IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Russia has passed a bill to simplify the application procedure for Permanent Residence Permits (PRP) and to clarify the process for obtaining the Temporary Residence Permit (TRP).

  • Effective date: Nov. 1.
  • Visas/permits affected: TRPs and PRPs.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for residence permits.

Pending changes:

  • Eased eligibility. Eligible foreign nationals will now be able to apply directly for the PRP without first applying for a TRP. Foreign nationals will be eligible for a PRP with unlimited validity if they:
    • were born in the RSFSR and were USSR citizens;
    • have a parent or guardian who is a foreign citizen and has a PRP in Russia;
    • are under 18 and have obtained a PRP together with their parent, adoptive parent or guardian;
    • have a parent, adoptive parent or guardian, son or daughter – who is a Russian citizen and who permanently lives in Russia;
    • are native speakers of the Russian language (this will be determined under a specially designed procedure, to be announced);
    • were deported from the territory of Crimea ASSR;
    • have highly qualified specialist status;
    • are considered qualified specialists and have worked for no less than six months in a position included on the list issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
    • have graduated with honors from a Russian university under a full-time accredited education program.

The following foreign citizens can apply directly for a PRP with a three-year validity:

    • HQS employees and their family members.
    • Qualified specialists who have worked in Russia for six months in a position that is included in the list of qualified worker job positions, and who have the right to apply for Russian citizenship following a simplified procedure. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will confirm the full list of documents that must be filed.
  • Renewals. The bill stipulates that the PRP must be renewed if and when holders turn 14, 20 or 45, or if they change their first or last name.
  • Counting rules. Foreign nationals who have spent more than six months total in one calendar year outside of Russia will have their PRP or TRP application rejected or an already-issued PRP or TRP annulled. Exceptions may be made in emergency circumstances (i.e., serious illness) or in cases where the TRP or PRP holder is spending time abroad owing to work.
  • Notification. PRP holders must submit notification to a local Ministry of Internal Affairs office on a yearly basis. Notification must be submitted in person.
  • Cancellations. The bill clarifies the procedure for canceling a PRP or TRP. Additionally, the authorities have proposed that the PRP will be automatically canceled if holders fail to report their presence in Russia for more than two consecutive years.
  • Shortened application review. The bill shortens the review period for the TRP to four months.

Analysis & Comments: The changes will simplify the process for obtaining a PRP for eligible nationals and further clarify processing of TRPs. While the bill has been passed, it will not come into effect until Nov. 1.

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