota for next year is 3,803 permits, compared to:

5,500 in 2025,

10,600 in 2024.

📊 Regional distribution:

Central Federal District — 1,250 permits,
including Moscow — 500, Moscow Region — 250;

Saint Petersburg and Tatarstan — 100 each.

📘 What is an RVP?
A Temporary Residence Permit (RVP) allows a foreign citizen to live and work in Russia without a visa.
The RVP is valid for 3 years, after which you must either extend it or apply for permanent residence (VNZ).

📌 Who can obtain RVP without a quota:

minors applying together with their parents;

foreigners married to a Russian citizen for at least 3 years, or having a common child;

those serving in the Russian Armed Forces;

participants of the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots.

The State Duma has proposed to exempt certain children of foreign citizens from the mandatory Russian language test.
The bill was introduced by Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs (United Russia faction).

📌 Who may be exempt:

children of citizens of countries where Russian is an official language;

children of participants in the State Program for Compatriots’ Resettlement to Russia;

children of employees of embassies, consulates, and international organizations accredited by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

📅 The Russian language test for migrant children was introduced on April 1, 2025.
The results are taken into account when enrolling a child in school.

Starting September 1, 2025, new state fees for migration-related services have officially come into force in Russia.

📌 Fee amounts:

registration at place of stay — 500 ₽;

extension of temporary stay — 1000 ₽;

issuance or reissuance of work patent — 4200 ₽;

duplicate patent or corrections — 2100 ₽;

duplicate work permit (RNR) or corrections — 2100 ₽;

extension of work permit (RNR) — 4200 ₽;

duplicate permit to employ foreign workers (RNP) or corrections — 2100 ₽;

registration at place of residence — 1000 ₽.

💡 You can pay the fee online — via Gosuslugi, a bank, or a payment terminal before submitting your documents.
Keep your receipt to confirm payment when applying to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has approved a new procedure for information exchange with regional education authorities concerning foreign minors residing in Russia.
Now, data about foreign children who are not enrolled in schools will be transmitted through a unified electronic system between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and local education departments.
📌 What this means:

• Parents or legal guardians must ensure that their children attend school in Russia.
• If a child is not enrolled in school, it is considered an administrative offense, regardless of the parents’ citizenship.

🔔 From January 1, 2025:
Foreign citizens who are parents (or legal guardians) of children under 18 must ensure:
1️⃣ the legality of the child’s stay in Russia;
2️⃣ the opportunity for the child to receive basic general education.
❗ If these obligations are violated, the Ministry of Internal Affairs may decide that such foreigners are undesirable to remain in Russia.

Russia is home, hope, and family.
That’s what foreigners say when explaining why they have chosen to make Russia their home.

📌 Stories of moving:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Priest from the USA
He moved to Russia with his wife and four daughters. His great-grandfather once lived here, and the family had long dreamed of returning to their ancestral homeland. They wanted to live in a country that values traditional family values — and found it in Russia.

Chef-farmer from the USA
He traveled the world but found no better place to live than Russia. Here, he built a farm and started making cheese. His son is serving in the Russian army and plans to continue his father’s work.

✨ These stories show that more and more foreigners see Russia not only as a place to live but as a country where they want to build their future and raise their children.

Important changes have come into force in Russia affecting two areas at once:
— 💳 bank transfers,
— 🌍 migration registration of foreigners.

📌 What you need to know:

🔹 Stricter bank monitoring
1️⃣ Banks now analyze payment descriptions.
2️⃣ They track the frequency of transfers between individuals.
3️⃣ They monitor suspicious operations that may look like cash-out schemes.

💡 Even simple comments like “payment for services” or “salary” can lead to additional questions from the bank’s security department.

🔹 Digital migration registration
📱 In Moscow and the Moscow region, a pilot project has started for digital registration of foreign citizens.
Visa-free foreigners are required to use a special app to record their place of stay and notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs remotely.

❗ These measures aim to make financial flows more transparent and strengthen control over the legal stay of foreigners.

Today, several major announcements were made that could significantly change the migration landscape in the country.

📌 Key points:

1️⃣ President demands real enforcement
Vladimir Putin emphasized that many migration measures have already been approved but are not being fully implemented. The focus is now on ensuring these measures work in practice.

2️⃣ Possible cancellation of the patent system
The President suggested that the patent system for migrant workers could be completely abolished. This would mark a turning point and change the entire procedure for legalizing foreign labor.

3️⃣ Veterans against illegal migration
The President supported the idea of involving veterans of the Special Military Operation in identifying illegal migrants, signaling a tougher stance on violations.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs reminds foreign citizens who entered Russia without a visa that they must monitor their migration registration terms.

📌 Important to remember:

The maximum stay period is 90 days per calendar year.

You can extend your stay only if you have legal grounds: a work patent, temporary or permanent residence permit, studies, or family reasons.

The extension request must be submitted before the current registration expires, otherwise you will be considered in violation and may face legal consequences.

❗ If the deadline is missed:

you may receive a fine and a ban on re-entry for 3–5 years;

repeated violations can result in a longer ban.

📝 It is recommended to check the expiry date of your registration in advance and apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for an extension to avoid problems with the law.

President of Russia signed Decree No. 634 on September 8, 2025, introducing important changes to the State Program for Voluntary Resettlement of Compatriots.

📌 Key changes:
1️⃣ Expanded eligibility — now the program includes compatriots who were born and previously lived in the LPR, DPR, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions.

2️⃣ More ways to confirm Russian language proficiency — it can now be confirmed with an education certificate obtained after September 1, 1991, outside Russia in a Russian university branch or a joint university, provided the education was in Russian.

3️⃣ Simplified rules for former citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Ukraine — they no longer need to confirm Russian language proficiency to join the program.

4️⃣ Regional support — participants and their families can receive housing, employment assistance, vocational education, and other social benefits through regional resettlement programs.

📊 New data exchange process
Information about resettlers will be recorded in the migration accounting system and transferred to the “Compatriots” system. If a participant leaves the region or loses status earlier than 3 years after registration, they must reimburse the region for housing, social, and financial support provided.

These amendments came into force on September 8, 2025.

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The fastest and most convenient way for an employer to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs about hiring a foreign citizen is to use the Gosuslugi portal.

📊 Since the beginning of 2025, more than 1 million notifications about the conclusion of employment or civil contracts and more than 700,000 notifications about contract termination have been submitted through Gosuslugi.

❗ Employer’s obligations:
➡️ Conclude an employment or civil contract with the foreign citizen (orally or in writing);
➡️ Notify the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 working days about the conclusion or termination of the contract.

📩 Other ways to submit a notification:

in person to the local office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

through authorized organizations (Moscow MMC, FSUE PVS of the Ministry of Internal Affairs);

by postal mail.

📌 However, electronic services remain the simplest and most convenient option for most employers.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia has amended the notification form for concluding an employment or civil contract with a foreign citizen. Now, in section 3.4 of the form, it is necessary to indicate all addresses of work locations if a foreigner is employed in two regions of Russia (Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 552 of August 6, 2025).

📌 Why it matters
The changes are related to the amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens, which come into force on September 1, 2025.
The new article 13.3-1 allows agreements between Moscow, Moscow region, St. Petersburg, and Leningrad region, under which foreigners with a patent issued in one of these regions may legally work in another participating region.

📌 What employers should know

If a foreigner works in two regions, the employer must submit a notification to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in each region.

If an employee, already reported once, begins work in another region, the employer must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs of that region within three working days from the start of employment (Art. 13, para. 8 of the Law).

❗ Employers are now required to carefully monitor deadlines and submit notifications when foreigners work across multiple regions.

Today is the last day for foreign citizens to settle their legal status in Russia.

Starting from September 11, 2025, strict measures will apply: foreigners with violations of migration rules will be considered illegally residing in the country and subject to deportation ❌

📌 What violators will face:
➖ Long-term entry ban to Russia
➖ Inability to enroll a child in kindergarten or school 🚸
➖ Ban on registering marriage, divorce, or receiving state services
➖ Loss of the right to drive a car 🚗
➖ Forced deportation from Russia

❗ These rules apply to all foreigners, including citizens of Ukraine.

👉 Do not wait for sanctions to be applied to you — check your documents and legalize your status.

Для оформления ВНЖ через ребёнка, рожденного вне брака, необходимо пройти несколько шагов.

📝 Пошаговый порядок:

✅ Установить отцовство через ЗАГС
— Пока это не сделано, ребёнок юридически не считается вашим родственником.

✅ Доказать в судебном порядке совместное проживание
— Необходимо подтвердить, что вы проживаете с ребёнком и/или его родителем — гражданином РФ не менее 3 лет.
— Важно показать активное участие в жизни и воспитании ребёнка.

❗ Ключевой момент:
— Если вы фактически не живёте с ребёнком, подать заявление на ВНЖ невозможно.

✅ Что делать после
— Получив решение суда об установлении отцовства или совместного проживания, вы сможете обратиться в МВД с заявлением о выдаче вида на жительство.

📝 Step-by-step procedure:

✅ Establish paternity through the Civil Registry Office (ZAGS)
— Until this is done, the child is not legally considered your relative.

✅ Prove in court joint residence
— You must confirm that you have lived together with the child and/or their Russian citizen parent for at least 3 years.
— It is important to demonstrate active involvement in the child’s life and upbringing.

❗ Key point:
— If you do not actually live with the child, it is impossible to apply for a residence permit.

✅ Next step
— Once you have a court decision on establishing paternity or joint residence, you can apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a residence permit.

Starting September 1, 2025, a unified work patent will apply for foreign citizens in Moscow and the Moscow region.

📌 The initiative, based on Federal Law No. 121-FZ and an interregional agreement, simplifies the procedure for obtaining a patent for migrants and helps employers legalize foreign labor.

🔈 A foreign citizen can now legally work throughout the metropolitan region — both in Moscow and the Moscow region — with a document issued by either subject.
🔈 The agreement is valid from September 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029.
🔈 The new rules also apply to patents issued before the agreement entered into force.

↪️ Employers must notify the migration authorities within 3 working days when hiring a foreign worker. This requirement also applies when changing the place of work between Moscow and the region.

❗️ The patent tax must be paid at the place of actual employment.

Every foreign student entering Russia must be registered at their place of stay.

📌 How it works:
1️⃣ If a student lives in a university dormitory or in a facility owned by the university, the educational organization acts as the host party.
2️⃣ If a student rents an apartment or house, they must be registered at that address. In this case, the property owner is the host party and is responsible for submitting the necessary documents.

❗️ Failure to comply with the registration rules may result in administrative liability for the foreign student.

📊 Since the beginning of 2025, more than 118,000 study visas have been issued to foreign citizens — 20% more compared to last year.

👉 If the host party refuses to submit the required notification, the foreign student has the right to report this to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and even choose a new place of residence.

From September 1, 2025, to September 1, 2029, an experiment will be carried out in Moscow and the Moscow region to register migrants through a special mobile application called “Amina”, which can be downloaded only from RuStore. The program will collect data on the geolocation of foreign citizens.

📌 Who will be affected by the experiment:

labor migrants who entered Russia without a visa and work with or without a patent;

foreigners who changed the purpose of their visit (for example, arrived not for work but later took a job);

migrants staying in Moscow and the region for more than 90 days without an initial work purpose.

❗️ Exceptions: registration will not apply to diplomats, consular staff and their family members, citizens of Belarus, as well as holders of diplomatic and service passports.

📌 The purpose of the experiment is to simplify the registration process for foreign citizens and strengthen control over compliance with migration laws.

All foreign citizens who violate migration laws must settle their legal status in Russia by September 10, 2025.

📌 This applies to those who:
❌ have no valid documents for residence or citizenship;
❌ have no registration at their place of stay or residence;
❌ missed mandatory procedures (medical check-up, fingerprinting, photographing);
❌ committed other migration law violations.

‼️ Foreigners who fail to extend their stay and legalize their status must leave Russia by September 11, 2025.
After this date, they will be considered illegally residing in Russia and subject to deportation.

Starting from January 1, 2026, exams for migrants in the Russian language, Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian law will be held in computer-based form.

The Federal Testing Center has developed a new software complex called “EkzaM”, which will automate the process:

participant registration and video identification;

instructions and task monitoring online;

automatic calculation of results — in just 10 seconds;

same-day issuance of certificates;

real-time monitoring of exam sessions;

data transfer via API and integration with the FIS FRDO system.

📌 “EkzaM” reduces the workload for teachers and ensures personal data protection. The software is included in the Russian software registry and meets FSTEC and FSB requirements.

It is also noted that new initiatives are being prepared: restrictions may be introduced for migrants with criminal records to work in delivery services, and requirements for having a medical book will be tightened.

With the new academic year approaching, it’s important to remember: temporary registration is mandatory for anyone living outside their permanent residence for more than 90 days.

📌 What this means for students:

Non-resident students usually get temporary registration in the dormitory of their college or university.

If a student does not live in a dormitory, they must still register at their actual place of residence — whether it is a rented apartment or a relative’s home.

Thus, when enrolling in an educational institution in another city, students are required to obtain new temporary registration to remain legally compliant in Russia.

📅 On July 25, 2025, the President of Russia signed Decree No. 520 “On the specifics of the legal status of citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the Russian Federation.”

🔹 Moldovan citizens currently residing in Moldova and having entry restrictions to Russia will be allowed to enter the country between October 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026.

🔹 They will also be able to work in Russia without a patent from 01.10.2025 to 01.10.2026, provided they undergo mandatory fingerprint registration.

📌 This gives Moldovan citizens additional time to settle their legal status in Russia.

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has extended the deadline for foreigners and stateless persons whose migration rights were lost, giving them time to legalize their stay or leave the country. This must be done by September 10, 2025.

After this date, there will be no legal ways to remain in Russia.

📌 What you need to know right now:

If you are in Russia legally or illegally, do not delay — just over a month remains.

Prepare your documents in advance: TRP, PRP, patent, citizenship application, or another legalization option.

Re-entry into Russia after the deadline in 2025 will be impossible, even as a tourist.

Since January 2025, the maximum stay for foreign citizens entering Russia without a visa is no more than 90 days per calendar year, unless the period is officially extended. After this term, re-entry is possible only in the next calendar year.

📌 The stay may be extended if:

an application for TRP or PRP is submitted;

the person works under a patent;

the person studies full-time or part-time at an educational or research institution;

the person is an EAEU worker (this also applies to their family members);

the person has close relatives who are Russian citizens or permanent residents;

the person participates (or is a family member of a participant) in the State Resettlement Program for compatriots.

🔻 The application for extension must be submitted in advance, during the legal stay in Russia, to the local migration office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with supporting documents (e.g. employment contract, admission certificate, patent application, program participant certificate, etc.).

🕑 If the application is not filed on time, the foreigner must leave Russia after the expiration of the permitted stay. Otherwise, they will be considered as illegally staying and may be held accountable.

🛑 Foreigners staying illegally have only 3 weeks left to settle their status or leave Russia. After September 10, 2025, Presidential Decrees No. 1126 and No. 159 will expire, which allowed foreigners, including Ukrainian citizens, to temporarily legalize their stay.

📌 After this date, it will no longer be possible to regulate the legal status.

The Federal Tax Service of Russia (Letter dated August 5, 2025 No. BS-4-11/7282@) clarified the procedure for calculating and paying personal income tax (PIT) by foreign citizens working in Russia on the basis of a patent.

📌 How the tax is calculated

PIT on the income of foreign workers is calculated by tax agents (employers).

The total PIT amount is reduced by the fixed advance payments made by the foreigner during the validity period of the patent.

The reduction is allowed only if the employer has received confirmation from the tax authority.

📌 Grounds for refusal
The tax authority may refuse to issue such confirmation if:

there is no information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs about an employment or civil contract,

no information is available about the patent,

no data on the employer exists in the tax authorities’ information systems.

👉 In such cases, refusal is considered lawful, even if the foreign company is registered as a PIT tax agent.

A new law has come into force, significantly changing the procedure for confirming Russian language proficiency for foreign citizens working in Russia.

🔼 Who is exempt from providing a certificate

highly qualified specialists;

journalists working in media outlets publishing in foreign languages;

foreigners employed under work permits issued within the annual quota approved by the Government of the Russian Federation.

🔼 Who must provide a certificate within 90 days

qualified specialists listed by the Ministry of Labor;

employees sent to branches, representative offices, and subsidiaries of the World Trade Organization;

those working for residents of the Free Port of Vladivostok and advanced development territories;

specialists involved in the Skolkovo project;

employees in the international medical cluster and innovative science and technology centers.

❗️ If the certificate is not provided within 90 calendar days from the date of the work permit, the permit will be canceled, and working in Russia will become impossible.

🛜 For foreigners working under a patent, the procedure remains unchanged: the certificate must be submitted when applying to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a patent.

Foreign citizens are reminded to regulate their legal status in Russia without leaving the country.

❗️The validity of the Presidential Decree that allows this in a simplified procedure has been extended until September 10, 2025.

📌 Foreign nationals now have one month left to take advantage of this opportunity and bring their stay in line with Russian legislation.

The President of Russia has signed Federal Laws No. 270-FZ and No. 271-FZ, setting the amounts of state duties for certain public services.

Starting September 1, 2025, the following rates will apply:

registration at the place of stay — 500 RUB;

extension of temporary stay — 1,000 RUB;

issuance or reissuance of a patent — 4,200 RUB;

issuance of a duplicate patent or making changes to it — 2,100 RUB;

issuance of a duplicate RNR or making changes — 2,100 RUB;

extension of an RNR — 4,200 RUB;

issuance of a duplicate RNP or making changes — 2,100 RUB;

registration of a foreign citizen at the place of residence — 1,000 RUB.

📌 The new state duty rates will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Foreign citizens from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Georgia, and other countries may apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) or Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) if they meet the criteria specified in Articles 6 and 8 of the Federal Law “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation.”

✅ If there are no direct grounds for applying for a TRP or PRP, a foreign citizen can apply for a quota for TRP issuance.

📌 Any foreigner legally staying in Russia can apply for the quota.

The Russian Government has set the rules for conducting exams in the Russian language, Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian law for foreigners applying for citizenship.

📚 Exam format

The Russian language exam is held in oral and written forms.

Exams in history and fundamentals of law are in written test form, including the use of computer and remote technologies.

Each exam lasts no more than 90 minutes.

The process must be recorded with video and audio equipment.

🚫 Prohibitions during the exam
Candidates are prohibited from using assistance from third parties, communication devices, photo, audio or video equipment, reference materials, notes, or any other storage and transmission devices — except those required for the exam. Violating these rules results in failing the exam and annulment of the results.

📝 Test materials
Exams are based on standardized test materials approved by Rosobrnadzor. New variants must be prepared at least once a month, and previously used versions for unsuccessful candidates cannot be reused.

👥 Commissions

The exam commission must have at least three staff members from the state institution.

A conflict commission is formed to resolve disputes, which unsuccessful candidates can approach to challenge their results.

📌 The regulation entered into force on July 31, 2025.

As of July 31, 2025, changes to the simplified citizenship procedure have come into effect.

Now eligible to apply for Russian citizenship are:
▪️ spouses, children, and parents of Russian citizens,
▪️ spouses, children, and parents of foreign citizens who are participating or have participated in the Special Military Operation (SMO),
▪️ family members of SMO participants who have died.

These changes are outlined in the Presidential Decree aimed at supporting military personnel and their families.

📌 Effective from July 31, 2025.

Starting September 1, 2025, amendments to the Russian Tax Code will introduce new state duties and increase certain existing ones.

The changes include:

▪️ registration of a foreign citizen — 1,000 RUB;
▪️ registration at the place of stay — 500 RUB;
▪️ extension of temporary stay — 1,000 RUB;
▪️ issuing duplicates or making changes to a work permit — 2,100 RUB;
▪️ extension of a work permit — 4,200 RUB;
▪️ issuing or reissuing a patent — 4,200 RUB;
▪️ issuing a duplicate or making changes to a patent — 2,100 RUB.

State duties for vehicle registration, other registration procedures, and issuing national driver’s licenses (including replacements for lost or damaged ones) will also increase.

📌 The new duty rates will apply from September 1, 2025.

We’ve made test preparation even more effective!
The testing section now contains new and up-to-date questions that fully meet the latest requirements. This will help you prepare better and feel more confident during the exam.

We’ve also updated the app’s design — it is now more convenient, modern, and intuitive. Taking tests has become more comfortable!

A minor foreign citizen may be automatically included in the registry of controlled persons if their legal representative does not extend the child’s legal stay in Russia.

✅ The child must be registered for migration purposes or have a residential registration at the same address as one of their parents or legal guardians.

✅ If the child stays in Russia for more than 90 days in a calendar year, they must undergo fingerprinting and be photographed — starting from the age of 6. This procedure must be conducted in the presence of a legal representative.

☝ A child's stay can be extended if:
🔺 the parent or guardian holds a valid work patent,
🔺 an application for a residence permit, temporary residency, or citizenship is under review,
🔺 there is a valid employment contract (for EAEU nationals),
🔺 one of the parents is studying full-time at a Russian educational institution.

📌 Note: since April 1, 2025, additional requirements apply for enrolling foreign children in schools.

Foreign citizens from EAEU countries listed in the registry of controlled persons can legalize their status in Russia by signing a labor or civil-law contract with a deferred start date — that is, effective only after removal from the registry.

A copy of the contract must be submitted to the local office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

❇ If this condition is met, the employer is not subject to administrative liability for employing a foreign citizen without proper authorization.

📝 Within 3 business days after signing the contract, the employer must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

Foreign citizens who have come to Russia under the government quota can now obtain a work permit without the need to confirm their knowledge of the Russian language, history, and basic laws. These changes are outlined in Federal Law No. 314-FZ signed on July 31, 2025.

The exemptions apply only to those whose jobs do not involve constant communication with the public. According to the State Duma, drivers, salespeople, and healthcare workers will still be required to pass the exams.

In connection with the amendments, the Ministry of Labor has updated its internal regulations. Employers hiring under the quota system must verify whether the position falls under the exemption list.

Additionally, the deadline for providing documents confirming knowledge of the language and law has been extended from 30 to 90 days. Details about such certificates will be added to a federal information system. Only authorized institutions included in a government-approved list will be able to submit this data.

Dear friends,
If you have received Russian citizenship, please note:
🔹 Men must register for military service within 14 days after getting their Russian passport.

📍 What does this mean?
You must go to the local military enlistment office (voenkomat) and submit your documents. This applies to all men of military age and reserve.

📅 Deadline — 14 days only
If you don’t register on time, you may face a fine or even lose your Russian citizenship. A new law allows cancellation of citizenship for avoiding military registration.

👨‍⚕️ What to expect:
— Bring your Russian passport and documents
— Pass a medical check
— Receive a service category (A, B, C, etc.)
— You will be officially registered

🙋‍♀️ What about women?
Women are not required to register unless they have a military-related profession (such as doctors, engineers, etc.).

📲 Stay informed with our apps "Migrant Assistant" and "Uchu Ru" — we share trusted and important information for everyone living and working in Russia.

Dear users,
We have updated the “Uchu Ru” app, and now you can access new and up-to-date questions for preparing for the Russian language exam.

📘 What’s new:
— Updated questions that match the latest exam requirements
— Improved task formats
— More accurate and convenient testing process

💬 Prepare like it's the real exam!
All questions are based on the official format used for patent, temporary residence permit (RVP) and residence permit (VNZH).

👨‍🏫 Coming soon: online lessons with a certified teacher!
You will be able to:
✅ Study remotely with a real teacher
✅ Get personal feedback
✅ Ask questions and review your mistakes

🔹 All teachers are from accredited Russian universities and officially certified to train foreign citizens.

📲 Update “Uchu Ru” now and get ready for the exam with confidence!
We’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you are in Russia or planning to submit documents, it is important to make sure in advance that you are not banned from entering the Russian Federation.

Who can be banned from entering:
— Those who have violated the registration deadline
— Those who have left Russia with expired documents
— Having unpaid fines or administrative violations

How do I check?
You can do this through the Migrant Assistant app — fast and free.:

Enter your full name and date of birth
Get an official response from the database of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Make sure that you have no entry restrictions

Attention:
The service operates only on the territory of the Russian Federation, as it uses access to internal databases via Russian IP addresses.

The application also provides:
— The opportunity to find out which permits a foreign citizen can obtain
— Legal advice
— Monitor the length of stay
— Reminders about patent payment, registration deadlines, and filing of documents

Download "Migrant Assistant" and monitor your migration status — conveniently, quickly, reliably.

Dear foreign citizens!
If you work in Russia under a patent, it is important to pay the patent tax monthly so that it remains valid.

, When to pay?
The tax must be paid monthly.
You can pay in advance — immediately 1, 2 or 3 months in advance.

, How do I pay?
— Through a bank or terminal
— Through the website nalog.ru
— Through your bank
's mobile application — In the Migrant Assistant mobile application

, If you don 't pay on time:
— The patent is revoked
— The work is becoming illegal
— You may be fined and expelled from the country

In the Migrant Assistant app, you can:
— Check the payment terms
— Receive reminders
— Learn important migration news

Take care of your legal status! Timely payment is a guarantee of your legitimate work in Russia.

If you plan to obtain a patent, temporary residence permit (RVP) or residence permit (residence permit) in Russia, you will need to take an exam in Russian as a foreign language. This exam confirms the knowledge of the language at the basic or elementary level necessary for living and working in the country.

What does the exam include?
The exam consists of five sections:
— Listening (listening comprehension)
— Reading
— The letter
— Speaking
— Fundamentals of the legislation of the Russian Federation and the history of Russia

How long does the exam last?
The whole procedure takes about 1.5–2 hours, including registration, briefing and the test itself.

Where do they take the exam?
The exam can be taken at accredited training centers — their list is available on the websites of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and educational institutions.

How do I prepare?
In the <url> application, you can complete a full training course:
— Practice tests in the format of a real exam
— Questions with voice acting, audio and images


, New: training with a teacher
Very soon, our application will have the opportunity to study with an experienced teacher online! You will be able to ask questions, get an explanation of difficult topics and confidently prepare for the exam.

Download the <url> app today and start preparing - your path to official status begins with successfully passing the exam!

Employers who attract highly qualified specialists (VKS) are required to submit timely notices of admission, dismissal and payment of wages.

What is a notification?
This is an official notification to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation that a foreign citizen has been hired, dismissed, or his working conditions have changed (for example, salary, position, place of work).

When and where to submit?

When applying for a job — within 3 working days from the date of signing the contract.

In case of dismissal — also within 3 working days from the date of termination of the contract.

About the payment of wages on a quarterly basis.

The notification is submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of registration of the company or through the Unified Portal of Public Services.


And if you make a mistake?
A fine of up to 1,000,000 ₽ or suspension of the company's activities is provided for failure to submit or incorrect registration of the notification.

Lawyers at Migrant Assistant will help you:
Prepare and verify the notification

Submit it on time to the appropriate authority

Track the status and get confirmation

Don't take any chances — entrust the notification to professionals!
Contact our lawyers directly in the "Migrant Assistant" application.

Foreign citizens can now stay in Russia for up to 120 days using an electronic visa — twice as long as the previous 60-day limit. The new law was signed by the President of the Russian Federation.

According to Federal Law No. 257-FZ dated April 23, 2025, the changes aim to boost tourism, strengthen international business ties, and attract more foreign visitors.

Currently, citizens of 64 countries are eligible for an e-visa, including China, Germany, Turkey, India, and Saudi Arabia. The visa can be used for cultural events, scientific forums, sports competitions, business trips, and personal travel.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that China led in the number of e-visas issued last year — over 311,000. Other top countries included:

Saudi Arabia – 63,000 visas

Germany – 52,000 visas

Turkey – 42,000 visas

India – 32,000 visas

A new law adopted in Russia exempts certain categories of foreign workers from passing the Russian language, history, and legislation exam. This change applies to migrants who arrive in the country under a government quota.

The amendments were made to Federal Law No. 115-FZ "On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation". The exemption is granted to workers whose jobs do not involve direct communication with the public.

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin explained that the exam will remain mandatory for drivers, sales personnel, medical staff, and other professionals who interact with people. According to him, it is essential that medical workers understand patients in order to provide proper care.

The official website of the State Duma notes that the Ministry of Labor has already updated its regulations. Workers in communication-related professions will not be eligible for the exemption.

We continue to share information for foreigners who share traditional Russian spiritual and moral values and want to move to Russia.

We remind you that according to Decree No. 702, applicants include citizens of foreign countries included in the list of countries and persons permanently residing in these countries who wish to move to Russia for residence, regardless of their stated purpose of staying in the Russian Federation.

In addition, they can apply for a temporary residence permit under the Decree with any valid visa they have.

The application will be accepted upon presentation of a single electronic visa, tourist, private, business or other visa. It is not necessary to obtain a special private visa provided for by Decree No. 702.

For example, if a foreigner who has arrived from an unfriendly state is already in Russia with a tourist visa and wants to apply for an RVR, he does not need to leave Russia and obtain a special private ambassador's visa marked "Decree No. 702" and re-enter Russia using it.


Please also note that the validity period of the visa or temporary stay of persons staying in Russia will be extended for the period of consideration of the application.

The State Duma has finally adopted a law that significantly supplements the list of grounds for revoking previously granted Russian citizenship. The amendments envisage the inclusion of more than 80 additional articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation to the existing 64, which will allow the mechanism of revocation of citizenship to be applied in more cases.
According to a statement by State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin posted on his official telegram channel, serious crimes, including
premeditated murder, will now be among the grounds.;
sexual crimes against minors;
organizing and engaging in prostitution, especially involving minors or using violence;
production and distribution of pornographic materials featuring children;
aggravated rape;
public calls for terrorism and its justification;
illegal actions against critical information infrastructure;
cooperation with foreign countries on a confidential basis;
assistance in activities directed against Russia's security;
demonstration of Nazi symbols and participation in illegal migration;
as well as other actions committed for extremist or terrorist purposes.
As explained in the explanatory materials, the changes are due to an increase in the number of crimes committed by foreign citizens who have recently acquired Russian citizenship. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, in 2024 alone, such crimes increased almost 2.5 times, from 2,678 to 6,559 cases. The increase in serious and especially serious crimes is especially noticeable.
The bill is aimed at strengthening national security and provides for the possibility of ending legal ties with the state in relation to those who, having obtained citizenship, violate its laws and pose a threat to society.

To become a member of the State Program, you must submit an application. This can be done in almost any country in the world.

Submission of documents outside the Russian Federation

If you are abroad, you can apply for participation in the State Program at:
- Representative office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs abroad (in the cities of Yerevan, Bishkek, Riga, Chisinau, Dushanbe, Ashgabat, Tashkent);
- a diplomatic mission or consular institution of the Russian Federation.

Submission of documents within the Russian Federation

In addition, all questions related to resettlement to Russia can be addressed to the working group of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia on weekdays.:

+7 (495) 184-02-25
+7 (495) 917-52-62
+7 (495) 917-56-06

Electronic messages are also received around the clock at the following address: sootech@mvd.ru

We remind you that participants in the State Program and their family members, when resettling to a permanent place of residence in Russia, have the right to be granted citizenship of the Russian Federation without the need to obtain a temporary residence permit and a residence permit.

The deputies propose to consolidate the procedure for detecting violations and transferring cases to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. According to a bill submitted to the State Duma,1 citizenship can be revoked if a person ignores registration at the military enlistment office.

Previously, the mechanism was not spelled out – the law only outlined the basis, but did not regulate the process. Although the interaction between the departments is organized: The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia regularly sends data on new citizens to military enlistment offices. In 2024, 198 passports were revoked due to false information related to accounting evasion. The Russian Defense Ministry also received information about 699,000 men aged 18-50 who received citizenship from 2015 to 2022, and 58,000 in 2023.

According to the explanatory note, the decision to revoke citizenship can be made only with the confirmation of the Russian Ministry of Defense or military enlistment offices. The draft law provides for the possibility of reviewing the decisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia by higher authorities and clarifies the categories of persons to whom the norms apply.

In addition, the document clarifies that a person who has had his passport taken away for violating registration conditions can apply for restoration of citizenship no earlier than three years after the decision is made. The President of the Russian Federation will be able to shorten this period in special cases, for example, if it is related to the protection of human rights or other important circumstances.

A residence permit (residence permit) is a document that confirms the right of a foreign citizen or a stateless person to permanently reside in the territory of the Russian Federation. This is an important step on the path to citizenship!

What does a residence permit provide?
The right to live and work in Russia without additional permits

The opportunity to use public services, receive medical care, apply for pensions and benefits

The ability to freely enter and leave Russia

A chance to obtain Russian citizenship in the future

Who can get a residence permit?
, Citizens who have lived under the RVPS for at least 8 months
, Highly qualified specialists
Foreigners who have married a citizen of the Russian Federation and have children together
Participants of the state program for the resettlement of compatriots
, Persons who have been educated in Russia and have worked for at least a year
Minor children whose parents have a residence permit or citizenship
✅ Refugees, native Russian speakers, etc .

Important to know:
A residence permit is issued for a period of 5 years and can be extended indefinitely

Violation of the conditions of stay (for example, staying abroad for more than 6 months in a row) may lead to the cancellation of a residence permit.

The review period is 4 months, so it is better to submit the documents in advance.

Do you need help with obtaining a residence permit?
Our lawyers are ready to advise you, help you collect documents and accompany you at all stages — from submitting an application to receiving a treasured booklet.

📲 Contact us via the Migrant Assistant app — we are always in touch and will help you do everything right and without unnecessary difficulties!

On July 10, 2025, new rules for passing the exam in Russian as a foreign language for obtaining a patent, temporary residence permit, residence permit and citizenship came into force in Russia.

What has changed:
The number of listening tasks has been increased — now there are 4 instead of 2

The minimum passing score in the Listening section has been introduced

The audio materials are more complicated, dialogues and real-life situations have appeared

The task bank has been increased by 2 times, and topics on everyday and professional vocabulary have been added

Tightened control: exams have become more formalized to eliminate fraud

Who does it concern:
The new rules are mandatory for all foreign citizens taking the exam for:

obtaining a work patent

registration of an RVP, residence permit

obtaining Russian citizenship

Important!
In the near future, all updated questions and tasks that meet the new requirements will be added to our <url> mobile application. You can:

get trained on new topics

practice on new audio tasks

check yourself before the exam

Stay tuned for updates in the app!

We are talking about a database of foreign citizens and stateless persons entering and leaving Russia, as well as those staying (residing) in the Russian Federation. Such information is needed to form complete, reliable and up-to-date information in order to assess the migration situation in the country, develop and implement measures to regulate migration processes.

The annex to the decree contains a list of information that the authorities and organizations will provide to fill the resource. Thus, the digital profile of a migrant will be formed based on:

migration accounting data;
applications indicating the purposes of entry into the Russian Federation and stay (residence) in the country;
documents confirming crossing the state border at checkpoints;
protocols on bringing to responsibility for administrative offenses;
current restrictions on entry to Russia.
The database will reflect land, water, air vehicles, self-propelled vehicles and other types of equipment owned by foreigners, real estate, allocated subscriber numbers.

In addition, the resource will contain information about the SNILS, the account in the ESIA, employment in Russia, the presence of tax debts, certificates of passing a comprehensive exam for obtaining a temporary residence permit or residence permit, work permit or patent. They will also record the presence of a personal medical book, a voluntary medical insurance contract and a compulsory medical insurance policy, existing diseases that are dangerous to others, etc.

For each type of information, the authority or organization responsible for providing it for inclusion in the state resource "Digital Profile of a foreign citizen" is indicated. Foreign citizens and stateless persons will be provided with access to their data in a digital profile to receive services through the unified portal of public services and its mobile application. The Government of the Russian Federation should also arrange for migrants to submit information about themselves electronically for inclusion in the information resource through the public services portal.

The new information resource will become part of the migration accounting GIS. Its operator will be the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The database is being created to ensure the security of the state, protect law and order, and improve state migration policy.

The decree came into force on July 9, 2025, from the date of its signing.

a person who has arrived in the Russian Federation in a manner that does not require a visa, and is a family member of a citizen of the Russian Federation or a foreign citizen permanently residing in the territory of the Russian Federation who has a place of residence in the Russian Federation, is extended for up to one year from the date of his entry into the Russian Federation. The specified period of temporary stay may be extended several times, but not more than one year for each such extension.

Family members of a citizen of the Russian Federation or a foreign citizen permanently residing in the territory of the Russian Federation who has a place of residence in the Russian Federation are recognized as his spouse, children (including adopted or under guardianship), parents (adoptive parents), grandparents, grandchildren.

In order to work in the Russian Federation, foreign citizens are required to declare the relevant purpose of the visit.

Failure to comply with this rule may result in an offense.

However, citizens of the EAEU member states and foreigners who need to obtain a patent to work are an exception to this rule. In the case of entry for a purpose unrelated to work, these categories of citizens have the right to change it to "Working".

A foreigner does not need to leave and cross the border with the Russian Federation again. To change the purpose of entry to "Work", you must apply for a patent and indicate in it about the change of purpose.

Please note
: a patent must be issued within 30 days after entering Russia by applying to the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, FSUE PVS of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, GBU MMC Sakharovo;
A new migration card is not issued - the changes will be displayed in the database of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

For citizens of the EAEU countries, in order to change the purpose of entry, it is necessary to conclude an employment or civil law contract, and their employer must submit a notification to the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia within 3 days.



We remind you that a foreigner who has received a patent is obliged to notify the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia about his employment within 2 months.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs is actively working to revoke patents from foreign workers who have not notified their place of employment. So, over the past 5 months of this year, more than 26 thousand patents have been canceled for non-fulfillment of this obligation, which is almost 7 times more than in the same period last year.

A new initiative proposes to introduce a limit on the number of registered citizens in residential and non-residential premises. A group of deputies has developed a draft federal law1 that aims to solve the problem of fictitious registration and increase control over the number of people living in apartment buildings. The changes will affect the Housing Code, as well as Federal Law No. 109-FZ of July 18, 2006 "On Migration Registration of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation."

Among the changes:

restrictions on registration in hotels and hostels (in non–residential buildings of the house where the hotels are located, the norm will be taken into account: no more than one person per 6 square meters. m) - amendment to art. 15 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation;
it will be possible to register citizens and stateless persons in a residential building at the rate of no more than one person per 6 square meters. m of area, with the exception of family members of the owner – amendment to art. 17 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation;
when registering a foreign citizen staying in a hotel located in a non–residential building of the MKD, it is necessary to comply with the conditions established by housing legislation (that is, any hotel or similar institution located in such a building must follow certain rules to ensure the legal and orderly registration of its guests - amendment to art. 21 of the Federal Law of July 18 2006 No. 109-FZ "On Migration Registration of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation".
The adoption of the bill, as noted by the developers in the explanatory note, aims to reduce the number of "rubber" apartments. This is a phenomenon when a huge number of people are formally registered in one apartment, without actually living there. This makes it possible to organize illegal migration channels and receive illegal social benefits. "Rubber" hostels create an overload of the infrastructure of houses, which leads to rapid deterioration and deterioration of living conditions.

With the adoption of the bill, it is expected to reduce the burden on the household infrastructure and improve the situation in apartment buildings, which will make living safer and more comfortable for all residents.

Many foreign citizens who wish to stay in Russia are faced with such a concept as a quota for RVPs. Let's look at what this means and who has the right to it.

What is a quota?
A quota is a limited number of temporary residence permits (RVPs) allocated by the Russian government for each region. This is a kind of "invitation" for a migrant to legally reside in the country.

What is the quota for?
If you have no reason to receive an RVP without a quota (for example, you do not have close relatives who are citizens of the Russian Federation, you were not born in the RSFSR, did not serve in the Russian Federation, etc.), then you can receive an RVP only within the quota.

Who is eligible to apply for a quota?
Any foreign citizen can apply to participate in the quota allocation. But the approval of the application is not automatic. The authorities take into account:

the purpose of your move,

education level,

profession,

having a family in the Russian Federation,

the degree of adaptation (language skills, work, housing).

, Where and how to submit?
An application for a quota is submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of the intended residence. Some regions accept applications only online (for example, Moscow and St. Petersburg — through websites mos.ru and guvm.mvd.ru ).

Important to know:

Quotas are running out fast, especially in large cities.

The number of quotas is limited and is updated annually.

After receiving the quota, you must apply for a PRTR within 2 months.

Tip:
Keep an eye on the deadlines for submission, collect documents in advance and provide as much information about yourself as possible — this will increase the chances of approval.

If you do not know if you have grounds for a quota—free RVR or if you want help with registration, Migrant Assistant lawyers are ready to advise you.

According to official data, in 2024, almost 195,000 cases were considered in Russia under Article 18.8 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation — violation of stay terms by foreigners. In most cases, this resulted in a fine and expulsion from the country.

Often the reason is the usual forgetfulness: someone did not manage to leave on time, someone did not renew the registration or patent.

To avoid such situations, in our Migrant Assistant app you can:

monitor the length of stay,

Receive reminders,

find out which documents need to be renewed and when.

And if you have already encountered difficulties, our lawyers will tell you how to properly process the documents and avoid problems.

Stay in the legal field — we will help!

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia has prepared draft amendments to the notification form for the conclusion of an employment contract or a civil contract for the performance of work (provision of services) with a foreign citizen (stateless person), approved by the department's Order No. 536 dated July 30, 2020 (Draft Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (ID 01/02/06-25/00157644, prepared on June 23, 2025)It is planned to indicate that in the case of a foreigner working in the territories of two subjects of the Russian Federation, paragraph 3.4 of the form must reflect all the addresses of the places of employment.

The amendments are related to the upcoming entry into force on September 1 of amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens. The new article 13.3-1 of the Law provides for the possibility of concluding an agreement between Moscow, the Moscow Region, St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region on the implementation of work by visa-free foreigners on the basis of a patent issued in the territory of one of the specified subjects of the Russian Federation, and on the involvement of employers of such foreign citizens in work within the territories of the relevant subjects of the Russian Federation.

If an agreement is concluded, employers will have the right to employ foreign citizens who work on the basis of a patent issued to a foreign citizen in one of the subjects of the Russian Federation specified in the agreement, on the territory of another signatory region.

When a foreign citizen engages in labor activity in the territories of two subjects of the Russian Federation, in accordance with Article 13.3-1 of the Law, the employer will be required to submit a notice of the conclusion of an employment contract to the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in each of them. At the same time, if a foreign citizen, in respect of whom the employer has already submitted a notification, begins to work in another region, the employer will be obliged to submit a notification to the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the subject of the Russian Federation, on whose territory the work begins, within three working days from the date of the beginning of its implementation (paragraph 8, art. 13 of the Law).

Russia has begun to restrict communication services for foreign citizens who have not been registered in the Unified Biometric System. Previously, they were allowed to issue up to 10 SIM cards, but only if they provided biometrics. The deadline for the old contracts expired on July 1. Violators will gradually block services.

Those who have obtained Russian citizenship after purchasing SIM cards will be able to renew their contracts before November 1, the Russian Ministry of Finance reports on its website. To do this, it is enough to visit the operator's office or send an application via the website, and then sign the documents personally or electronically. Repeated confirmation of biometrics is not required.

Foreigners planning to enter Russia can apply in advance through the ruID application starting June 30. A digital profile is created at the border with SNILS and an account for public services. It remains to go to the bank once to complete the registration. There is no need for a repeat photo or voice recording. In a number of banks, you can simultaneously get SNILS, verify your account with public services, and submit biometrics.

To update the contract within the country, the user must check the number of issued SIM cards through public services, terminate unnecessary contracts and confirm their identity in the communication salon via biometrics from the EBS.

Numbers that have not been used for more than three months are blocked immediately. For active SIM cards, restrictions are introduced in two stages: first, they disconnect the international connection and reduce the Internet speed, and after a month they completely stop services. During this time, the user can adjust the agreement to the new terms.

Starting in January 2025, to purchase a SIM card, a foreigner needs to obtain an SNILS, create an account with public services, register biometrics and specify the phone's IMEI. These measures help to combat fraud and illegal use of SIM cards.

On June 30, 2025, the second stage of the experiment was launched to strengthen control over the entry of foreigners into Russia. Citizens arriving without a visa are now required to submit an application through the RuID application 72 hours before their trip.

In the application, you need to specify the purpose of the visit, personal information, attach a passport photo, a face picture, and record your voice. For emergencies, such as urgent medical treatment or the death of a relative, the deadline for submission is reduced to 4 hours. After verification, the system will create an electronic account with a unique number that can eventually replace paper documents. The application is valid for 90 days – during this time it is allowed to submit a second one, for example, for a different purpose of arrival, but this can be done no earlier than 72 hours before the expiration of the first one.

Testing of such a mechanism will last until June 30, 2026 (sub-item "b" of paragraph 1 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated November 7, 2024 No. 1510 "On conducting an experiment to test the rules and conditions for entry into and exit from the Russian Federation of foreign citizens and stateless persons"). The new rules do not apply to citizens of Belarus, children under 6 years old, diplomats, employees of international organizations and their families. The first stage began on December 1, 2024.

After passing through border control, the information from the application will be checked through the Mir system, a state database managed by the FSB of Russia and the Ministry of Finance of Russia. The system will verify the data from the application with the information of the document on the basis of which the migrant enters the country. If everything matches, information about the purpose of the visit and the duration of the stay will be displayed in your personal account on the public services portal as an electronic migration card. These data are equivalent to the official migration card when applying for services.

Foreign citizens planning to live in Moscow are required to register in the unified identification system and post their appearance and voice data in a single database within 10 days of entry. This is necessary for passing exams in Russian, history and law, as well as for obtaining migration services. When applying to migration centers or examination organizations, migrants must verify their identity through a biometric system.

For those who enter on a visa, the data is automatically transferred from the visa application center to the identification system and database. This allows you to associate the visa information with the unique identifier of the migrant. The purpose of the changes is to simplify entry control and create a single database that will help track the movement of foreigners in the country.

Deputy Sergei Mironov submitted to the State Duma a legislative initiative to strengthen penalties for foreigners employed in taxis.

According to the Russian Interior Ministry and independent analysts, the number of accidents involving such drivers continues to grow. In 2022, 4,300 accidents were registered (an increase of 11.2% compared to 2021). In the first six months of 2024, 2,467 incidents were recorded, claiming the lives of 243 people, which is 23.4% higher than in the same period of 2023.

The bill1 proposes to supplement the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation with a new article 18.21, which deals with the liability of foreign citizens and stateless persons. In particular, if there is no data on the carrier, company contacts, driver's full name or the controlling organization in the cabin, it is planned to fine drivers by 10 thousand rubles, officials – 50 thousand of the company – by 70 thousand. Similar sanctions will apply to situations where a passenger does not receive a check or receipt. For the absence of a color scheme of a taxi or an identification lamp on the roof of a transport, the fine for drivers will be 30 thousand rubles, for officials – 50 thousand rubles, for organizations – 100 thousand rubles.


Earlier, he insisted on a complete ban on migrants working in taxis. This has not yet been implemented at the federal level, but restrictions have already been introduced in more than 10 regions. Another seven to eight territories are at the implementation stage. The faction leader is convinced that such actions contribute to reducing risks and improving the quality of services, making taxi rides safer for all participants.

If the draft is accepted, it will enter into force on the day of its official publication.