PRP

What is a VNZ?

A Permanent Residence Permit (VNZ) is a document that grants a foreign citizen the right to reside permanently in the territory of the Russian Federation.
The main advantage of the VNZ is that it is issued without a time limit (indefinitely).

Rights of a VNZ holder

With a VNZ, you have the right to:

Reside permanently in Russia without any time restrictions.

Work legally in any region of Russia without the need for a work permit or patent.

Obtain a compulsory medical insurance (ОМS) policy and receive free medical care in state institutions.

Register as an individual entrepreneur (IE).

Apply for Russian citizenship (subject to meeting the requirements).

Grounds for obtaining a VNZ

General procedure: Having a Temporary Residence Permit (RVP) and residing in Russia with it for at least 8 months.

Marriage with a Russian citizen (registered at least 3 years ago) or having a common child.

Graduation from an accredited Russian university with honors.

Being a citizen of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan (under the EAEU treaty), or other CIS countries (under international agreements).

Having close relatives (parents, children, siblings) who are Russian citizens.

Being a highly qualified specialist or a family member of one.

Step-by-step procedure for obtaining a VNZ

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

Check if you qualify for a VNZ, especially under simplified procedures. This will affect the list of required documents.

Step 2: Collect the required documents

Prepare the following set of documents:

Application form (two copies). Available at the Multifunctional Migration Center (MMC), the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), or online via the Gosuslugi portal.
A valid national passport and a notarized translation into Russian (if there are no Russian entries in the passport).
Four (4) photographs, size 35x45 mm.
Certificate of knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history, and basics of Russian law. Issued after passing an exam at an accredited university (fee approx. 5,900 ₽). Exemptions apply for holders of USSR or Russian school certificates.
Proof of legal income (Form 2-NDFL, bank statement, or Form 3-NDFL tax declaration). Income must not be lower than the subsistence minimum.
Receipt of state fee payment (6,000 ₽ in 2025). Payment can be made in a bank or via Gosuslugi
Medical certificates confirming the absence of dangerous infectious diseases (HIV, tuberculosis, drug addiction, etc.).
Certificate of no criminal record from the country of citizenship. Not required for most CIS citizens (except Turkmenistan) and for RVP holders.
For simplified procedures, additional documents may be required (marriage certificate, diploma, birth certificate, etc.). Always confirm the full list in advance with the MIA or MMC.

Step 3: Submit your documents

Submit the complete set of documents in person:

At the Migration Department of the MIA in your region.
At the Multifunctional Migration Center (MMC), e.g., in Moscow — MMC “Sakharovo.”

Step 4: Wait for the decision

The review period for a VNZ application is up to 4 months (6 months for citizens of some EAEU countries).

Step 5: Register your place of residence

After obtaining a VNZ, you must register your residence address within 7 days.

Important obligations after obtaining a VNZ

Annual notification:

You must submit an annual confirmation of residence in Russia to the MIA. This can be done in person, by mail, or via Gosuslugi. Once every 5 years, the notification must be submitted in person.

Document renewal by age:

Your VNZ must be replaced when you turn 14, 20, and 45 years old, to update your photo and data. You must apply for replacement within 1 month after your birthday.

For the annual notification you will need:

Completed notification form (Forma_uvedomleniya.doc).
Your passport with notarized translation.
Permanent Residence Permit.
Proof of income (or other financial support documents).

Failure to comply may result in:

A fine of up to 7,000 ₽ for late submission of annual notification

Cancellation of your VNZ if you fail to submit notifications for 2 consecutive year

Possible reasons for refusal

Two or more administrative offenses within the last year.

Insufficient income (below the subsistence minimum).

An unexpunged conviction for a serious crime.

Submission of false or forged information or documents.

What to do in case of refusal?

If your application is denied, you may reapply only after 1 year, unless otherwise provided by law. You must first eliminate all the reasons that led to the refusal.

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