Important Updates
Important Updates
January 15, 2026 | MalaysiaMalaysia: Minimum Salary Requirements for Employment Pass To Be Increased
January 16, 2026 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Longer Processing Times and Increased Security of D-8 and D-9 Visa Applications
January 16, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwan Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot to Open February 10, 2026
January 15, 2026 | GuyanaGuyana: Approval Validity Reduced, Work Authorization Timelines Tightened
January 15, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: New Immigration Rules Increase Residency and Visa Stay Periods, Clarify Visit Visa Conversion, Relax Passport Requirements, Increase Fees
January 15, 2026 | MalaysiaMalaysia: Minimum Salary Requirements for Employment Pass To Be Increased
January 16, 2026 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Longer Processing Times and Increased Security of D-8 and D-9 Visa Applications
January 16, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwan Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot to Open February 10, 2026
January 15, 2026 | GuyanaGuyana: Approval Validity Reduced, Work Authorization Timelines Tightened
January 15, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: New Immigration Rules Increase Residency and Visa Stay Periods, Clarify Visit Visa Conversion, Relax Passport Requirements, Increase Fees
January 15, 2026 | MalaysiaMalaysia: Minimum Salary Requirements for Employment Pass To Be Increased
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Russia: Relaxed Rules for Temporary and Permanent Residence Permits

January 18, 2023

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • RussiaRussia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

The Russian government has eased the requirements related to obtaining temporary residence permits (TRPs) and permanent residence permits (PRPs). Key changes include:

  • a new rule that issues visa extensions in Russia;
  • a new TRP for foreign full-time students; and
  • a new method by which rejection notices for residence permits are issued, among other changes.

Most of the changes focus on attracting talent or streamlining processes in order to attract foreign nationals to Russia.  

The situation

The Russian government has relaxed several of the requirements for foreign nationals obtaining temporary residence permits (TRPs) and permanent residence permits (PRPs), which are effective immediately.

A closer look

Key changes to the rules regarding temporary and permanent residence permits include the following:

CHANGE DETAILS IMPACT
Extension of visas when filing for residence
    • Visa required nationals whose visas expired while they await their residence permit approval can now extend their visa to be valid while their residence permit application is pending, whereas previously they had to leave Russia if their visa expired (and apply for another visa from outside Russia).
    • Foreign nationals will greatly benefit from the streamlined process, as they will not be required to leave the country to extend their legal status, while the residence permit (both PRP and TRP) application is pending with the authorities
TRP visas issued simultaneously with TRP
    • When foreign nationals receive their TRP, they will simultaneously be issued a TRP visa.
    • Previously, foreign nationals with TRPs were required to file a separate application for the TRP visa after they received the TRP.
    • As always, foreign nationals who are issued a PRP will have their existing visas canceled since PRP holders do not require a visa.
    • The TRP visa will be issued more quickly, which will allow foreign nationals the ability to travel outside of Russia sooner.
TRP for foreign students
    • Foreign nationals can apply for a student TRP with a processing time of two months. Previously, only a student visa was available, which did not provide a residence permit (and therefore, no path to citizenship).
    • Eligible students can work under this residence permit type.
    • Eligibility requirements for this TRP include that the foreign national must:
      • Study full-time in a Russian educational or a state scientific organization;
      • Their study must be towards obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree; specialty, residency program or assistant internship.
      • Foreign nationals receiving these TRPs will be exempt from the requirement to file yearly notifications confirming their stay in Russia.
    • Within three years of graduation, foreign nationals who have held TRPs can apply for a PRP.
    • Foreign full-time students will find a route to permanent residence and citizenship through this new PRP, allowing them to stay longer in Russia.
Medical examination
    • The government has clarified that foreign nationals applying for TRPs or PRPs at Russian consulates abroad must pass a medical examination within 30 calendar days after entering Russia (whereas previously the timing was not clear in the law).
    • If they cannot meet this deadline, foreign nationals must apply for an extension at the local office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
    • Foreign nationals should be aware of the clarified guidelines and take appropriate actions to meet them in order to ensure compliance with Russian law.
Email notification of rejection of TRP and PRP applications eliminated
    • Foreign nationals will no longer be notified of the rejection of their application for a TRP or PRP by email.
    • Instead, notifications will be handed to the foreign national in person at the responsible division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, through the Gosuslugi portal or via Russian mail.
    • The change may extend the amount of time foreign nationals need to wait to learn that their TRP or PRP application has been rejected; however, the new notification method will provide a more secure delivery method.
Russian language exam requirement eliminated for Ukrainian nationals
    • Ukrainian nationals are no longer required to pass a Russian language exam in order to apply for a TRP or PRP.
    • Most other foreign nationals remain subject to the language exam requirement, although there are some additional exceptions including Belarussian nationals.
    • The elimination of this requirement will make it easier for Ukrainian nationals to apply for TRPs or PRPs.

Background

Over the past year, the Russian government has sought to eliminate some restrictions on foreign nationals applying to work in Russia, including introducing a new temporary residence permit for foreign nationals and relaxing medical examination requirements. These changes are intended to simplify immigration procedures to attract talent to the country.

Looking ahead

It is expected that Russia will continue to relax its immigration laws in order to attract talent to bolster and diversify its economy and create a more competitive real estate market.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • RussiaRussia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Westlaw Today: US Green Card by Investment: EB-5 and Gold Card Options for Middle Eastern Investors

Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni discuss US investment-based immigration options for Middle Eastern investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Why Degree Equivalency Matters in the UAE 

Partner Ali Haider, Director Shoaib Khaleeli, Manager Ruaida Hussein and Senior Immigration Consultant Katerina Hornickova examine why degree equivalency has become mandatory in the United Arab Emirates and how the process affects employment, professional licensing and visa eligibility.

Learn more

Video

Applying for German Citizenship: A Guide to Naturalization

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler explains key eligibility requirements for naturalization in Germany, including residence, language proficiency and financial self-sufficiency, as well as family eligibility considerations.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Wage-Weighted H-1Bs Will End “Level Playing Field”

Partner Bo Cooper explains the impact of wage‑weighted selection on H‑1B registration and compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: What Maduro’s Seizure Means for Venezuelan Students Abroad

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how heightened government scrutiny affecting students from countries such as Venezuela is shaping travel guidance for those studying in the US.

Learn more

Media mentions

Lexology Pro: H-1B Programme Braces for New Rules and Uncertainty in 2026

Partner K. Edward Raleigh highlights how recent H-1B changes are shaping employer compliance strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: Number of Work Permits Issued Last Year Drops by Almost a Quarter

Practice Leader Colm Collins explains that processing delays, shifting demand in information and communication technology (ICT) and renewal cycles contributed to last year’s drop in work permit approvals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Canada's Immigration System Is Reaching a Breaking Point: Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association

Partner Rick Lamanna examines current pressures on Canada’s immigration system, including processing delays, reduced admissions and policy uncertainty and the implications for applicants and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

Employer of Record and Body Leasing in Switzerland: Compliance Risks and Key Updates

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines how Swiss authorities assess Employer of Record and body-leasing models, highlighting key compliance risks, licensing requirements and a regulatory update affecting EU and EFTA nationals effective 1 January 2026.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Cudzoziemców też chroni konstytucja

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how courts in Poland are reinforcing timely processing and constitutional protections for foreigners.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年12月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Cosmina Morariu Named Managing Partner of Fragomen’s Canadian PracticeLearn more

Media mentions

Westlaw Today: US Green Card by Investment: EB-5 and Gold Card Options for Middle Eastern Investors

Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni discuss US investment-based immigration options for Middle Eastern investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Why Degree Equivalency Matters in the UAE 

Partner Ali Haider, Director Shoaib Khaleeli, Manager Ruaida Hussein and Senior Immigration Consultant Katerina Hornickova examine why degree equivalency has become mandatory in the United Arab Emirates and how the process affects employment, professional licensing and visa eligibility.

Learn more

Video

Applying for German Citizenship: A Guide to Naturalization

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler explains key eligibility requirements for naturalization in Germany, including residence, language proficiency and financial self-sufficiency, as well as family eligibility considerations.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Wage-Weighted H-1Bs Will End “Level Playing Field”

Partner Bo Cooper explains the impact of wage‑weighted selection on H‑1B registration and compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: What Maduro’s Seizure Means for Venezuelan Students Abroad

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how heightened government scrutiny affecting students from countries such as Venezuela is shaping travel guidance for those studying in the US.

Learn more

Media mentions

Lexology Pro: H-1B Programme Braces for New Rules and Uncertainty in 2026

Partner K. Edward Raleigh highlights how recent H-1B changes are shaping employer compliance strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: Number of Work Permits Issued Last Year Drops by Almost a Quarter

Practice Leader Colm Collins explains that processing delays, shifting demand in information and communication technology (ICT) and renewal cycles contributed to last year’s drop in work permit approvals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Canada's Immigration System Is Reaching a Breaking Point: Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association

Partner Rick Lamanna examines current pressures on Canada’s immigration system, including processing delays, reduced admissions and policy uncertainty and the implications for applicants and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

Employer of Record and Body Leasing in Switzerland: Compliance Risks and Key Updates

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines how Swiss authorities assess Employer of Record and body-leasing models, highlighting key compliance risks, licensing requirements and a regulatory update affecting EU and EFTA nationals effective 1 January 2026.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Cudzoziemców też chroni konstytucja

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how courts in Poland are reinforcing timely processing and constitutional protections for foreigners.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年12月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Cosmina Morariu Named Managing Partner of Fragomen’s Canadian PracticeLearn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.