Permanent Residence in Russia

Obtaining a residence permit means that a foreign citizen acquires the legal right to reside in Russia indefinitely, to move about freely, and to travel outside of Russia. A residence permit confirms that its holder has the following rights:

• Obtaining a residence permit (PRP) grants the right to permanent residence in Russia.
• Obtaining a residence permit (PRP) grants the right to freely enter or leave Russia without additional permits.
• Obtaining a residence permit (PRP) allows you to live and work in any constituent entity of the Russian Federation.

Obtaining a residence permit in the Russian Federation is the second step toward obtaining Russian citizenship, following the acquisition of a temporary residence permit (TRP), if required by law.

A foreign citizen or a person who does not hold Russian citizenship but is a citizen of another country may hold a residence permit (PRP) in Russia. Residence permits are now issued indefinitely, and this status can be obtained in any region of the Russian Federation. 

Cost of Obtaining a Residence Permit

Obtaining a Residence Permit Through the Standard Procedure

Obtaining a Residence Permit Under the Compatriot Resettlement Program

Obtaining a Residence Permit for a Child

Obtaining a Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS)

Obtaining a Residence Permit for Repatriates

Obtaining a Residence Permit for Citizens of the Republic of Belarus

Renewing a Residence Permit

Application for a Residence Permit

Documents Required for a Residence Permit

After Obtaining a Residence Permit

Residence Permit Notification

Processing Times for Residence Permits in 2026

• Residence permits are issued within 4 months of the application’s acceptance for foreign citizens applying under the Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) program;
• Receive a residence permit within 3 months of submitting the application for a residence permit based on the Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) category, for citizens of the Republic of Belarus; those born in the RSFSR who have parents or children who are citizens of the Russian Federation.
• Receive a residence permit within 2 months for participants in the program for the resettlement of compatriots and repatriates;
• Obtaining a residence permit within 15 days of submitting the application for citizens who have renounced Russian citizenship or who have refugee status in Russia.

In 2026, the processing time for a residence permit in Moscow and the Moscow Region—from the date of submission of documents to receipt of the permit—is 4 months. For other categories of foreign citizens eligible for preferential treatment, such as citizens of the Republic of Belarus or those applying as Russian-language speakers, the processing time for a residence permit may be shorter, typically 2–3 months. Foreign citizens applying for a residence permit in Moscow and the Moscow Region under the standard procedure should expect the processing time to be at least 6 months. Precisely because of the lengthy residence permit processing time, the law requires that applications be submitted no later than 4 months before the expiration of the temporary residence permit (TRP). In this case, the filing deadlines are very important, and failing to submit the residence permit application 4 months in advance may result in losing not only the opportunity to obtain a residence permit but also the ability to reapply for a temporary residence permit. 

Obtaining a residence permit in Russia allows you to legally live, work, and travel throughout the Russian Federation. In addition, a residence permit gives you the opportunity to exchange your national driver’s license or register a vehicle in your name.

Obtaining a residence permit entitles you to change your region of residence simply by notifying the local Migration Service offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs upon arrival in another region. A residence permit allows you to travel freely without needing an exit visa, unlike under the Temporary Residence Permit (for citizens of visa-required countries).

For entrepreneurs, obtaining a residence permit in the Russian Federation makes it possible to register various types of legal entities—such as sole proprietorships (IP), joint-stock companies (AO), and limited liability companies (OOO)—in any constituent entity of the Russian Federation, from Kaliningrad to Anadyr.

Obtaining a residence permit in Russia allows foreign citizens to register with the employment service, make pension contributions, and receive a pension.

Compared to a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), foreign citizens holding a residence permit in Russia are also required to submit annual notifications regarding their residence in the country. While residing in the Russian Federation under a residence permit, a foreign citizen is required to provide proof of subsistence income and complete an application. As with a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), the notification for 2026 must be submitted during the 13th and 14th months of the calendar year, starting from the date the residence permit was issued.

Despite all the advantages of a Residence Permit over a Temporary Residence Permit described above, Russian citizens have more rights than foreign citizens residing under a Residence Permit. A Residence Permit is an intermediate step toward obtaining Russian citizenship. Even after obtaining a residence permit, a foreign citizen still does not have the right to vote, unlike citizens of the Russian Federation. Obtaining a residence permit does not allow foreign citizens to hold government positions or work in the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Ministry of Defense. Upon receiving a residence permit, a foreign citizen retains certain obligations that they must systematically fulfill in order to comply with immigration regulations.  After obtaining a residence permit in the Russian Federation, a foreign citizen is required to notify the migration authorities once a year and confirm their residence in Russia by providing Form 2 NDFL or bank statements showing that they meet the minimum subsistence level. Once obtained, the residence permit must be renewed every 5 years. The renewal process itself is simpler than obtaining the initial residence permit; however, you must still undergo a medical examination, fill out an application, and submit the required annual notifications.