Permanent residence status in Russia: what it is, advantages and ways to obtain this status

Many Russian-speaking citizens from the CIS countries have recently been actively seeking to move to Russia and obtain permanent residence status. At the same time, many of them have little idea what permanent residence in Russia is, what the specifics of this status are, how to obtain it and how it can be useful. Often this abbreviation in the mass consciousness of people is endowed with some magical properties: you just have to get permanent residence and all problems will be solved instantly. It’s worth figuring out whether this is true and what migration service workers mean by “permanent residence”.

Permanent residence: what does it mean?

Most often people think about permanent residence when they talk about going abroad. At the same time, not even everyone knows how permanent residence stands for. This is an abbreviation for the concept of “permanent residence”. It does not have an unambiguous and clear legal definition.

Permanent residence means (essentially, it states a fact) both the status of a citizen of a given country and the status of a foreigner who has legitimately moved here, legalized his stay here and has no intention of leaving anywhere.

The interpretation of what it means - permanent residence, and how this status can be achieved are inextricably linked with the legislation of a particular state. According to Russian legislation, migrants are distinguished:

• temporarily staying in the Russian Federation (entered visa-free and live having acquired a working patent);
• temporary residents (residence is allowed for a period of three years);
• permanent residents (provided with a residence permit).

Features of obtaining permanent residence, deciphering the concept of “permanent residence”

Moving and settling in a new place is always subject to a number of formalities. First you need to figure out what permanent residence is . When deciding to settle in a foreign country, you need to know the requirements of local legislation and obtain a residence permit.

What is permanent residence (decoding) - “permanent residence”, the status in which a person permanently lives and works in a country of which he is not a citizen. Naturally, this requires compliance with certain formalities. A foreign citizen, when moving to the Russian Federation, must be financially secure, since in the first stages there is no need to wait for help.

permanent residence

What distinguishes permanent residence from temporary residence permit, residence permit and citizenship

If permanent residence of foreigners in Russia is a statement of the fact of residence within the country, then temporary residence permit, residence permit, citizenship are ways of legitimizing it. A temporary residence permit or TRP legalizes a three-year residence in Russia, ties it geographically to a specific constituent entity of the Russian Federation, gives the right to work without obtaining a patent and to apply for the next status - a residence permit (RP).

A stamp in the passport, permanent residence in Russia for five years (a residence permit is given for this period with the right to extension) allows you to apply for Russian citizenship, and while maintaining your citizenship, enjoy almost all the rights of Russian citizens.

The status of a citizen gives the right to participate in elections, work in the civil service, and it also imposes certain obligations to the new homeland.

Read in more detail about the differences in statuses associated with temporary residence permit, residence permit and citizenship.

What is the difference between permanent residence and residence permit?

These two statuses are very similar. In addition, without a second document a person will not be able to obtain the first. The chain looks like this:

1. The person who wishes receives a residence permit.
2. Then permanent residence.
3. The last stage is citizenship.

Some people do not understand the difference between these concepts, which is why they face many problems. That is why they are worth considering in more detail:

Note! If a person plans to stay in Russia forever, it makes sense to follow the chain described above to the end and obtain citizenship. It will allow you to occupy a responsible position in various organizations, participate in elections and serve in the army.

What gives a foreign citizen permanent residence status in the Russian Federation?

A foreigner who obtains a residence permit stamp in Russia automatically acquires the status of permanent residence.

This status, first of all, allows you to live unhindered in any Russian region and enjoy almost all the rights that Russians enjoy. At the same time, it obliges us to comply with the laws of this country, respect the traditions and way of life of the indigenous people of Russia. A foreigner who holds a residence permit has the right to decide for himself whether to renew his residence permit or apply for Russian citizenship.

Main advantages and disadvantages

Permanent residence of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation with a residence permit has both pros and cons. Main advantages:

• there is no need to extend visas, obtain permits or issue work patents;
• the right to purchase real estate in Russia, reside, do business or work in any region of the Russian Federation;
• the right to social services (free education and medicine, pension services, etc.);
• the right to participate in municipal elections, referendums;
• the right to retain previous citizenship;
• the possibility of unhindered entry and exit from the Russian Federation;
• the right to extend a residence permit or to acquire Russian citizenship.

Before leaving for permanent residence in Russia, you should familiarize yourself with the negative aspects:

• the need to start life over with a “new leaf” (this is especially difficult for older people);
• when participating in the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots - the need to live in those regions of the Federation that participate in the program and where there are quotas (often these are regions with unusual or harsh climatic conditions);
• possible problems with employment and housing;
• inability to make a career in the civil service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the FSB, etc.;
• the need to annually provide data on your place of residence to the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
• inability to participate in national elections (to elect and be elected to elective positions).

What does permanent residence mean?

A change of place of residence in the modern world will not surprise anyone, and most people have at least heard various concepts and terms related to migration. However, it is unlikely that those who live sedentary life have had to deal closely with such questions. Therefore, many people do not know what permanent residence means. And only for people who have decided to make dramatic changes in their lives, these cherished three letters are an unattainable dream or goal for the next few years.

So, what is permanent residence and what is the meaning behind this abbreviation?

Permanent residence stands for permanent residence. This concept means a certain status of a person who has legally resided in the country for a long period of time, but has not yet received citizenship.

It is a mistake to connect permanent residence and registration - these concepts have completely different legal meanings. Permanent residence status does not imply staying at the same address, in the same city during this entire time. Permanent residence does not in any way restrict a person’s freedom of movement, but only gives the right to stay on the territory of the state legally.

A document confirming this status is received by a citizen of a foreign state who has already passed a certain check and inspires confidence in the migration service authorities. Only a foreigner who has had a residence permit (RP) for several years can apply for permanent residence.

What does status give?

Each state establishes its own immigration procedures, so the rights and obligations of foreign citizens with permanent residence status may differ from country to country. But, as a rule, permanent residence practically equates a foreigner to citizens and gives him the same rights, with the exception of some preferences that are available only to passport holders.

These rights may include:

• high positions in the civil service;
• suffrage;
• right to stand for election;
• service in the armed forces.

Once it has been possible to obtain permanent residence, this status gives its owner the right to:

• reside on the territory of the state without time restrictions;
• travel outside the country an unlimited number of times;
• take advantage of the opportunity for visa-free travel between countries with which relevant agreements have been concluded;
• enjoy social and legal protection;
• claim social benefits, including the public sector: education and medical care;
• use the financial and economic system of the state and banking services, for example, obtain loans;
• purchase real estate;
• work;
• have your own business.

We must not forget about the responsibilities that permanent residence imposes. Practically equating a foreigner with citizens of the country, the status of permanent residence obliges him to comply with laws, pay taxes, and respect local customs and culture. In case of any violations, the holder of permanent residence will be held accountable before the law on an equal basis with citizens of this state.

Depending on the legislation of a particular country, permanent residence permits can have different validity periods - from several years to lifelong status. After the required number of years, having passed the necessary exams on knowledge of the language and history of the country, you can exchange your document of permanent residence for a citizen’s passport.

However, this procedure is voluntary, and if desired, a person can continue to live unhindered with permanent residence status by renewing it in time with the relevant services.

Permanent residence for a foreigner in the Russian Federation: who can apply

The following categories of foreigners can apply for permanent residence in Russia:

• labor immigrants and other categories of foreigners who have lived legally (with a temporary residence permit) in Russia for at least a year. These categories of citizens follow the standard path;
• participants of the State Program “Compatriot”;
• holders of refugee status;
• family members and relatives of foreigners with a residence permit;
• highly qualified specialists and members of their families;
• those who renounced Russian citizenship. Registration of permanent residence in Russia for Russian citizens who previously had this status occurs in a simplified or general manner;
• persons who entered into marriage with a citizen of the Russian Federation and lived there for at least three years;
• foreigners who graduated from educational institutions in the Russian Federation;
• citizens recognized as native speakers of the Russian language, etc.

Procedure for obtaining permanent residence

What is emigration

Important! Only after passing these stages is it possible to apply for permanent residence. To go through all the formalities, you will need to collect the necessary documents, obtain certificates, prove your residence on the territory of the Russian Federation, respect and compliance with its laws, and knowledge of the Russian language.

Resident card

The list of documents that you will be asked to present to the FMS (Federal Migration Service) is as follows:

• A photo of the established type, like a passport;
• A document confirming your identity and citizenship;
• Certificate confirming no criminal record;
• Diplomas of secondary and higher education;
• If a citizen has any social payments anywhere (pensions, benefits, subsidies), it is also necessary to notify the migration authorities about this;
• As confirmation of employment - a certificate from the place of work, when requesting, ask the employer to indicate the salary;
• Bank account statement confirming income received;
• To obtain permanent residence, you need confirmation that the citizen has sufficient means to support himself, so it is necessary to provide either documents for the housing he owns, or an official rental agreement, the amount of the monthly rent must be indicated;
• If there is a child under 18 years of age living with the applicant, his written consent is required.

All documents provided must be necessarily translated into Russian and notarized.

What is permanent residence in Russia? This is a procedure for registering permanent residence in the country.

Registration of permanent residence: what documents will be needed

The documents required for permanent residence in the Russian Federation may differ for different applicants for this status. For those foreign citizens who follow the standard path, you will need:

• application (2 copies);
• civil / foreign passport (required for employment);
• 4 photos (35x45 mm);
• current temporary residence permit;
• confirmation of solvency and availability of funds to ensure living with family;
• documents for children (birth certificates of children under 18 years of age (from 14 years of age - and passports), notarized consent of children from 14 to 18 years of age to reside in the Russian Federation);
• medical certificate of absence of HIV infection and certificate of absence of syphilis, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases;
• certificate of knowledge of the Russian language, history and fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation (Law No. 74-FZ of 01/01/2015). Men over 65 years of age, women over 60 years of age, or those who have a diploma of education received in Russian are exempt from such an exam;
• receipt for payment of state duty (RUB 3,500).

The list of documents for traveling for permanent residence in the Russian Federation for foreign citizens who have benefits or use a simplified scheme for obtaining permanent residence is somewhat different from the standard one. Those applying for refugee status or political asylum will need:

• passport;
• migration card;
• medical certificate;
• 4 photos (35x45 mm);
• documents for children (same as the standard set of documents, in addition - two photos of each child).

For participants of the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots:

• civil passport / international passport;
• application for participation in the program;
• two photos;
• departure slip;
• certificate of good conduct;
• medical certificate;
• confirmation of education, qualifications, etc.

For highly qualified specialists:

• application in the prescribed form;
• passport;
• 4 photos;
• labor contract;
• family documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.).

Entry for foreign citizens for permanent residence in the Russian Federation: what you need to consider

For foreign citizens who are planning to obtain permanent residence in Russia, it is important to do everything correctly from the very beginning. On the website of the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, you can familiarize yourself with the current requirements.

Citizens of Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan can enter the territory of the Russian Federation using internal passports.

Citizens of other CIS countries can enter only with international passports. All documents must be valid for the entire intended period of stay in the Russian Federation.

When crossing the border, you must fill out the migration card in person and without errors (entry part “A” and exit part “B”). If the visit is made with the aim of finding a job, then “work” should be marked on the card; if visiting relatives, “private” should be marked.

Part "B" must be kept. This document allows you to stay in the Russian Federation for 90 days in six months (in total for the year - 180 days, but for this you need to leave the Russian Federation and re-enter). Staying for more than 90 days without a valid reason is punishable by a fine - a ban on entry into the Russian Federation for three years.

How to bring a personal car to Russia when moving for permanent residence

Importing a car to Russia when moving for permanent residence is quite troublesome and costly. It is possible to import a car without paying customs duties within 18 months after moving to Russia for permanent residence only if:

• the transported car was produced back in the USSR (provided that the immigrant owned it before 1991);
• transportation of a personal vehicle (one per family) by a participant in the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots, if ownership of the vehicle was registered a year or more before departure from the country of residence.

When exporting a car to cross the border, auto insurance (“Green Card”) must be issued.

How to remove personal belongings

For those foreign citizens who participate in the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots and travel for permanent residence to Russia in accordance with Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 142 of March 3, 2007, there are benefits for the transportation of personal property without paying import duties and taxes.

In addition, all the immigrant’s expenses for rail or sea transportation will be compensated. In other cases, immigrants are limited to a limit of 35 kg of things per person: if this is exceeded, a duty of 30% of the value of the imported cargo will be charged.

How to register at your place of residence

Registration at the place of residence is a very important point in the process of acquiring permanent residence status. In accordance with the Civil Code, a citizen’s place of residence is the place where he permanently resides. To register, the receiving party submits an application and copies of passports (of its own and a foreign citizen), a migration card, and a document on renting living space to the authorities of the Main Department of Internal Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. For a complete list of documents, see the website of the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The application for a temporary residence permit must indicate the temporary registration address. Its place can be the foreigner’s own home, the home of relatives or friends, a rented apartment, a hostel, or, in extreme cases, a hotel (which is considered the citizen’s place of residence by law. This option will be the most expensive).

The period of such registration is equal to the validity period of the temporary residence permit. Registration will allow children to be enrolled in preschool and educational institutions and receive medical services.

For each region of the Russian Federation, certain quotas for temporary residence permits are allocated. If the quota has already been exhausted, housing may be offered in neighboring regions. For participants of the State Program, housing is provided in designated areas.

Find out more about registration at your place of residence.

How to obtain permanent residence for citizens of Ukraine

Citizens of Ukraine who wish to obtain permanent residence status in Russia have the opportunity to travel to the Russian Federation under the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots or on their own. The algorithm of actions in each of these cases will be different.

Thus, participants in the State Program do not need to obtain a temporary residence permit; they immediately receive a residence permit. Those who travel independently need to take care of migration registration, obtaining a work permit and temporary residence permit, and registration at the place of residence. They will be able to apply for a residence permit only after a year has passed after the issuance of the temporary residence permit, but no later than 6 months before its completion.

For some categories of Ukrainian citizens, a simplified procedure is possible - for native Russian speakers who have Russian roots, for refugees. We should not forget that moving to Russia for permanent residence does not mean making a secret escape from Ukraine.

It is necessary to formalize a civilized separation, especially since legitimate emigration will allow you to maintain Ukrainian citizenship and insure yourself in case of a force majeure situation.

Rights and obligations of a person who has received permanent residence

If a person has a residence permit, he has lived in the territory of the state for a certain time, observing the current legislation, he can obtain the status of permanent residence holder. The main advantage of this status is the ability to move throughout the entire territory of the Russian Federation and live where a person is more comfortable.

“Permanent” residents have additional privileges:

• the possibility of receiving social benefits, including child support;
• state health insurance;
• a person can freely apply for an invitation for friends and relatives;
• It is possible to apply for a residence permit for relatives or friends.

Most people wishing to obtain permanent residence seek to find a well-paid job. If a person has moved to Russia for permanent residence, he has the right to engage in any work activity. He can open his own business or engage in any economic activity without any problems.

Do not forget about a number of restrictions. Those permanently residing on the territory of the Russian Federation have certain restrictions:

• permanent residents of the Russian Federation cannot be in municipal service;
• they are not allowed to hold any position on a ship that flies the national flag;

Note! Foreign citizens cannot be conscripted for military service. If a person wants, he can join the sergeant corps. This decision will allow him to significantly reduce the time it takes to obtain Russian citizenship.

Holders of permanent residence are required to comply with Russian laws, respect the Constitution of the Russian Federation and pay taxes. We must protect nature, historical and cultural monuments, and bear responsibility for their damage in accordance with the legislation of the country.

How to obtain permanent residence for citizens of Kazakhstan

Kazakh citizens enjoy the right to acquire permanent residence and subsequent citizenship of the Russian Federation in a simplified manner. For them, the time frame for verification and consideration of documents has been significantly reduced: if the general procedure prescribes the consideration of an application for citizenship within a year, then in this case the period is reduced to three months.

For Kazakhs, establishing the fact of permanent residence in the Russian Federation for five years is not required. If you have a residence permit, according to the quadripartite agreement (Russian Federation, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan), the period of residence does not play a role in obtaining Russian citizenship.

The state duty for Kazakhs is 2000 rubles. Russian-speaking citizens of Kazakhstan can become participants in the State Program for the Resettlement of Compatriots.

Where can foreign citizens go for permanent residence in Russia?

At the initial stages of obtaining permanent residence in the Russian Federation, the choice of place of residence for foreign citizens is often limited. Participants in the State Program (if they wish to receive benefits and enjoy benefits) initially have the right to settle only in those subjects of the Federation that take part in the program.

For foreigners who independently go through the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit to a residence permit, the choice of region for residence is limited by allocated quotas, and the quotas for the most favorable regions for residence are small.

Obtaining a residence permit in Russia allows a foreign citizen to choose the region of residence at his discretion.

This does not mean that a migrant will be welcome everywhere. Highly paid jobs are scarce and competition for them is very high; in big cities there are problems with housing, not to mention high prices.

The choice of place of residence will be influenced by factors such as the availability of job vacancies and housing, relatives or friends, educational opportunities for children, and climatic conditions.

Read more information about what influences the choice of place of residence and which regions have more favorable conditions for migrants in order to have a more complete idea of ​​where to go to Russia for permanent residence.

Is it possible to go to Crimea for permanent residence?

Crimea (especially the South Coast) has always attracted the attention of those wishing to settle by the warm sea. Theoretically, any foreigner who has received a residence permit in the Russian Federation can go to Crimea for permanent residence. In practice, this is quite difficult to do. Moving to a permanent place of residence in Crimea is often problematic, even if you do not take into account the presence of quotas. In 2021, only 1,500 quotas were opened for the entire Crimea.

This is due, first of all, to the difficult political and legal situation on the peninsula. The “legal collapse”, in which thousands of citizens from the Russian Federation, Ukraine and CIS countries found themselves (closed state registers, fraud in the sale of real estate), led to the fact that persons with permanent residence in Crimea cannot obtain permission for a residence permit from the migration authorities Ukraine. There are no prospects for resolving this situation in the near future.

Considering the economic turmoil, international sanctions, water problems and other negative factors, there is no need to rush into a final move here for permanent residence.

Find out in more detail about all the possible options for moving to Crimea for permanent residence.

Immigration methods

How to go to Russia for permanent residence? First of all, you should know what methods exist.

• State resettlement program. Every person born during the Soviet period has the right to immigrate to the Russian Federation by providing the established package of documents and confirming the basis for migration.
• Providing asylum for citizens of countries with unstable political and economic situations.

This is what a certificate of temporary asylum in the Russian Federation looks like

• Registration of refugee status. The method can be recommended to citizens who are being persecuted by government organizations.
• A simplified scheme for obtaining citizenship of the Russian Federation. This option becomes available provided that foreigners have a good command of the Russian language.

It is assumed that permanent residence in the Russian Federation becomes available only after passing through several stages. At the same time, foreigners have the right to receive rights and social guarantees that comply with Russian legislation. It is extremely important to understand that permanent relocation is only possible with the help of permanent residence.

Obtaining Russian citizenship after a residence permit

The final act of the process of legalizing permanent residence status is the renunciation of previous citizenship and acquisition of Russian citizenship. In a standard situation (if you do not use benefits or a simplified procedure), the right to obtain Russian citizenship occurs after five years of residence with a residence permit.

In this case, the foreigner applies for Russian citizenship to the department of the Main Department of Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of residence (the place of residence of the citizen is the place where he was registered), submits the necessary documents (with confirmation of law-abidingness, payment of all required taxes, financial solvency) and pays the state fee .

Find out in more detail about the procedure for acquiring Russian citizenship by different categories of foreigners after receiving a residence permit.

Pros and cons of permanent residence status in Russia

Foreigners who are going to obtain permanent residence status in Russia should take into account its advantages and disadvantages: