Major changes to the procedure for migration registration of foreign nationals are coming
In the third reading, the State Duma adopted amendments to Federal Law On Migration Registration of Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation [1]
These changes will affect all foreign nationals temporarily staying in Russia, including those employed and working under employment contracts as well as highly qualified specialists.
In brief, the introduction of these changes will basically mean that when foreign nationals are registered with migration authorities, they will be able to be registered only with the address at which they actually reside (except in cases where they stay in hotels, hospitals, etc.), and the obligation to register foreign nationals will have to be fulfilled by the owner of the accommodation (apartment) in which foreign nationals reside.
As you may recall, it was previously possible to register with migration authorities foreign nationals working in Russia under employment contracts using the address of the office of the company that employed them. This will no longer be possible now. The amendments have not affected the registration deadlines.
The aforementioned bill is expected to be signed by the president and enter into force within 1-2 months. We will provide updates on the passage of this bill, and in the meantime, we recommend:
- Informing already now foreign nationals and the owners of accommodation in which foreign nationals live about these changes;
- Drawing up already now powers of attorney for the persons that will visit multifunctional centers for state and municipal services, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and post offices to register foreign nationals with migration authorities on behalf of the owners of accommodation in which foreign nationals live.
We are always pleased to help so please feel free to contact us if you require any assistance with document preparation for migration registration, or if you require any advice on how to register with migration authorities according to the new rules.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this matter further, please write to Alexandra Yudina or Mika Kokkonen
Yours truly,
[1] Draft Federal Law N 350179-7 Amending Articles 2, 20 and 21 of Federal Law On Migration Registration of Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation