Foreign citizens should keep track of the date until which they are legally allowed to stay in Russia. If the period of temporary stay is coming to an end, it may be extended in certain cases.
The Migration Service of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has reminded foreign citizens how to do this and who does not need to apply for an extension on their own.
When Should You Apply?
The main rule is that you must apply for an extension before your legal period of stay in Russia expires, not after it has already ended.
A foreign citizen can submit an application to a local office of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs or contact a branch of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Passport and Visa Service.
A state fee of 1,000 RUB is charged for extending the period of temporary stay.
If a foreign citizen entered Russia without a visa, a corresponding mark is placed in the migration card after the extension is granted.
If You Study in Russia
A different procedure applies to foreign students. They do not need to apply for an extension of their stay on their own.
This is handled by the educational institution where the foreign citizen studies. The institution must submit the relevant request no later than 20 days before the current period of stay expires.
However, students should still check with their university or other educational institution in advance to make sure the required documents have been submitted.
What About Those Who Work Under a Patent?
Foreign citizens who work in Russia under a work patent do not need to submit a separate application to extend their period of stay.
In this case, the period of stay is linked to the validity of the patent and the timely payment of the fixed advance tax payment.
That is why it is especially important to make patent payments on time and keep documents confirming the payments. A late payment may affect not only your right to work, but also the legality of your continued stay in Russia.
Why Is It Important to Keep Track of the Deadlines?
If your lawful period of stay has expired and you no longer have legal grounds to remain in Russia, this may lead to administrative liability and your information may be entered into the Registry of Controlled Persons (RKL).
Problems may also arise from other violations of migration rules, including:
- not having the required documents;
- failing to comply with migration registration requirements;
- engaging in activities that do not match the stated purpose of entry.
For this reason, it is best to check the expiration date of your legal stay in advance. You should also determine whether you personally need to apply for an extension or whether your period of stay is based on other grounds, such as studying in Russia or holding a valid work patent.
