Everything You Need to Know About Temporary Residence Permits in Russia

We get many questions about the process for applying for a temporary residence permit in Russia, and we have decided to provide a very detailed FAQ on all of the questions we typically answer for our clients. If you are interested in reading about all of the legal ways to stay in Russia, you can check out our Legal Residence in Russia – The Ultimate Guide. 

We hope you find the guide useful, and if you like the guide, consider sharing it with your friends. 

What is a temporary residence permit (TRP)? 

A temporary residence permit in Russia is an official document that grants a foreign citizen the right to legally live and work in Russia. It is a stamp in your passport.

What are the benefits of a temporary residence permit? 

A temporary residence permit grants foreign citizens the right to temporarily live and work in Russia.

Essentially, it allows foreign citizens to live in Russia for the required time before they can apply for a permanent residence permit and eventually citizenship.

If you have a temporary residence permit, you may:

• Freely enter and exit Russia without a visa.
• Legally work in Russia without applying for a work permit
• Legally register and incorporate a company or sole proprietorship 
• Access public healthcare facilities and clinics where you live

The following are the only restrictions:

• You may only work in the region where the temporary residence permit was issued, i.e., if your permit was issued in Moscow, you cannot work in Moscow Oblast.
• You must remain in Russia for at least 6 months out of the year. If you leave Russia for more than 6 months in a calendar year, your temporary residence permit could be annulled. Technically, only consecutive days outside of Russia are counted in the calculation.

How long is a Russian temporary residence permit valid? 

Temporary residence permits are issued for 3 years and it is impossible to extend or renew a temporary residence permit. Therefore, we highly recommend applying for a permanent residence permit as soon as you are able. As of November 2019, you may do so after 8 months in Russia.  

People have had their temporary residence permit expire only to find out they cannot remain in Russia. In some instances, it may be impossible to reapply, i.e., if your spouse passes away. 

Which law regulates temporary residence permits? 

The law that regulates temporary residence permits is Federal Law Number 115: On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in Russia (FZ No. 115). 

Specifically, Article 6 of FZ No. 115 is dedicated to temporary residence permits and outlines the legal framework applicable to all aspects of temporary residence permits, including how and when to apply, information on yearly quotas, and instances when foreign citizens may apply outside the quota. 

Article 7 of FZ No. 115 outlines the grounds for denial and annulment of temporary residence permits.

Click here if you are interested in reading the law (in Russian). 

How are temporary residence permits issued? 

There are two ways that temporary residence permits are issued:

• Within the quota system (limited number granted each year) 
• Outside the quota system

It is important to note that a temporary residence permit must be issued in your presence. If anyone tries to tell you that they can get you a temporary residence permit without you present, this is not legal. 

For more information about how the quota system works, please check out the questions below. 

How can I obtain a temporary residence permit under the quota?

The Russian government decides each year how many spots will be available under the quota and the spots are spread evenly around the regions of Russia based on the demographic situation of any given year.  

How many quota spots were there in 2019?

The Russian government set the number of quota spots for 2019 at 83,480. Again, these are distributed evenly throughout Russia, for example, in Moscow, there were about 2000. In 2018, there were 96,360 and in 2017 there were 110,880 spots. As you can see the number of quota spots is decreasing. 

How can I get a quota spot? 

There is a strict procedure that must be followed in order to apply for a quota spot and we will outline the steps you must take below. That being said, it is practically impossible as a Western citizen to actually receive a temporary residence permit under the quota. According to statistics, about 96% of all quota spots were granted to citizens of the former Soviet Union. In Moscow, where data is available, not a single Western citizen was granted a quota spot. 

In order to get in line to apply for a temporary residence permit in any region, and you do have to physically get in line, you need to go to the migration-center with all of the supporting documents to make an appointment to submit your application at a later date. In Moscow, you must physically go to the Federal Migration Center in Sakharovo, outside of Moscow to sign up for a date to return and submit your documents. 

In Sakharovo, it is very likely that there will be so many people there that it will take a few days of showing up to actually be able to make an appointment to submit your documents. You really need to be one of the first people there at around 6 am if you want any chance to actually be able to make an appointment and even then, it isn’t a guarantee. 

On the day of your appointment, you must return to Sakharovo and submit your application and all of the supporting documents. 

Your application will only be considered after you have submitted all of the documents required. It is also important to note that applying in no way guarantees that you will receive a temporary residence permit. If your documents are accepted, it does mean that the quota spots have not been taken though. 

If all of the quota spots have been taken, then your application will not be accepted and it is practically impossible to obtain a temporary residence permit that year with a quota spot. 

Once your documents have been accepted and you are granted a spot in the quota or your application has been denied, you will be notified by telephone or mail. 

When can I apply for a temporary residence permit? 

Time is of the essence when applying for a temporary residence permit as quota spots for the year become available on January 1. Because the quota is yearly and is first come first serve, the sooner you apply, the better. 

You also need to take into account that you need other documents to apply for a temporary residence permit, which may take up to a month or more to gather. Therefore, we recommend that you begin planning as far in advance as possible. 

Where can I apply for a temporary residence permit and where do I pick it up? 

Until recently, there was the Federal Migration Service in Russia, but it recently became part of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Therefore, many people wonder where documents should be submitted if there isn’t a Federal Migration Service anymore. 

Depending on the region where you are applying, you may submit your temporary residence permit application and supporting documents to the migration division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or, depending on your city, the migration-center (this is the case in Moscow).

How long does it take to apply for a temporary residence permit under the quota? 

The time it takes to apply for a temporary residence permit highly depends on how you entered Russia, with a visa or without a visa. 

If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Russia, then the law allows the authorities to consider your application for up to 4 months after you have submitted your application with all of the supporting documents. 

If you are from a visa-free country, then the law allows the authorities to consider your application for up to 60 days. 

As you can see there is a discrepancy in processing times for most Western countries (i.e., not visa-free). Unfortunately, if your visa does not last for 4 months, even though you may have been accepted for a temporary residence permit, you must leave Russia until it is ready when your visa expires.

How do I apply for a temporary residence permit?

Here is a step-by-step look at how to get a residence permit under the quota and what needs to be done after you have received it. 

The process is the same for a temporary residence permit outside the quota. There is a slight difference in the documents required. 

1. Fill out 2 copies of the temporary residence permit application 
2. Prepare all of the required supporting documents (for a list see the next question)
3. Get a medical exam certificate after taking the medical exam
4. Pass the tests on the Russian language, Russian history, and the basics of Russian law and obtain the certificate
5. Pay the state fees for the temporary residence permit
6. Make an appointment to submit your documents at the migration-center (all documents must be with you to make an appointment)
7. Submit your temporary residence permit application and all supporting documents to the Ministry of Internal Affairs or migration-center (depends on location). 
8. Receive acceptance or denial of your temporary residence permit application
9. Provide fingerprints and receive a temporary residence permit stamp in your passport
10. Register at the place where you live
11. If you are from a visa regime country, you need to apply for a multiple-entry visa
12. Apply for a tax identification number (ИНН)
13. Notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs yearly of your registration.

Which documents are needed for a temporary residence permit under the quota?

In order to apply for a temporary residence permit under the quota, you must submit the following documents: 

• 2 copies of the temporary residence permit application
• 2 photos sized 35×45 мм
• Passport
• Translated and a notarized certificate that confirms you do not have a criminal record from your home country (or country of current residence if it isn’t your home country)
• Medical exam certificate 
• Certificates that you have passed the tests on the Russian language, Russian history, and the basics of Russian law (to the level required for a temporary residence permit)
• Migration card 
• Registration 
• Receipt from the bank signifying that you have paid the temporary residence permit application fee

Which documents are needed for children applying for a temporary residence permit with their parents?

If you are applying with your children, they will need most of the same documents as an adult applicant. The only exception is that children do not have to pass the tests on the Russian language, Russian history, and the basics of Russian law. 

Children must submit the following documents with their temporary residence permit application:

• 2 copies of the temporary residence permit application
• 2 photos sized 35×45 мм
• Passport
• Translated and a notarized certificate that confirms you do not have a criminal record from your home country (or country of residence if it isn’t your home country)
• Medical exam certificate 
• Migration card 
• If the child has reached age 14, they must also provide a statement that they agree to live in Russia as well as a certificate that confirms they do not have a criminal record in their home country

What are the grounds to apply for a temporary residence permit outside the quota?

It is also possible to apply for a temporary residence permit without a quota spot as long as you meet certain criteria. 

You must meet one of the following criteria to apply for a temporary residence permit applications outside of the quota:

• A person under 18 with a foreign parent, adoptive parent or guardian who holds a temporary residence permit (the temporary residence permit is issued to the child with the same validity as the parent, adoptive parent, or guardian)
• A person under 18 who applies for a temporary residence permit with their parent, adoptive parent, or guardian
• A person married to a Russian citizen living in Russia (the temporary residence permit is issued in the same region where the spouse has permanent residence in Russia.)
• A person over 18, or over 18 under their native country’s law, with a disability or partial disability applying for a temporary residence permit together with their parent, adoptive parent, or guardian
• A person over 18, or over 18 under their native country’s law, with a disability or partial disability whose parent, adoptive parent, or guardian has a temporary residence permit (the temporary residence permit is issued for the same validity as the parent)
• A person who has invested in the Russian economy in an amount determined by the Russian Government
• A person who has applied to serve in the military (for active duty)
• A person who is a member of the government program for the relocation of compatriots living abroad and their family members
• A citizen of one of the countries of the former USSR who received a public university degree in Russia and completed the licensed course
• A Ukrainian citizen or stateless person who permanently lived in Ukraine and has refugee status or has received temporary refuge in Russia
• A person who is permanently relocating to Russia in accordance with international treaties on the rights of relocating persons

Children of those who are eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit may also apply with their parents outside of the quota as long as they apply with their parents. 

For more detailed information about the grounds, you may read Federal Law No. 115 (in Russian). 

Which documents are needed for a temporary residence permit outside the quota?

The documents required to apply for a temporary residence permit outside the quota is the same as if you had a quota position except for the documents confirming your eligibility to apply outside the quota. 

• 2 copies of the temporary residence permit application
• 2 photos sized 35×45 мм
• Passport
• Translated and a notarized certificate that confirms you do not have a criminal record from your home country (or country of current residence if it isn’t your home country)
• Medical exam certificate 
• Certificates that you have passed the tests on the Russian language, Russian history, and the basics of Russian law (to the level required for a temporary residence permit)
• Migration card 
• Registration 
• Receipt from the bank signifying that you have paid the temporary residence permit application fee
• Documents confirming eligibility for application outside of the quota:
  • Russian birth certificate
  • Confirmation of Russian family members 
  • Certificate of participation in the resettlement program
  • Any other documents that would serve as grounds to apply for a temporary residence permit outside of the quota

What does the application look like for a temporary residence permit? 

The application form for a temporary residence permit is the first document that you will need to fill out in order to apply. The application form asks for your personal information, information about your close relatives, and information about the other documents you will be submitting with your application. 

Check out the application form here. 

What are the photo requirements for a temporary residence permit application?

Like any visa or passport application, you must submit photos when applying for a temporary residence permit. The requirements as of March 2020 are as follows: 

• Photo size – 35×45 mm with your face taking up at least 60% of the photo. 
• You should be looking straight ahead and the picture should be clear and in focus
• You may not wear anything on your head or glasses in the photo 

It is best to have the photos printed on matte paper if possible.

You need 2 copies unless you are a stateless person, in which case you will need 3 copies.

How much does it cost to apply for a temporary residence permit? 

The state fee for a temporary residence permit application is 1600 rubles or about $25 as of March 2020.

How do I pay the fees for a temporary residence permit?

In order to pay the state fee for the temporary residence permit, you need to go to Sberbank and pay to the correct account that corresponds to the region in which you live. 

You can find all of the details on bank wiring instructions (in Russian) here. 

Are biometrics required for a temporary residence permit?

Yes, once your temporary residence permit application has been accepted and approved or denied, you will be notified by phone or mail. 

If your application is approved, you will need to provide your fingerprints when you pick up your temporary residence permit. When you go to the migration-center, you will get a stamp in your passport (the temporary residence permit) and you will provide your fingerprints at the same time. 

Which tests are required to apply for a temporary residence permit?

One of the more difficult aspects for some of the temporary residence permit application is passing tests on the Russian language, Russian history, and the basics of Russian law. These tests must be taken at official testing centers and must be taken. 

To prove knowledge of the Russian language you may provide one of the following documents:

• Certificate of knowledge of the Russian language, history, and basics of the law
• Government education document from a country, which was part of the Soviet Union before January 1, 1991 (diploma)
• Government education or qualification document received after January 1, 1991, to persons who have passed the state final certification in Russia

If you do not have one of these documents, you will need to sit and pass a three-part test in order to apply for a temporary residence permit. 

The three-part test is made up of the following sections: 

• Russian language
• Russian history
• Basics of Russian law

It is important to note that there are varying levels of the tests that must be passed depending on whether you are applying for a temporary residence permit, a permanent residence permit, or citizenship. 

The Russian Language test for a temporary residence permit consists of the following 5 sections:

• Grammar (25 questions, 15 minutes)
• Reading (10 questions, 15 minutes)
• Listing (10 questions, 15 minutes)
• Writing (1 question, 15 minutes)
• Speaking (15 minutes)

The passing score for the Russian language test is 70% for each section. That means you must score 70% or better on grammar, reading, listening, writing, and speaking individually. 

The test on Russian history for a temporary residence permit is a bit easier. It is 20 questions and you have 30 minutes to complete the test. A passing score is 50%, i.e., 10 out of 20 correct answers. 

The test on the basics of Russian law for a temporary residence permit is similar to the Russian history test. It consists of 20 questions and you have 30 minutes to complete the test. A passing score is 50%, i.e., 10 out of 20 correct answers. 

The total test time for all of the tests for a temporary residence permit is 2 hours and 15 minutes. This time does not include the time taken to explain the test or reading the instructions, so it will take longer. 

If you pass all three tests, you will be given a certificate that must be submitted with your temporary residence permit application. If you do not pass, you will be given your results. 

You may take the test more than once if you do not pass. 

What documents do I need to take the tests required for a temporary residence permit?

 In order to take the tests for a temporary residence permit, you will need the following documents: 

• Passport
• Notarized translation of your passport

Where can I take the temporary residence permit tests? 

Today, there are around 400 test centers where you can take the three-part test, which is required to apply for a temporary residence permit. In Moscow, there are a number of test centers, and the main test center is at Moscow State University. 

There are also test centers located outside of Russia. Currently, the only authorized international test centers are in: 

• Astana, Kazakhstan
• Pavlodar, Kazakhstan 
• Dushanbe, Tajikistan
• Tashkent, Uzbekistan
• Bochum, Germany
• Naples, Italy
• Athens, Greece

Click here for a full list of test centers (in Russian).

What medical exam is required for a temporary residence permit?

Everyone who applies for a temporary residence permit must pass a medical exam and provide the certificate with the application. The medical exam is also required for children applying with you. 

You may pick up a blank copy of the medical certificate at the local police station and to do so you need to have the following documents with you:

• Passport
• Notarized translation of your passport
• Copy of your registration
• Copy of your migration card

After going through the medical exam, you will be given the following documents:

• Medical certificate 
• A certificate confirming you do not have HIV

These two documents must be submitted with your temporary residence permit application.

What lab tests and medical examinations are performed?

The medical exam requires that you are seen by a general physician, tuberculosis specialist, STD specialist, and a psychiatrist.

The following lab tests will also be performed:

• Blood test for HIV and syphilis  
• Blood analysis 
• Urine analysis to test for drugs
• General urine analysis
• Chest x-ray to check for tuberculosis

The goal of the medical exam is to make sure that you do not have the following diseases:

• Leprosy,
• HIV infection
• Tuberculosis
• Drug addiction
• Sexually transmitted diseases or infections

If you have any of these diseases, your application for a temporary residence permit will be denied. 

Where can I take the medical exam? 

The migration authorities only accept medical certificates for temporary residence permit applications from accredited state medical clinics and the places where you can take the medical exam are regulated.

You cannot take the medical exams at any clinic, only certain clinics can fill out the certificate required for a temporary residence permit. For a list of the clinics in Moscow and Moscow Oblast who may fill out the medical certificate, click here. For all other regions of Russia, you may reach out to us at contact@expatriant.com. 

How can I check if my temporary residence permit is ready? 

It used to be that the only way to check whether a temporary residence permit was ready was to go to the migration-center and ask. Today, the process is much simpler, after you have applied for a temporary residence permit, you may check the status on the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ temporary residence permit site (in Russian).

In order to check the status of your temporary residence permit application, you need to enter your last name, the region where you applied, your date of birth, and your passport number. 

When checking the status, unless it is ready, you will get the message “Данные о готовности разрешения на временное проживание отсутствуют” (There is no information on the readiness of this temporary residence permit). It will only let you know once the temporary residence permit is ready. 

My temporary residence permit application was denied, what are the grounds for denying a temporary residence permit application? 

There are two points at which your application could be denied. The first is when you are officially submitting your documents. If you have errors or incomplete information, your application will not be accepted. You must correct these errors and attempt to resubmit. 

The second point at which your application could be denied is after the migration authorities have looked over your documents. Potentially, this is a much more serious problem then the first. 

Why was my temporary residence permit application denied during the submission process? 

There are many reasons why your application could have been denied during submission, for example:

• The application form was filled out incorrectly.
• The required documents were not submitted with the application.
• The documents submitted are no longer valid
• Your passport is valid for less than six months
• You overstayed in Russia
• Required documents are missing

Why was my temporary residence permit application denied after review?

Federal Law No. 115 sets out a number of conditions that result in an automatic denial of a temporary residence permit or cancelation of an existing temporary residence permit. The only reason you would be denied is if one applies. 

The conditions for denial, as set out in the law, are the following:

1. The foreign citizen is declared a national security threat to Russia and its citizens.
2. The foreign citizen is providing financial support, planning terrorist attacks or acting in any way that supports extremism.
3. The foreign citizen was subject to administrative expulsion, deportation, or readmission within the last 5 years from the day the temporary residence permit application was made or if within the last ten years from the day the application was made, the foreign citizen was deported two or more times from Russia, or was transferred to a different country in accordance with a readmission agreement.
4. The foreign citizen provided falsified documents or provided false information.
5. The foreign citizen was sentenced for committing a serious or especially serious felony, or a felony whose relapse is considered dangerous, or committed a crime related to the illicit trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances and their analogs or precursors, plants containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or their precursors, as well as their parts containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or their precursors. 
6. The foreign citizen has an outstanding conviction for a serious or especially serious crime on the territory of the Russian Federation or abroad, which is recognized as such in accordance with Russian law.
7. The foreign citizen has been brought to administrative responsibility two or more times within one year for an administrative offense related to a violation of migration law applicable to foreign citizens in Russia or labor law in Russia, disrupting public order and public safety, or committed an administrative offense associated with the illicit trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances, and their analogs.
8. The foreign citizen, within a period of one year from receiving a temporary residence permit, did not legally work for 180 days in the region of Russia where the temporary residence permit was granted or did not have any income or does not have the funds to support himself and his family members, which are dependent on him. With the exception of:
   • foreign citizens in full-time study at a professional educational institution, at an educational institution of higher education in Russia, including programs for the training of scientific and pedagogical personnel in postgraduate studies (adjunct studies)
   • retirees and disabled people
   • other categories of persons as established by a decree of the Government of the Russian Federation
9. If, after three years from the date of entry, the foreign citizen does not have a place to live based on the grounds provided for by Russian law.
10. The foreign citizen leaves Russia to go to another country to live permanently.
11. If the foreign citizen is not present in Russia for more than six months.
12. If the foreign citizen was married to a Russian citizen and that marriage was the basis for the temporary residence permit and that marriage was declared invalid by a court.
13. If a foreign citizen is a drug addict or does not provide a certificate that he does not have HIV infections, or is sick with an infectious disease. 
14. If the foreign citizen arrived in Russia without a visa and did not submit the required documents within the set timeframe. 

What can I do if my temporary residence permit application was denied? 

If your temporary residence permit application is denied, you can attempt to appeal via the following means:

• Ask for a formal decision as to why the temporary residence permit was denied
• Try to appeal the denial in court
• Try to appeal the denial with the Ministry of Internal Affairs

How can I cancel my temporary residence permit? 

If you would like to cancel your temporary residence permit you may do so by sending an official declaration to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

Is it possible to extend my temporary residence permit? 

It is not possible to extend a temporary residence permit further than the 3 years for which it is granted. Within those three years, you must apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship if you qualify. 

If you do not apply for a permanent residence permit within 3 years, you will lose your temporary residence permit and must apply for it again from the very beginning. 

If you did not apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship, you MUST leave Russia before your temporary residence permit expires otherwise you will be in violation of Russian immigration law. 

What do I need to do after obtaining a temporary residence permit? 

Congratulations, if you have made it this far, you deserve to relax a bit. But, unfortunately, this is Russia and you still need to make sure that you doing everything right after receiving your temporary residence permit. 

After receiving your temporary residence permit you must:

1. Register at your place of residence

This is a very important step after receiving your temporary residence permit, you must register at the place where you physically live. You must do this within seven days of receiving your temporary residence permit. If you are unable to register, you must get temporary registration.

2. Obtain a tax identification number (ИНН)

A year after receiving your temporary residence permit you must provide your tax identification number to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

You are also able to provide your tax identification number when applying for a permanent residence permit instead.

3. Confirm your place of residence 

Within two months before the end of each year after receiving your temporary residence permit, you need to provide confirmation to the Ministry of Internal Affairs about your place of residence. 

In addition, you need to provide a document that confirms your salary and where you worked for that year. 

Click here to see the document that must be filed. 

4. Apply for a permanent residence permit or Russian citizenship

Within 3 years of receiving a temporary residence permit, you must decide what your plans are in Russia. As we mentioned above, after 3 years, the temporary residence permit will expire and it cannot be extended, but you can apply for a permanent residence permit or Russian citizenship (depending on your circumstances). It is best to start this process at least 6 months before your temporary residence permit expires. 

That being said, since November 2019, permanent residence permits are valid indefinitely and can be applied for after 8 months of living in Russia on a temporary residence permit. 

Can I move within Russia with a temporary residence permit? 

Your temporary residence permit is only valid to live and work in the region where it was issued. If you decide you want to move within Russia or want to look for work in another city, you cannot do so easily. 

That being said, it is possible to change where you live if one of the following conditions are met: 

• You have a certificate of participation within the state program for voluntary resettlement.
• You have family members in other regions of Russia. 

If one of these is applicable, you may submit an application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to change your place of residence.

How can a lawyer help with applying for a temporary residence permit? 

It may seem that the rules for applying for a temporary residence permit are relatively clear, and the laws do actually give that impression. Unfortunately, the reality is much different, especially if you are applying for a temporary residence permit in Moscow. 

Russia is facing a demographic crisis and many laws have been passed to allow foreign citizens to stay legally in Russia and offer them routes to Russian citizenship, though the implementation of these laws has been quite poor. The situation remains very difficult for foreign citizens applying for temporary residence permits even with sufficient grounds outside of the quota. In Moscow, these problems are exacerbated by enormous demand. Simply getting an appointment at the migration-center in Sakharovo is practically impossible. It is not uncommon to wait for a week in line just to make an appointment. 

And once you have made an appointment, the authorities will look for any chance to deny your application, even if the law says that you have sufficient grounds to apply outside the quota, i.e., if you are married to a Russian. 

We have provided the most extensive English guide to applying for a temporary residence permit in Russia, and hope that you are successful on your own. 

If you would like a free consultation and walkthrough of the process based on your situation with a verified lawyer, please reach out to us at contact@expatriant.com.