A Temporary Residence Permit (RVP) is a document that allows a foreign citizen to live and work in Russia.
An RVP is issued for up to 3 years, and it cannot be extended. After it expires, you must choose one of the following:
— apply for a residence permit (no later than 4 months before the RVP expires);
— leave Russia and apply for a new RVP;
— leave the country.
What benefits does an RVP provide?
1. you can work in Russia without a patent or additional permits;
2. you can register as an individual entrepreneur (IP);
3. you can obtain registration at your place of residence for the duration of the RVP;
4. you can apply for a residence permit (VNZh).
An RVP is suitable for those who plan to live and work in Russia long-term and later obtain a residence permit.
How to obtain an RVP?
You can obtain an RVP either within a quota or without a quota.
A quota is a limited number of RVPs that the government sets each year.
To obtain a quota:
— submit an application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs at your place of residence;
— apply in the region where you plan to receive the RVP;
— wait for the decision (usually up to 1 month).
If approved, you will be added to the Ministry of Internal Affairs database.
The following categories can apply without a quota:
— close relatives of Russian citizens (spouse, parent, child);
— children and legally incapacitated persons whose parent, adoptive parent, guardian, or trustee permanently resides in Russia;
— participants of the state resettlement program;
— highly qualified specialists and their families;
— investors and their relatives;
— refugees and persons granted temporary asylum;
— citizens of Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Ukraine;
— graduates of Russian universities with honors;
— individuals who have entered military service.
An RVP is the first step toward long-term residence in Russia. It provides more stability than a patent and opens the path to obtaining a residence permit.
