According to Decree № 702, a temporary residence permit (TRP) in Russia can be obtained through a simplified procedure — without taking tests on Russian language proficiency, history, and legislation. To do this, a foreign citizen must declare their commitment to traditional Russian values and submit the required documents to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Let’s take a closer look at the simplified TRP application process.
The essence of the simplified procedure
A Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) is a document that allows a foreign citizen to legally reside and work in Russia for up to 3 years (Article 6 of the Federal Law dated July 25, 2002 No. 115-FL).
As a general rule, each region of the Russian Federation sets its own quota — a specific number of TRPs issued annually. There is also a federal quota (for 2025 — no more than 5,500 permits according to the directive dated October 14, 2024 No. 2839-r). However, there are many exceptions to the quota rule. For example, foreign citizens who are married to Russian citizens (as of January 25, 2025 — the marriage must have lasted at least 3 years) may obtain a TRP without regard to the quota.
Starting from September 1, 2024 — with the enactment of the Presidential Decree of the Russian Federation № 702 dated August 19, 2024 — a new category of foreign citizens became eligible to obtain a TRP without a quota. Specifically, these are individuals who share Russia’s traditional spiritual and moral values. In addition to being exempt from the quota requirement, such individuals may also obtain a TRP without having to pass exams on the Russian language, history, or legal system.
Presidential Decree No. 702 of 19.08.2024 — main provisions
The main goal of Decree № 702 is to establish legal conditions for attracting foreign citizens to Russia whose views and beliefs align with the fundamental values of Russian society. It refers to individuals who reject the destructive ideological influence of neoliberalism, which contradicts the principles and traditional values upheld by Russia.
Important: Decree № 702 applies both to individuals who hold citizenship of a state with “destructive” ideological views and to those who do not (for example, residents of such countries with a residence permit).
The decree also provides for the following:
- The Russian Government is to establish a list of countries where destructive policies are being implemented;
- TRP applications are to be processed in accordance with Articles 6 and 6.1 of Federal Law № 115-FL;
- A TRP may be denied in cases outlined in Article 7 of Law № 115-FL;
- A single-entry private visa valid for 3 months may be issued based on the foreign citizen’s request on the grounds mentioned above.
What is meant by traditional values for the Russian Federation?
The main criterion for obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) under the simplified procedure is demonstrating a commitment to traditional values.
According to Presidential Decree of the Russian Federation No. 809 dated November 9, 2022, “traditional values” are understood to include:
- recognition of the value of human life and dignity,
- guarantee of rights and freedoms,
- patriotism and active civic engagement,
- loyalty to the Motherland and responsibility for its prosperity,
- adherence to high moral standards,
- strengthening of family bonds,
- dedication to constructive and productive labor,
- prioritizing spiritual development over material wealth,
- compassion and mercy,
- a pursuit of justice and honesty,
- collectivism and mutual support,
- respect among members of society,
- reverence for historical heritage, and
- intergenerational continuity.
Stages of obtaining a residence permit under the simplified procedure
- Verification by a consular office — determination of whether the applicant’s country of citizenship is included in the list of states pursuing a destructive policy;
- Obtaining a visa — issued based on a written declaration of shared traditional values with Russia;
- Entry into Russia using the issued visa;
- Migration registration within 7 working days of arrival in Russia;
- Undergoing a medical examination and fingerprinting;
- Collecting the required documents for the TRP and submitting them to the territorial office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- Receiving the Temporary Residence Permit and completing further necessary procedures;
- Residential registration within 7 days at the place of residence.
Citizens of which countries can obtain a residence permit under Decree № 702?
The list of countries classified as pursuing a destructive policy was approved by a separate regulation — Government Directive № 2560-r dated September 17, 2024. Most of these countries are also designated as unfriendly states according to Russian Government Directive № 430-r dated March 5, 2022.
There are 47 countries on the list, including the United States, all EU member states, and South Korea.
| List of 47 countries | |||
| Australia | Finland | Malta | San Marino |
| Austria | France | Micronesia | Singapore |
| Albania | Germany | Monaco | Slovakia |
| Andorra | Greece | Montenegro | Slovenia |
| Bahamas | Iceland | Netherlands | Spain |
| Belgium | Ireland | New Zealand | Sweden |
| Bulgaria | Italy | North Macedonia | Switzerland |
| Canada | Japan | Norway | Taiwan (China) |
| Cyprus | Latvia | Poland | Ukraine |
| Czech Republic | Liechtenstein | Portugal | United Kingdom |
| Denmark | Lithuania | Republic of Korea (South Korea) | United States of America |
| Estonia | Luxembourg | Romania | |
Entry Requirements for Obtaining a TRP
According to Clause 4 of Decree No. 702, if a visa is required, a foreign citizen must obtain it based on a written statement declaring their rejection of the so-called “destructive” ideological views. This statement must be submitted either to a diplomatic or consular mission of the Russian Federation located in a country included in the list established by Directive No. 2560-r.
On the basis of the issued three-month visa, the foreign citizen may enter Russia. If a TRP is granted, the visa is extended for the duration of the permit (Clause 43 of Government Resolution No. 335 dated June 9, 2003).
Important: A foreign citizen from a country that has a visa-free regime with Russia does not need to submit the above-mentioned statement and may enter Russia using standard migration documents.
Documents Required for Obtaining a TRP under Decree № 702
The following list of documents must be prepared:
- Application form (2 copies);
- Two photographs (35×45 mm, black and white or color) — one for each application;
- Identity document of the foreign citizen;
- Certificate of no criminal record issued in the country of permanent residence — issued no earlier than 3 months prior;
- Residence permit or equivalent document proving that the applicant resides in a country with “destructive” ideological orientations (if it is not their country of citizenship);
- Receipt for payment of the state fee;
- Registration document (if available);
- Migration card;
- Medical certificates confirming that the applicant does not have any diseases dangerous to others.
Important: Medical documents must be issued after undergoing a medical examination at an authorized institution from the list approved by a regional regulatory act.
The completed documents must be submitted to the nearest branch of the Migration Service (GUVM of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia).
In Moscow — to the Multifunctional Migration Center.
Important: Regular MFCs (Multifunctional Centers) do not accept TRP applications.
Fingerprinting is mandatory when submitting documents (Clause 45.7 of the Regulation). The applicant may apply for a TRP for themselves as well as for their minor children. A foreign citizen aged 14 and older is allowed to sign the application. If a child is over 6 years old, they must be physically present at the Ministry of Internal Affairs for fingerprinting (Clause 90.1 of the Regulation).
The processing time for a TRP application is up to 4 months (up to 2 months for applicants from visa-free countries).
Note: While the application is being processed, the applicant is not required to remain in Russia. They may leave and re-enter, provided that they return on a valid visa (or via visa-free entry, if applicable).
Duties and Restrictions for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) Holder
A foreign citizen who has received a TRP must strictly follow migration regulations. In particular, it is necessary to:
- Register at the place of residence within 7 working days after the TRP is issued (otherwise, a fine of up to 5,000 rubles and deportation under Article 18.8 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation may apply);
- Reside in Russia for more than 6 months within a calendar year — otherwise, the permit may be revoked (Clause 1, Article 7 of Federal Law № 115-FL);
- Annually confirm their residence in the country by submitting a notification to the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs (GUVM) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. This notification must be supplemented by a certificate of income, tax declaration, or other document confirming income (Clause 9, Article 6 of Federal Law № 115-FL).
Important: For valid reasons, the notification may be submitted later — but no later than 6 months after the end of each year from the date the TRP was issued. In such cases, supporting documents proving the inability to submit the notification on time must be attached.
If a TRP holder works under an employment contract, their company is entitled to send them on a business trip for a limited period — no more than 40 days per year (up to 90 days if the job involves traveling, as stated in the employment contract). This follows from the order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia dated 28.07.2010 No. 564n.
Is It Necessary to Extend a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)?
The law does not provide for the extension of a TRP, regardless of the grounds on which it was obtained. However, it is possible to submit a new application for a TRP.
An alternative is to apply for a residence permit in Russia after 1 year of residing with a TRP (Clause 1, Article 8 of Federal Law № 115-FL). In this case, an application for a residence permit based on a TRP can be submitted no earlier than 8 months into the first year of residence in Russia with a TRP, and no later than 4 months before the TRP expires.
Important: The TRP is annulled if the foreign citizen subsequently obtains a residence permit or Russian citizenship (Clause 1.8, Article 7 of Federal Law № 115-FL).