Residence Russia

Foreign citizens wanting to reside in Russia are required to apply for a Russian residence permit. The Russian authorities provide two types of residence permits for international citizens: temporary residence permits and long-term residence permits.

Why Second Citizenship Russia?

Obtaining a Russian residence permit can lead to Russian citizenship for those interested in getting a Russian passport. In 2015, the government amended the Immigration Law, and our Russian lawyers can explain what the new changes mean and how they affect those who wish to obtain residence permits.

The first step to obtaining a permanent Russian residence permit is to acquire a temporary one. Our lawyers in Russia will assist you in applying for any of the two types of residence permits.

Who can get a Russian residence permit?

It is important to note that the Russian authorities have well-established rules regarding the foreign citizens who are eligible to obtain residence permits (temporary and permanent). Under the new Immigration Law, all foreign persons who wish to acquire Russian residency must prove their knowledge of the Russian language, history, and law. The knowledge must be supported by documents issued by Russian authorities.

The following categories of people are exempted from certain requirements when applying for residence permits in Russia:

• Persons aged below 18 and over 60 who are not required to demonstrate they speak Russian or understand the country’s history
• Foreign students registered with Russian accredited universities or other institutions can apply for temporary residence permits
• Foreign citizens specializing in specific fields sought by Russian companies are also exempted from the above-mentioned requirements
• Foreign citizens who have relatives from the Soviet Union and wish to return to Russia

Our lawyers in Russia can provide more information on the requirements related to obtaining residence permits. We can also advise Russian companies interested in hiring foreign specialists for whom work permits are required.

Obtaining a temporary Russian residence permit

The temporary residence visa grants a foreign citizen the same social rights as any other Russian citizen. The temporary residence permit is issued for a period of three years, but it must be re-validated annually. Russian temporary residence permits are issued by the Federal Migration Service.

Foreign citizens with a temporary Russian residence permit are allowed to leave the country only after obtaining a leave and re-entry Russian visa. To obtain a temporary residence permit, one must meet the following requirements:

• The foreign citizen must have been born in Russia
• Must have a Russian relative
• Must be married to a Russian citizen
• Must be an investor doing business in Russia
• Must have been registered in the Russian military service

For information regarding the documents needed to obtain a temporary residence permit, you may rely on our law firm in Russia.

Long-term Russian residence permits

The long-term residence permit is the first step to acquiring Russian citizenship. A Russian permanent residence permit may be obtained after holding a temporary residence visa for two years. The Russian permanent residence permit has a five-year validity period and can be extended without any limitation. However, similar to the temporary residence visa, it must be validated annually. Additionally, foreign citizens holding a Russian permanent residence visa may leave the country without applying for other visas. Holders of permanent residence permits may work in Russia without a work permit.

Obtaining investor residence visa in Russia

In 2014, Russia joined the list of countries that allowed special programs for foreign investors seeking to relocate here. Also known as business investment visa, the program provides highly advantageous conditions under which foreign entrepreneurs can obtain Russian residence permits based on investment.

One must comply with the following requirements to obtain a Russian residence permit as an investor:

• The minimum amount of money to be invested is 100,000 USD (this is one of the lowest investment programs worldwide)
• The investment must be made in specific sectors, such as oil and gas, agriculture, energy, medicine, information technology, and research and development
• The money to be invested must originate from a legitimate source (proof of that is required by the authorities)
• The applicant must reside in Russia for 90 days before applying for the investor residence permit

Among the benefits of the Russian investor residence permit are the short processing time of up to one month, the possibility of obtaining permanent residency after three years, and the opportunity of acquiring Russian citizenship after five years.

Our Russian law firm can assist foreign investors who want to move here with a citizenship by investment program. We can explain the requirements and help with the paperwork to be filed with the immigration authorities.

Documents required for obtaining a Russian residence permit

Regardless of the type of residence permit a foreign person intends to obtain in Russia, they will need to submit the following documents with the immigration authorities:

• An application
• Four passport-sized photos
• The valid passport
• A health certificate indicating the applicant does not suffer from any contagious disease

In the case of foreign citizens applying for permanent residency in Russia, the temporary residence permit is also required.

FAQ on residence permits in Russia

• Does a Russian residence permit expire? Yes, both temporary and permanent residence permits expire, but they can be renewed for an unlimited number of times.
• How long does it take to get a temporary residence permit in Russia? It takes around six months for a temporary residence permit to be issued.
• Can I open a business in Russia if I have a residence permit? Yes, you are allowed to start a business in Russia based on a residence permit.
• Can I work in Russia based on a residence permit? Yes, you are allowed to work in Russia if you are a holder of a temporary or permanent residence visa.
• Can I get citizenship in Russia if I have a residence permit? You can get Russian citizenship based on a permanent residence permit.

Further information

For more information on how to obtain a residence permit in Russia, please contact us.

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Focused on you – our Client.

Call us: +66 99091 8357
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If you have further questions about Residence Program Russia or any other concerns, please contact us.