What is a RVP?
A Temporary Residence Permit (RVP) is a migration status that allows a foreign citizen or stateless person to:
- Legally reside in the Russian Federation.
- Work without obtaining additional permits (such as a work patent).
Important features of the RVP:
- The validity period is 3 years (provided all rules are observed).
- The RVP cannot be extended. After it expires, you must either obtain a Residence Permit (RP) or leave the Russian Federation and apply for RVP again.
- Proof of status is a stamp in your national passport or another valid identity document.
Rights of RVP holders
With a RVP you have the right to:
Work
without a patent or work permit (only in the region where the RVP was issued)
without a patent or work permit (only in the region where the RVP was issued)
Register your residence for
the entire duration of the RVP
the entire duration of the RVP
Register as an individual entrepreneur (INN)
Apply for a Residence Permit (RP)
12 months after obtaining your RVP
12 months after obtaining your RVP
Freely leave and re-enter Russia
Important: you may not stay outside Russia continuously for more than 6 months
Important: you may not stay outside Russia continuously for more than 6 months
Obtain compulsory health insurance (DMS)
register at a clinic, and receive medical care under the same conditions as Russian citizens
register at a clinic, and receive medical care under the same conditions as Russian citizens
Grounds for obtaining a RVP
A RVP can be obtained outside the quota
Being married to a Russian citizen (marriage must have lasted for at least 3 years)
within the quota (for 2025, the quota is 5,500 permits)
Graduating from an accredited Russian university with honors
Being a citizen of Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine, or Moldova (in accordance with international treaties)
Having refugee status or temporary asylum in Russia
Participation in the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots
Being an investor (in the volume established by law) or a member of their family
Being a highly qualified specialist or a close relative of one
Having a common child with a Russian citizen
For citizens of “unfriendly” states: demonstrating adherence to Russia’s traditional spiritual and moral values (subject to strict criteria)
Apply for a quota (if required)
Submit an application for a quota to the territorial office of the Main Directorate for Migration (GUVM) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) or the Multifunctional Migration Center in Moscow.
- The review period for quota applications is 30 days.
Medical examination and fingerprinting
All applicants entering Russia without a visa must undergo:
- Medical examination.
- Fingerprint registration.
- Photographing.
Submit documents
Submit your application and documents in one of the following ways:
- Via the Gosuslugi portal (online submission followed by an in-person visit with original documents).
- In person at the local GUVM office of the MIA.
- Through a multifunctional center (MFC) at your place of residence.
Collect documents
- Application form (available on the official MIA website)
- Valid national passport with a notarized Russian translation
- Migration card with entry stamp
- Two photos (size 35×45 mm; for stateless persons – 5 photos)
- Medical certificate confirming the absence of dangerous infectious diseases (HIV, drug addiction, tuberculosis, etc.)
- Certificate of proficiency in the Russian language, history of Russia, and fundamentals of Russian law
- Police clearance certificate (required for citizens of visa-entry countries)
- Documents confirming your grounds for obtaining a RVP (marriage certificate, diploma, refugee certificate, etc.)
Pay the state fee
The state fee for RVP applications in 2025 is 1,920 RUB. Keep the payment receipt
Wait for a decision
- The review period for a RVP application is up to 60 working days.
- You can track the status of your application in your personal account on the official MIA website.
Migration registration
After receiving a RVP, you must register at your place of residence within 7 days
Annual confirmation
Although a RVP is valid for 3 years, you must submit an annual confirmation of residence in Russia in person at the MIA
Possible reasons for refusal and further actions
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Common reasons for refusal at the initial stage
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What to do if refused?
- If your application was not accepted, correct the indicated issues and reapply.
- If your RVP application was denied after review, you can submit a new application only after 1 year, unless otherwise provided by law