IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change?  Russia has proposed a bill to simplify the application procedure for permanent residence permits (PRPs) and to clarify the processes for obtaining temporary residence permits (TRPs).

  • Effective date: To be determined. The bill has not been passed yet.
  • Visas/permits affected:  Temporary and permanent residence permits.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for residence permits.
  • What’s next: The bill, which has been labeled a high priority, is expected to be reviewed by the State Duma by the end of July, or October at the latest.

Proposed changes:

  • Eased eligibility. Eligible foreign nationals would be able to apply directly for the PRP without first applying for a TRP. The following individuals would be eligible for an unlimited validity PRP:
    • Foreign nationals who were born in the Russian Federation and who were USSR citizens in the past.
    • Foreign nationals who were born in Russia, have not reached the age of 18 and whose parent, stepparent, or caretaker are foreign citizens and who permanently live in Russia.
    • Foreign nationals who have a parent, son or daughter who is a Russian citizen and who permanently live in Russia.
    • Foreign nationals who are native speakers of the Russian language (eligibility to be determined under a specially designed procedure, to be announced).
    • Foreign citizens who were deported from the territory of Crimea Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
    • Individuals who live in Russia and whose Russian citizenship has been annulled.
    • Individuals who live in Russia and who were denied Russian citizenship, with the exception of those who were denied Russian citizenship because they committed a crime.

The following individuals may apply directly for a PRP with a three-year validity:

    • Foreign citizens – Highly qualified specialists and their family members.
    • Foreign citizens (highly qualified specialists) who have worked in Russia for six months who have the right to apply for the Russian citizenship following a simplified procedure. The full list of documents that have to be filed will be confirmed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
  • Renewals. The proposed bill establishes that the PRP will need to be renewed if and when the foreign national turns 14, 20 or 45 years of age or if the foreign nationals change their first name or surname.
  • Counting rules. Foreign nationals who have spent more than six months 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 (such as serious illness) or in cases where the TRP or PRP holder is spending time abroad due to work.
  • Notification. PRP holders must submit notification to a local Ministry of Internal Affairs office on a yearly basis. Notification must be submitted at an in-person appearance.
  • Cancellations. The proposed bill clarifies the procedure for cancelling a PRP or TRP.   Additionally, the authorities have proposed that the PRP will be automatically cancelled if the foreign national fails to report their presence in Russia for more than two years in a row.
  • Shortened application review. The bill has proposed a four-month review period for the TRP.

Analysis & Comments:  The proposed changes would simplify the process for obtaining a PRP for eligible nationals and would further clarify processing of TRPs.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.