Migration Law Basics for Foreigners

To stay legally in Russia, a foreigner needs a valid ground for entry, a migration registration at the place of stay, and, for a longer stay, a temporary residence permit (RVP) or a residence permit (VNZh). Citizens of the United States enter with a visa or an electronic visa. Missing registration or overstaying are the most common reasons for fines, expulsion and entry bans.

Attorney Elena Petrova advises Americans and other foreign citizens on moving to Russia, legalising a stay and dealing with migration violations.

Visas and Entry Grounds

The purpose stated in the visa must match what you actually do in Russia. A tourist or business visa does not allow employment, and a private visa requires an invitation from a Russian citizen. Many visa types are single or double entry with a strict period of validity.

An electronic visa allows a short stay for tourism, business or guest visits. Its terms are narrower than those of an ordinary visa, so it is not suitable for work or long projects.

Registration at the Place of Stay

On arrival, the receiving side, usually a hotel, landlord or employer, must register the foreigner with the migration authority. For most foreigners this must be done within seven working days. The host submits the notice, and the foreigner keeps the detachable part of the form as proof.

Moving to another address or city requires a new registration. When an inspection finds no valid registration, both the foreigner and the host can be fined.

Temporary and Permanent Residence

An RVP can be obtained outside the quota on grounds such as marriage to a Russian citizen or birth in Russia. A holder of an RVP or VNZh must confirm residence each year by filing a notice.

Path to Russian Citizenship

Citizenship is regulated by the Federal Law "On Citizenship of the Russian Federation" adopted in 2023. The general route requires a residence permit, a period of residence, a legal source of income and knowledge of Russian, history and law. Simplified routes exist for spouses of Russian citizens, children of citizens and native Russian speakers, among others.

Russia allows dual citizenship in principle, but a citizen with another nationality must notify the authorities about it. Failure to notify is itself an offence.

Migration Violations and Their Consequences

Typical violations include staying after the visa or permitted period ends, working without a permit, and living without registration. Penalties are set by the Code of Administrative Offences and may include a fine together with administrative expulsion.

An expulsion order usually brings an entry ban for several years. Some bans are imposed by the authorities without a court, and the foreigner often learns about them only at the border.

Recent Changes in Control

Russia has tightened control over foreigners in recent years. Biometric data is collected on entry and when applying for documents. Rules for foreigners who have lost legal grounds to stay now include a special register that restricts banking and property transactions. Details change often, so a current check is needed before relying on any past practice.

Resolving Your Case With an Attorney

We choose the right status for your goal, prepare the RVP, VNZh or citizenship file and track deadlines for annual notices. If you face expulsion or an entry ban, we challenge it in court and argue family ties and a legal history of stay.

The main channel of communication with the attorney is email: attorneypetrova1@gmail.com.