Foreign citizens must confirm their Russian SIM cards by June 30, 2025

New rules on the use of SIM cards by foreign citizens start to apply in Russia from January 1, 2025. Foreign citizens are now required to undergo additional identification to keep their access to mobile communications and banking services. Those who will not confirm their mobile numbers by June 30, 2025 risk losing their communications, because mobile operators will stop servicing unregistered SIM cards.

Who are the new rules for?

The requirements apply to all foreign citizens using Russian SIM cards. This includes those who live in Russia and those who visit Russia from time to time. This innovation is especially important for those foreign citizens who use Russian SIM cards for their mobile banking applications, online banking systems, and other services that require SMS verification codes.

What do you need to do?

 To keep your mobile number, you must take the following steps **by June 30, 2025**:

1. Obtain a SNILS (Individual Insurance Account Number).
2. Create and confirm an account on the Russian Public Services Portal (Gosuslugi).
3. Register in the Unified Biometric System by submitting your biometric data (photo and voice).
4. Confirm your SIM card either at your mobile operator’s outlet or through the Gosuslugi

The same rules apply to new SIM cards purchased after January 1, 2025.

What happens if you don’t do it?

 If you do not complete this procedure on time, your mobile operator will suspend the service of your mobile number. As a result, you may lose access to your banking and other online services.

We will be pleased to advise you on the confirmation of your SIM card and on any migration matters that you may have.

Do you have any questions or would like to discuss something? Please send an email to Julia Talagaeva or Alexandra Yudina.

Sincerely,

Forte Tax & Law Team