Russia: Relaxed Entry Visa, Temporary Residence Permit Requirements in Effect

Effective September 1, 2024, Russia has relaxed entry visa and temporary residence permit requirements for certain foreign nationals (see list below). First, eligible foreign nationals can now apply for a new three-month private entry visa (this visa type does not require a letter of invitation). Second, eligible foreign nationals can now apply for a temporary residence permit without being subject to a quota and without any Russian-language proficiency. Additionally, foreign nationals in Russia on and after September 1, 2024 under any visa type can now apply for a temporary residence permit – which grants permit holders the right to work and access public healthcare. As was previously the case, after eight months under a temporary residence permit, permit holders can apply for permanent residency (which requires passing tests on Russian language, history and law). These changes will make it easier for certain foreign nationals to enter and reside in Russia.

Eligible countries: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the Bahamas, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and the United States.