Starting February 1, 2027, new requirements will come into effect in Russia for foreign citizens planning to apply for:
- a temporary residence permit (RVP);
- a temporary residence permit for educational purposes (RVPO);
- a residence permit (VNZh) or Russian citizenship.
The changes are established by Federal Law No. 314-FZ of August 4, 2026.
One of the main changes concerns criminal records outside Russia.
A New Document Will Be Required
When applying for an RVP, RVPO, or residence permit, foreign citizens will be required to provide a document confirming whether or not they have a criminal record.
The document must be obtained from the competent authorities of the applicant’s country of citizenship. If the applicant has the right to permanent residence in another country, a document from that country will also be required. If the applicant has multiple citizenships or residence permits, certificates must be provided from each relevant country.
There is an important requirement: the document must have been issued no more than three months before the application is submitted.
What Will Change for Applicants with a Criminal Record?
An outstanding or unexpunged conviction for a crime committed in Russia or abroad will become grounds for refusing an RVP, RVPO, or residence permit.
A similar requirement will also apply when applying for Russian citizenship.
Importantly, this applies specifically to outstanding or unexpunged convictions, not simply to any past instance of being held legally responsible.
Who Will Not Need the Certificate?
The law provides exemptions for certain categories. For example, the document will not be required for children under the age of 14, recognized refugees, or foreign citizens who have been granted political or temporary asylum in Russia.
Certain categories of foreign citizens who are currently serving or have previously served under a military contract will also be exempt.
What If the Application Was Submitted Earlier?
The new rules will take effect on February 1, 2027. If an application for an RVP, RVPO, residence permit, or Russian citizenship was submitted before the law comes into force, it should be reviewed under the rules that were in effect on the date of submission.
Therefore, if you plan to apply for these documents in 2027, you should take the new requirement into account in advance. Be sure to find out where you can obtain the required certificate in your country.
