New state fees for migration-related services have come into effect in Russia. The changes affect applications for temporary residence permits (RVP), residence permits (VNZh), work permits, citizenship, and other documents.
Here is how much you now need to pay and in which cases the state fee can be refunded.
State Fee Amounts:
- residence permit (VNZh) — 30,000 RUB;
- temporary residence permit (RVP) — 15,000 RUB;
- temporary residence permit for educational purposes (RVPO) — 8,000 RUB;
- work permit — 5,000 RUB;
- admission to or renunciation of Russian citizenship — 50,000 RUB;
- multiple-entry visa — 6,000 RUB;
- invitation to enter Russia — 8,000 RUB;
- permit to employ foreign workers — 15,000 RUB per employee.
Separate fees have also been introduced for replacing a residence permit — 6,000 RUB — and issuing a duplicate RVP or RVPO — 5,000 RUB.
How Do You Pay the State Fee Correctly?
Payment details vary depending on the region and the type of service, so you should not use details from an old receipt or information found online.
Up-to-date payment details can be obtained from the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), from a migration office, or through banking services where the required payment details are entered automatically.
Be sure to keep your receipt after making the payment.
Can the State Fee Be Refunded?
In some cases, yes. You can apply for a refund within three years from the date of payment, for example, if:
- you paid more than the required amount;
- you paid the fee but decided not to submit the application;
- your application was returned without being considered.
However, there is an important exception. If your application has already been reviewed and the document was denied on substantive grounds, the state fee will not be refunded.
To request a refund, you must submit an application to the migration office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and provide the required documents. The refund is processed within one month.
Before applying for any documents, always check the current state fee and payment details for your region. This will help you avoid overpaying and having to request a refund.
